Nissan S-Cargo

Nissan S-Cargo
File:Nissan S-Cargo 001.JPG
Overview
Manufacturer	Nissan
Production	1989–1992
Assembly	Oppama Plant, Yokosuka, Kanagawa, Japan
Designer	Naoki Sakai
Body and chassis
Class	Van
Body style	2-door van
Layout	FF layout
Powertrain
Engine	1.5L E15S I4
Transmission	3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	89 in (2,300 mm)
Length	137 in (3,500 mm)
Width	62.8 in (1,600 mm)
Height	72.4 in (1,840 mm)
Curb weight	2,097–2,141 lb (951–971 kg)
Chronology
Predecessor	none
Successor	none

The Nissan S-Cargo is a small retro commercial van manufactured by Nissan. The styling of the S-Cargo was directly inspired by the appearance of the small postwar French Citroën 2CV Fourgonnette delivery van; it even used a Citroën style single spoke steering wheel. The 2CV was in its final years of production in the late 1980s and had a niche popularity in Japan at this time. Its name was a double entendre meaning both "Small Cargo" as well as "Escargot", the French word for snail, a nickname for the Citroën 2CV being The Tin Snail.

File:MHV Nissan S-Cargo 1989 02.jpg

Nissan S-Cargo rear

The van was introduced at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1988. It was built by a Nissan special projects group called Pike Factory, which also produced other niche automobiles such as the Be-1, Pao and Nissan Figaro. Approximately 12,000 S-Cargos were manufactured. All vehicles are right hand drive. While initially marketed only in Japan, the S-Cargo has spread as a grey import vehicle. In Japan, it was exclusive to Japanese Nissan dealership network called Nissan Cherry Store.

It has a small cult following, in spite of being criticised for looking "toy like". Its rarity, quirky looks and huge signage panels make it an attention-grabbing vehicle. Both McDonald's and KFC have used it for mobile billboard advertising.

The S-Cargo was equipped with a 1.5 L E15S 4-cylinder petrol/gasoline engine, a 3-speed automatic transmission, and air conditioning. It was based on the B11 Station Nissan Sunny.

Optional items included:

• An oval portal window installed on each side panel.
• An electric canvas sunroof.

External links

• - Import Driver Review (archived link)