Nissan Pao: Nippon love – one like almost no one

Nissan Pao
Nippon love – one like almost no one

You have to meet an experienced Nissan dealer who nods vigorously at the word Pao and acknowledges the demand with a big smile. Especially in the 1980s and 90s, Nissan always had a thing for retro design and thus followed in the electronic footsteps of Panasonic, Olympus and Sony. This was particularly evident with the Japanese kei cars – small, cute and also heavily tax-deductible. Only a few vehicles managed to be taken out of the country on dark paths, because models such as a Daihatsu Copen or the Nissan Figaro were actually only developed for the Japanese home market, contrary to all globalization tendencies.

Nippon love – one like almost no one

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The same is true of the Pao, which belonged to Nissan’s so-called Pike Car series. Similar to the Figaro, the 3.75 meter long four-seater offers uncompromising 1960s retro design that goes far beyond what the Mini or a Fiat 500 with their new editions offered in the 2000s. Technically, the Nissan Pao shares a platform with the even smaller Nissan Be-1 and the Micra, which also found its way to Europe as a successful world car. So there is not only the same platform and identical parts for the chassis, but also for the drive. The Nissan Pao, which weighs less than 750 kilograms, was powered by the same one-liter four-cylinder with 38 kW / 52 hp and a maximum torque of 75 Nm with which its retro brothers Be-1 or S-Cargo were also on the road. Given the manageable weight, the small naturally aspirated engine was enough for brisk propulsion and a top speed of 140 km/h.

The Nissan Pao was first unveiled in autumn 1987 as a near-series study at the Tokyo Motor Show, and two years later production began exclusively for the Japanese market. However, due to Nissan’s popularity in the UK, a few vehicles made it into the UK market. Like the Nissan Figaro or initially the Daihatsu Copen, the Pao was only produced as a right-hand drive, which made it much more interesting for the British market than for Central Europe. Some vehicles came directly to North America from Japan. The paint finishes available in the pale shades of aqua grey, olive grey, terracotta and ivory matched the unusual retro styling. One looks in vain for Nissan lettering on the small car; “Pao” is written alone on the front and rear. The little Japanese runs on tiny 12-inch wheels with 155 tires.

The exterior design – created by industrial creative head Naoki Sakai – also matches the interior details, all of which are reminiscent of the 1950s. In addition to the choice between five-speed manual transmission and three-speed automatic transmission, the Nissan Pao offers, among other things, power steering, air conditioning and a cassette radio. It is controlled via a spindly two-spoke steering wheel and for the manageable controls there are two steering column levers and toggle switches as well as a central round instrument with speedometer, temperature and fuel gauge. While the front side windows can be rolled down manually, the two-door model only has tilting windows at the rear and an optional soft-top fabric roof for fresh air. The external hinges for the doors and tailgate, which can be opened in two parts up and down, are striking in the style of the Ur-Mini.

The Nissan Pao is hard to find on the European used car market. The situation is different in Great Britain, Canada or the United States, where a manageable number of individual vehicles are offered from time to time. The prices start at the equivalent of around 6,000 euros and go up to the 20,000 euro mark with low mileage and perfect care. However, the demand is just as manageable as the supply. Just a real insider for Japan connoisseurs.

press release