Lot 020: Nissan S-Cargo

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 example was imported from Japan in 2001 and has had a full pearl metallic paint job on arrival in the UK. It is also fitted with TSW alloy wheels, air conditioning, automatic gearbox, CD hi-fi system and a full length sunroof. Said to be in very good condition, it is currently MOTd and comes with all previous MOTs since import.