A 36-year-old Nissan D21 Desert Runner pickup from a production series of 1,000 units found a new owner this week for U.S. $16,700. Given its so-so condition and 346,000 km (215,000 miles) of use on the drivetrain, the price is actually impressive.
Nissan announced the D21 model in 1985. It was offered in multiple countries with a wide selection of cab and powertrain configurations. The layout is typical for this truck category: body-on-frame, per-wheel front suspension, solid rear axle on leaf springs, disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the back.
The Desert Runner was a special edition of the D21 released in 1988 to celebrate the Japanese company’s triumphs at a number of North American rally championships – Baja 1000, Gold Coast 300 and Mint 400. This version of the truck was the lightest of all and had the shortest wheelbase. All examples were sold in the United States.
Despite being relatively lightweight for its class, the Desert Runner packed a rather large 3.0-liter petrol six-cylinder engine rated at 145 PS (143 hp / 107 kW). A five-speed manual transmission sent the torque to the wheels through a dual-range transfer case and a limited-slip rear differential. Roll bars and plenty of auxiliary lighting immediately made it stand out from the crowd.
The example on sale was additionally specced with a Kenwood audio system and 15-inch wheels, an option that only appeared on the manufacturer’s list a few years in. Other than that, it is fully stock and has stayed in one family throughout its entire life. The mileage is nothing short of impressive, and it shows – for example, the driver’s seat is badly worn. Still, for its age and experience, the listing claims the truck is in good condition.