Nissan creates custom retro and off-road-ready Frontiers
We’re not sure if Nissan was thinking the Chicago Auto Show was actually SEMA, but we’re not complaining about this trio of 2022 Nissan Frontiers the company is showing off. Two of them are some charmingly retro builds, and the other is what seems like a very capable overlander. They were all designed by Nissan Design America, and if you like the way they look, at least a couple could probably be replicated without much trouble.
Nissan Frontier Project 72X
First up is the Frontier Project 72X. It’s based on the humble S 4×4 trim of the Frontier, and it’s meant to evoke the Datsun 720 compact pickup. Much of the retro lifting is done by the gray paint and the custom vinyl graphics, but the white-painted steel wheels play a big role, too. It turns out those wheels are just Frontier spare tire wheels given a coat of white paint and wrapped in Pro-4X-spec tires. It also gets a dealer accessory sport bar, and an aftermarket 2.5-inch lift with adjustable front upper control arms from Calmini.
Nissan Frontier Project Hardbody
Next is Project Hardbody, which takes inspiration from the ’80s and ’90s Hardbody pickup, and it started as a mid-level SV 4×4. This one features a bit more substantial modification and custom parts, but it still has a number of extant Nissan Frontier bits. For instance, the fender flares and skid plate come from the Pro-4X. The sport bar and the rock rails are also dealer accessories, as is the hood sticker. Among the custom parts, the most impressive are the specially machined Hardbody-style alloy wheels, which are also fitted with 33-inch tires. The truck sits on a 3-inch Calmini lift with the adjustable front control arms, and it has a bed-mounted spare tire and LED off-road lights. It also gets some retro graphics on the sides and on the tailgate.
Nissan Frontier Project Adventure
Instead of a retro look, the Project Adventure is a relatively straightforward overlanding rig. It’s based on the Pro-4X. It gets a big and literal boost from a Calmini 5-inch suspension lift plus 34-inch mud terrain tires. Other off-road upgrades include a huge LED light bar, a custom carbon fiber snorkel and dealer accessory rock rails. For the camping aspect, the bed is fitted with a rack system, roof basket and roof-top tent. A dealer accessory Kicker Bluetooth audio system is fitted in the bed, too. And the truck features a vinyl wrap based on an atlas of the U.S.
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