Nissan Condor in the photo: what the legendary Japanese pickup truck looks like in detail

Nissan Condor - one of those cars that evoke nostalgia for fans of Japanese pickup trucks of the 90s. This model, based on Nissan Navara D21, has become a cult car due to its reliability, simple design and ability to overcome off-road conditions. However, find high-quality photos Condor in high resolution is not an easy task: most images online are either blurry or show the car in unoriginal condition.

In this article we have collected exclusive photos of all modifications - from standard versions to rare double-cab configurations. You'll see what it looked like Condor on the assembly line, how it was transformed after restyling in 1995 and what details distinguish it from its twin - Nissan Pickup. We’ll also figure out what to pay attention to when buying from a photo, so as not to run into a “pig in a poke.”

How to distinguish a Nissan Condor from a Nissan Navara D21 from a photo

Many people confuse Condor with Navara D21, although they have key visual differences. The main thing is radiator grille: y Condor it is always black, with horizontal slits and chrome trim (there is no trim on early versions). U Navara The grille is often gray or body color, and the slots are vertical.

The second difference is bumpers. U Condor the front bumper is always black, with integrated fog lights (on export versions). The rear bumper is also black, with red reflectors on the sides. U Navara bumpers are often painted in body color, especially on top trim levels.

• 🔍 Headlights: U Condor before 1995 - rectangular, after - slightly beveled. U Navara headlights are always more rounded.
• 🚗 Wheel arches: U Condor the arches are narrower and less protruding than those of Navara with package 4WD Off-Road.
• 🔧 Rear suspension: The photo below shows that Condor the springs are narrower than those Navara with reinforced suspension.

The only time the Condor and Navara are identical in appearance is in the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) versions with minimal equipment. They are distinguished only by a nameplate on the rear door.

Photo of Nissan Condor interior: what sellers are hiding

Salon Condor - this is Spartan functionality without frills. Most photos in advertisements show it in a “ceremonial exhibition” form, but in reality, after 20+ years of operation, there is something to hide. For example, plastic steering wheel Over time, it cracks, and the seat upholstery (even in top versions) sags.

Pay attention to these details in the photo:

• 🪑 Front seats: In basic versions they are without headrests. If there are headrests in the photo, this is either a restyled model (after 1995) or a modification.
• ⚙️ Gear lever: The manual transmission has a short lever, the automatic (rare!) has a long lever, with a leather braid.
• 🎛️ Dashboard: In versions before 1994, the speedometer is calibrated to 180 km/h, after - up to 200 km/h.

Interior detail	Condor (until 1995)	Condor (after 1995)
Steering wheel	2 spokes, no airbag	3 spokes, optional with cushion
Door trim	Fabric or vinyl, no pockets	Vinyl with plastic pockets
Air conditioning	Only in top versions	Standard even in mid-range trim levels

⚠️ Attention: If in the photo of the salon Condor you see the digital dashboard - it is 100% not original. Such panels were installed only on Nissan Hardbody for USA.

Photo of the body: where the Nissan Condor rusts first

Body Condor - his weak point. Even if the car looks perfect in the photo, check these areas:

1. Bottom of doors - rusts due to the accumulation of dirt in the drainage holes.
2. Thresholds - especially in double cabs, where welds corrode more quickly.
3. Wings — if they have already been replaced, look at the gaps between the fender and the headlight (should be the same on the left and right).
4. Spars — their condition is visible only in the photo below or when climbing on an overpass.

The most problematic year for the body was 1993. This year, Nissan skimped on anti-corrosion treatment, and cars rot even in a dry climate.

Compare the gaps between the hood and fenders|Look at the condition of the door seals|Check the integrity of the paintwork on the arches|Pay attention to welding marks under the bumpers-->

If the seller does not provide a photo bottom of the car, this is a reason to be wary. Often, under a layer of anti-gravel, through corrosion of the side members is hidden. It is best to ask for photos of these places:

• 🔧 Tie rod mounts
• 🛠️ Junction points between frame and body (for double cabs)
• 🚗 Oil pan (if there are traces of oil, there may be problems with the engine)

Photo of the engine and engine compartment: what should alert you

Under the hood Condor there can be one of four engines: KA24E (2.4 l, 110 hp), TD27 (2.7 l diesel), Z24S (2.4 l, carburetor) or VG30E (3.0 L V6). The most reliable - TD27, but it requires high-quality fuel. In the photo of the engine compartment, pay attention to:

• 🔥 Condition of the pipes: If they are worn or cracked, get ready to replace them.
• 🛢️ Oil on block: Traces of leaks near the valve cover or crankshaft seals are a signal of imminent repair.
• ⚡ Wiring: Oxidized contacts on the battery or starter indicate electrical problems.

If the engine in the photo is clean, like new, this is also a reason for questions. Engines are often washed before sale to hide oil leaks. Ask for a photo from below the engine — you can see the real state there.

Engine	Typical problems	How to check by photo
KA24E	Oil leak through rear crankshaft oil seal	Traces of oil on the gearbox
TD27	Cracks in the block head	White coating on the expansion tank cap
Z24S	Camshaft wear	Black soot on candles

⚠️ Attention: If in the photo of the engine Condor visible yellow coating on the radiator - this is a sign of using low-quality antifreeze. Such a radiator will last no more than a year.

Rare photos: Nissan Condor in unusual configurations

Most Condor on the secondary market - these are basic versions with a single cab and a gasoline engine. But there are also rare specimens that are worth looking for:

• 🚙 Double cabin: Released only for the Australian and South African markets. Features an extended wheelbase.
• ⛽ Diesel TD27T with turbine: Power 125 hp, but parts are difficult to find.
• 🏔️ Package Off-Road: Includes differential locks, heavy-duty springs and crankcase protection.

Another rarity - Condor with automatic transmission. Such cars were only exported to left-hand drive countries (for example, Thailand). In the photo they can be identified by:

• No clutch pedal
• Automatic transmission selector lever instead of manual transmission lever
• Nameplate AT on the back door

How to check the originality of a double cabin?

In the photo of the frame under the double cab, additional reinforcements should be visible (two cross members instead of one). If they are not there, the cabin has been hand-made.

Where to look for high-quality photos of Nissan Condor for purchase

If you are looking Condor with mileage, do not limit yourself to photos from advertisements. Here's where you can find honest photos:

• 📷 Japanese auctions: On USS Auction or Goonex They post photos from all angles, including the bottom of the car.
• 🌍 Owner forums: On Navara-Russia.ru or 4x4Club They often post photos of repair processes.
• 📱 Telegram groups: For example, @NissanCondorClub — photos of rare versions are shared there.

When viewing the photo, pay attention to background: If the car is parked on grass or dirt, ask for a photo from below - there may be problems with the frame there. If the background is a car showroom, check that the sills are not painted over (this is often used to mask rust).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Condor based on photos

How can you tell from a photo which engine is in the Condor?

Look at:

• Valve cover: y KA24E it is aluminum with an inscription NISSAN, y TD27 - black cast iron.
• Intake manifold: for a diesel engine it is thick, with an intercooler (if it is a turbine).
• Exhaust system: diesel has a thicker pipe and comes with a particulate filter.

Is it possible to tell from the photo whether the Condor is damaged?

Signs of an accident:

• Uneven gaps between the hood and fenders.
• Traces of putty on the joints (visible as bumps under the paint).
• Color mismatch on different parts (for example, the hood is lighter than the wings).

It's best to ask for a photo below the thresholds — traces of welding after repair are visible there.

What photos should you request from the seller before purchasing?

Minimum set:

1. Windshield from the side (check for cracks).
2. Bottom of doors from inside (corrosion).
3. Condition of springs and shock absorbers.
4. Photo of VIN number (to check history).

Where can I find photos of original wheels for Condor?

Original wheels - steel, with 5 holes and diameter 15". Photos can be found:

• In catalogs Nissan by VIN number.
• On Japanese parts sites (for example, Amayama).
• In owner groups in Facebook (search by hashtag #NissanCondorWheels).

How can you tell from a photo of the interior that a car is from Japan?

Features of the JDM version:

• The steering wheel is on the right.
• Inscriptions in Japanese on devices (for example, on the climate control unit).
• Orange turn signals at the front (mandatory in Japan).
• Nameplate with inscription Condor on the rear door (export versions often do not have it).