It is so adorable.
Any PacificCoastAuto video will tell Keen readers that a unique vehicle from Japan is about to arrive in the United States. The latest video, however, features a 1991 Nissan Atlas Fire Truck.
It would be remiss of us not to mention the fact that all the cool stuff you might expect from a firetruck has been taken out. This aside, the vehicle was an pump truck. It will have had a diesel pump to pressurize water from firehydrants. Not all hydrants are under constant pressure like they are in the States.
The fire truck retains its original functionality and has a skeleton canopy at the back that can hold up to six people. We’d bet most people would prefer to have the canopy removed as it is too narrow. The sides of the bed do not now flip down. However, this would be an easy fix for anyone who is looking to purchase.
This beast is quite advanced for its age. It features a selectable 4-wheel-drive system that allows the driver to switch between rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. There is also a low-ratio transmission for those times when things get extremely difficult.
The vehicle’s 2.7-liter TD27 engine is the main focus. It famously did not use a timing belt – instead, it used a gear to link the crankshaft and cam. The vehicle has a very low mileage of just over 10,000 km (6,214 miles). This is likely due to its time spent in a firehouse.
It is unique in many ways, but it offers a lot of potential buyers. It’s a great vehicle to use as a springboard for a small overlander. However, we would love to hear your thoughts on how it could be improved.