Nissan S-Cargo

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Inspired by the tiny Citroen 2CV camionette, the Nissan S-Cargo was launched at the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show and remained in production until 1992 during which time around 12,000 were made.

The name stood for ‘Small Cargo’ but was also a pun on ‘escargot’, French for ‘snail’, a creature which the van somewhat resembled. Based on the Nissan Sunny platform, it shared its running gear with the Nissan Micra and was powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine driving through a three-speed automatic gearbox. All were right-hand drive and had air conditioning, power steering and fold-flat rear seats as standard.

Only officially available in Japan, it soon acquired a cult following that saw many examples making their way overseas, where its toy-like appearance and large side panels made it an eye-catching advertising vehicle for small businesses. Large side doors and a top-hinged rear door with a low floor made for easy loading with a maximum payload of 300kg. Cruising speed was a respectable 80mph with 50mpg economy.

This 1989 model has clearly been dressed to make the most of its advertising potential. The graphics appear to be printed on vinyl and we are advised that they can be removed with the gentle application of a heat gun - although we hope that the cute eye-lashes won’t get plucked in the process. Showing an indicated 137,000 miles and MOTd until August of this year, this handy and distinctive little van no doubt has plenty of life left in it and will continue creating smiles and making friends wherever it goes.