Nissan Safari and Gazelle colors: official shades, codes and selection secrets

When it comes to legendary SUVs Nissan Safari (known in Japan as Nissan Patrol Y61/Y62) and domestic Gazelles (GAZ-2705, 3302), body color becomes not just an aesthetic choice, but part of the history of the car. For collectors, restorers and simply connoisseurs of these cars, choosing the right shade is a matter of principle. In this article we will analyze official colors both models, their codes, features of paint selection and rare options that can be found on the secondary market.

It’s worth clarifying right away: Safari And Gazelle belong to different eras and markets, so their palettes do not overlap. If deep metallics and classic “army” tones are relevant for a Japanese SUV, then practical and non-staining shades are typical for a Russian van. However, both cars have one thing in common - their colors are often the subject of controversy during restoration or repainting. Next you will find detailed code tables, tips for choosing paint and answers to frequently asked questions, for example, why the original "khaki" Safari so difficult to replicate today.

Official colors of Nissan Safari (Y61/Y62): codes and features

Ruler Nissan Safari (especially in the Y61 body, produced from 1997 to 2016) is famous for its restrained but varied palette. Japanese manufacturers used both standard colors for commercial vehicles and unique shades that are considered rare today. All original paints have two- or three-digit codesstarting with a letter K (For example, KH3 or KN8).

It is important to understand that the colors are for the Japanese domestic market (JDM) and export versions may differ. For example, in Australia and the Gulf countries brighter colors were popular, while in Japan muted colors were preferred. Below is a table of the main shades indicating the periods of their use:

Color code	Title (original/translation)	Period of use	Notes
KH3	Beige	1997–2016	Standard color for commercial versions, often found on used cars
KN8	Dark Green Metallic / Dark green metallic	2000–2010	Popular in the Middle East, difficult to select due to the “chameleon” effect
KL1	White	1997–2016	Base color for most markets, often used in restoration
KY0	Black	1997–2016	Classic, but requires careful polishing due to visible scratches
KR4	Red / Red	2005–2012	Rare for Safari, more common on Patrol GR

Color deserves special attention KN8 (Dark Green Metallic). This shade has a complex structure with the addition of aluminum chips, which gives it a “chameleon” effect - depending on the lighting, it can look either dark green or grayish. Original during restoration KN8 almost impossible to reproduce with modern paints without spectral analysis, so many masters use analogues from PPG or Sikkens adjusted for tinting.

⚠️ Attention: When buying a used one Nissan Safari with a rare color (for example, KR4 or KB2) check the body for overpainted parts. Often such cars are restored after an accident using non-original shades.

Gazelle colors (GAZ-2705/3302): palette and practicality

Unlike Safari, Gazelle has always been focused on practicality, so its palette includes mainly non-staining and fade-resistant colors. The official shades for these models are indicated by four-digit codes (For example, 602 or 864), and their names often reflect functionality: "Metallic Grey", "Protective Green", etc.

Fun fact: before 2010 GAS used Russian-made paints (for example, from Lakra), but after modernization of production, part of the palette switched to imported analogues. This has led to the fact that the same codes on cars of different years may differ slightly in tone. Below are the current colors for modern Gazelles:

• 🔵 602 — “Metallic gray” (the most popular, used in 60% of orders)
• 🟢 864 — “Green protective” (analogous to military khaki, but less intense)
• ⚪ 001 — “White” (basic, but requires frequent maintenance)
• ⚫ 666 — “Black” (rarely chosen due to the heating of the body in the summer)
• 🟤 814 — “Beige” (popular with taxi drivers for its non-staining properties)

Color stands apart 864 (“Green protective”). It was developed specifically for commercial vehicles operating in difficult conditions (forestry, construction companies). This shade has a matte finish, which reduces the appearance of scratches but makes it difficult to buff. When choosing paint for 864 be sure to take into account the year of manufacture: until 2015, a darker pigment was used.

How to determine the original color by VIN code

If you are restoring Nissan Safari or Gazelle and doubt the originality of the color, the most reliable way is to check VIN. For both models, the paint code is listed in the factory documentation, but it can also be deciphered online.

For Safari/Y61:

1. Find VIN on a plate under the hood or on the driver's door pillar.
2. Use services like Nissan VIN Decoder or CarVertical.
3. The color code will be indicated as Color Code (For example, KH3).

For Gazelles:

1. VIN located on the side member on the right or on a plate in the engine compartment.
2. Request a transcript from an authorized dealer GAS or through the service Autocode.
3. The color is indicated in the column Body color (For example, 602).

⚠️ Attention: On the secondary market there are often cars with “broken” VIN-codes. If the color data in the report does not match the actual shade, this is a reason to additionally check the car's history.

Find the VIN code on the body|Check with documents|Request history via CarVertical/Autocode|Inspect the body for traces of repainting (multiple colors, smudges)|Compare color on hidden parts (for example, under the hood)-->

Selecting paint for restoration: tips and life hacks

Even if you know the original color code, finding the perfect shade can be difficult. Here are the key points to help avoid disappointment:

1. Use a spectrophotometer: Devices like X-Rite or Datacolor Analyze color with up to 98% accuracy. This is especially important for metallics (eg. KN8 at Safari).
2. Check paint in hidden areas: Apply a test coat to the inside of the door or under the bumper.
3. Consider burnout: The original color may have changed over the years of use. Compare with standards at different lighting angles.

For Gazelles with color 864 (Green protective) many craftsmen recommend using paint Mobihel with code 864M — it is closer to the original than analogues from DuPont. And for Safari with KN8 often order custom tinting in PPG, since standard cans give too blue a tint.

Rare and collectible colors: where to find them

Some shades Nissan Safari And Gazelles today they are considered a rarity. For example, color KB2 (Blue Metallic) was produced only in 2008–2010 for a limited edition Safari, intended for the UAE. On the secondary market, such cars cost 15–20% more than standard versions.

For Gazelles color is rare 817 (Brown metallic), which was only offered in 2005–2007 for special orders. Today it can be found once every few months at auctions. Auto.ru or Drom.ru.

• 💎 KB2 (Blue Metallic) — Safari for the Middle East, price +20% to the market
• 🟤 817 (Metallic Brown) — Gazelle 2005–2007, often repainted
• ⚫ KY0 with matte finish - special series Safari for safari tours in Africa

Where to look for rare colors?

At Japanese auctions (USS Auction, TCV) appear frequently Safari with unique colors, especially if the car was operated in the UAE or Saudi Arabia. For Gazelles It’s worth monitoring Telegram groups dedicated to retro commercial vehicles - they sometimes sell original cans of paint from GAS 2000s.

Common mistakes when repainting and how to avoid them

Even professionals sometimes make mistakes when working with flowers. Safari And Gazelles. Here are the most common mistakes and ways to prevent them:

Error	Consequences	How to avoid
Using non-original primer	The color “bleeds through” the paint, especially on darker shades.	Use primer from the same manufacturer as the paint.
Incorrect metallic coloring	"Spotting" effect in different lighting	Order tinting from certified centers
Painting without removing the old layer	Peeling of new paint after 1–2 years	Complete stripping down to metal is required

The mistake with metallics is especially dangerous. For example, when painting Safari in KN8 Without a spectrophotometer, you can get a shade that will look blue in the sun and green in the shade. This is due to the fact that the original paint contained specific pigments that modern analogues do not always replicate.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about Safari and Gazelle colors

Is it possible to order original paint for a 1998 Nissan Safari?

Yes, but with reservations. Original cans Nissan for Safari/Y61 also found in Japan (for example, on eBay Japan or Rakuten), but their price can reach 15–20 thousand rubles per liter. An alternative is tinting from official dealers Nissan in Russia, but only for basic colors (KH3, KL1). For rare shades (KB2, KR4) you will have to look for analogues from PPG or Sikkens.

Why does color 864 on Gazelle look different on different cars?

The point is that GAS changed paint suppliers. Until 2010, pigment from Lakra (darker), and then imported analogues with a different composition. In addition, over time, the paint fades, especially if the car was operated in the south of Russia. For an accurate selection, take a sample from the inside of the door (there the color is less susceptible to fading).

Which Nissan Safari color is the most practical for daily use?

In terms of care and hiding minor defects, the best options are:

• 🟤 KH3 (Beige) - scratches and dust are less noticeable.
• ⚪ KL1 (White) - easy to polish, but requires frequent washing.
• ⚫ KY0 (Black) - looks stylish, but shows all the defects.

Worst choice - KN8 (Dark Green Metallic) as it requires perfect body preparation before painting.

Is it possible to paint a Gazelle in the color of a Nissan Safari?

Technically yes, but this will require a complete repaint of the body, since the palettes are not compatible. For example, to simulate KN8 (Dark Green Metallic) you will have to use 3-4 layers of paint with different pigments. Please note that this will increase the cost of the job by 30-40% compared to standard painting. In addition, this color may attract the attention of the traffic police if the car is used for commercial purposes (inconsistency with the title).

Where can I check the authenticity of a color before purchasing a car?

There are several ways:

1. Request a report on VIN in CarVertical or Autocode — the original color is indicated there.
2. Inspect the hidden parts of the body (under the hood, in the trunk) - there is often an unchanged layer of paint remaining there.
3. Compare the color with reference samples (they can be found in catalogs Nissan or GAS).
4. Use an independent appraiser who will check the body for overpainting using a thickness gauge.

If the seller refuses to provide VIN or documents, this is a reason to be wary.