IDRIVEACLASSIC reviews: Nissan S Cargo

Nissan S-Cargo

Launched at the Tokyo Motor Show in the 1987, the Nissan S-Cargo is from that brilliant moment in time where Nissan created a range of stand out retro inspired vehicles like the Figaro, Pao and BE-1. The S-Cargo was the only commercial vehicle of this retro inspired range.

Inspired by the Citroen back catalogue, in particular the 2CV van, it even jokily named after the French word for snail, the S-Cargo was a brief moment in time but a vehicle everyone has an opinion on. Personally it’s a big hit for me, but it’s been dubbed by others as the ugliest vehicle ever made.

There were only 8,000 ever made of the S-Cargo van and they were sold exclusively at the Cherry stores in Japan, which means if you see one in the Uk, it’s been imported and was never sold here new.

Just like the UK, Japan has a RHD set up, which means it’s easy to bring JDM cars into the UK and find willing drivers - there’s no element of learning the ropes for a LHD experience.

Whilst styling was a big thing with the Pike cars, the engine options were limited and this S-Cargo was only ever sold with the E15S 1.5 single overhead cam petrol engine and was never issued with a manual gearbox, only the three speed auto box we have today. It was based on the B11 station Sunny/sentra.

Two popular options on these were the port hole style windows in the side of the van and the sunshine roof, both of which are missing from this particular van. I’ve been told reliably this is a good thing because time hasn’t been kind to the sunshine roof and they tend to leak and rot, so if you’re watching this and looking to buy one, keep that on your checklist. The front seat on this splits, which apparently was an optional extra, but is especially handy for practicality.

Production came to a close in 1992 after 8,000 units and as the van was never intended to sit seriously within the range, it wasn’t directly replaced with anything cool and retro. Production simply ended and a cult classic was born.

But who would buy an imported van like this in 2022 and what would be the reason? I decided to ask Martin, the new owner, these questions about his new to him, S-Cargo.

[earthwalkerquilting]

I have one, was used by a real estate company and has very cool landscape graphics. It's a little rough round the edges, but will be my 'retirement project' so eventually it will have some body-work and an interior drive it when my usual ride is in the workshop. People laugh, point and wave when they see it....If nothing else it keeps people smiling and these days, that's a good thing. I love it.

[LuiWallentinGttler]

Just love the quirky outer design, and the Citroën inspired design inside. This is such a me car. Quirky and practical.

[Mortimer]

Quite a rarity: a car with the front indicators nowhere near the headlights so you can see the indicators when the car has its headlights on. Where did designers of modern cars go wrong in making the indicators invisible when other lights (headlights, brake lights) are lit?

[drummingriffin]

Have to say, I have never heard of this model....But, I like it. I do love anything quirky. Nice review again Steph

[drr]

I saw one of these at a small town car show in Ohio US. I didn't know how exclusive they were and feel fortunate to have seen one. My reaction was that all vehicles should be this cool!

[frglee]

I think it's a rather unusual little vehicle with quite a nice design, and for those that don't, well, it'd be a very dull world if we all liked the same things.

[neilbedford]

Quite cool & retro in a way - I love that big parcel shelf in front of the driver, crazy headroom, visibility looks good and a useful cargo space in the back. Very informative film again Steph - thanks for bringing this to us, I had never seen one of these before.

[GazzaView]

Yay! Steph on a Sunday morning! I've always liked all those quirky little vehicles that come out of Japan. Great review!

[Paddyboro]

Doug Demuro's said one of his biggest regrets was selling his snail, lad was nearly tearful telling the tale. Quality review as per Steph.

[gaufrid]

I remember my 28 year old son had a little yellow toy version of the SCargo when he was little, and I always loved the styling. Not many cars have a name that is double entendre!

[pch]

Hi Steph, 70 yr old Aussie making my first 'comment' on your channel.
My local Chemist had one of these vans as a customer home delivery van & i immediately remembered the 2 CV that a former neighbour owned.
Mr. Hubnut referred to your channel (which i have been a subscriber to for some time --- also F/b) & i was keen to add you to my evening viewing.
Thanks for the S Cargo & well done for all your work,
RGDS, P.h.

[grayfool]

Those crazy Japanese! The whole range of these wackey cars was fun, not for the shy and retiring types. Good one again Steph.

[goldbergje]

Of course, 30-plus years later, it doesn't look out of place at all, and I'm certain it would sell wonderfully.

[shibafujiwatches]

Your vids are so chill and a great distraction.

BTW the sticker on the car says
日本製(nihonsei)] which means made in Japan. Nihon/日本means Japan.

[scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Great review as always Steph, a fun little car, I can see some Citroen design in the dash thats similar to my Citroen, simple and effective, it's a shame Nissan do not offer anything, fun and whacky nowadays.

[bcfairlie]

Some of these had oval windows in the back rear quarter. Some even had sunroof.
What let them down for driving was the 3 speed auto

[stepheng]

Figaro & Cube, always smile when I see one & now this 😁 Where's your sense of style & fun gone Nissan?
Cheers Steph 🍻👍

[a.m.v.]

First time I’ve ever seen this strange little vehicle, great video and you of course are looking beautiful as ever 🥰. Thank You Steph.

[Zadster]

@ö
Adorable little thing! As a local delivery vehicle, these would be brilliant with electric power. If they had made the upper side panel from corrugated metal, it would have looked even more 2CV-like and really wouldn't look out of place with Citroen chevrons on the bonnet. In fact, it looks not dissimilar to the "new" electric Ami. How I wish manufacturers were still this brave and innovative!

[davidking]

Another great video. Martin is a good friend of mine.