Bushmaster 4x4 Retro Nissan Frontier
At Bushmaster 4x4, our mission has always been simple: build trail-ready trucks that inspire adventure. But when we looked at today’s Nissan Frontier, we saw more than just a capable mid-size pickup—we saw a blank canvas to bring back the soul of off-road's golden era. That’s where the idea for our retro Nissan Frontier build was born.
A New Truck With Old-School Soul
The latest-generation Nissan Frontier (D41 platform) is a modernized, rugged update of a proven truck lineage. It brings aggressive styling, solid off-road geometry, and much-needed tech to a platform that’s been tested for decades. But under all that modern hardware is still the heartbeat of the old-school Nissan trucks we grew up admiring.
That’s what drew us in. And it’s why we built a Frontier that doesn’t just perform on the trail—but looks like it drove here straight from 1980.
Inspired by the Datsun 720
If you’ve spent time around off-roaders or outdoor gearheads, you know the Datsun 720. Built from 1980 to 1986, this truck was the definition of functional cool. With its sharp lines, bulletproof drivetrains, and bold graphics packages, it captured the spirit of freedom and utility. It wasn’t just a truck—it was part of the outdoor lifestyle. Campgrounds, fire roads, mountain passes—you’d find a 720 there, hauling canoes, bikes, or just chasing sunsets.
It was also one of the first trucks to blend compact agility with true utility—an ethos that’s been lost in today’s bloated pickup market. We wanted to recapture that feeling: the approachable, adventurous vibe that made the 720 a legend.
Bringing the Look Back—with Modern Capability
Our Bushmaster 4x4 Retro Frontier is more than just a wrap and wheels. It’s a cohesive build that channels the Datsun DNA but takes full advantage of the Frontier’s modern bones.
Here’s what makes it special:
Retro-inspired graphics and colorways, directly referencing the bold striping and desert-ready vibes of the 720 era
Custom Sport Bar designed in-house, blending old-school design with modern utility
Trail-ready suspension kits, fine-tuned to improve performance without compromising reliability
Retro Inspired Wheels, Manufactured with modern materials and retro flair.
Our goal is to make these solutions accessible for anyone who wants to build their own trail-ready Frontier—without breaking the bank.
Why This Matters
We built this truck because we believe in more than just looking cool—we believe in building trucks that earn it. That means they look the part, perform in the real world, and evoke something deeper. Nostalgia. Simplicity. Capability. A truck you can wrench on. A truck you’re proud to drive.
The 720 didn’t try to be flashy. It just worked. That’s what we’re about at Bushmaster 4x4: bringing back the tools, attitude, and aesthetic that made us fall in love with off-roading in the first place.