UPDATE – Shortly after we launched the auction for this S-Cargo, the Vancouver area was buried by a snowstorm that left the seller snowed in for the duration of the auction. There were requests for additional photos, but since they couldn’t get to the car, they were unable to provide them. Well, now that the snow has all melted, the seller was able to take and send more pictures of this interesting find! And he was able to get it into a body shop to have the roof edge trim cleaned up, plus he had the brakes fully serviced, so now it looks and drives beautifully. Be sure to take a closer look at all the additional photos/video and cast your high bid below.
Due to population density, Japanese urban streets generally offer little maneuvering room for motor vehicles. That is one reason Kei Cars proved so popular and why vehicles like this 1989 Nissan S-Cargo exist. Regular delivery vans aren’t practical in that environment, so Nissan produced an ultra-cool retro alternative. The user-friendly philosophy extended to the drivetrain configuration, but this S-Cargo has a performance sting in its tail. If you want to be the next owner of a cool, quirky, and rare classic, you will find this S-Cargo listed exclusively here on Barn Finds Auctions.
The S-Cargo represents one of a number of models that have ridden the retro wave. Nissan heavily based its styling on the Citroen 2CV Delivery, with the S-Cargo badge officially meaning “Small Cargo.” However, with the 2CV Delivery also being referred to as the “escargot” in its home country due to its styling similarity to a snail, the name represents a deliberate double entendre by Nissan. Buyers couldn’t walk into their local dealership and purchase an S-Cargo off the showroom floor. They were available by order only, helping explain a low production total. Nissan only offered four paint shades, with this vehicle wearing its original White. It presents well, with no significant flaws or problems. The seller just spent $800 to get the trim repainted. The rest of the exterior exhibits no dings or dents, and this little gem is rust-free. To maintain simplicity, the S-Cargo had one of the shortest options lists in modern motoring history. Apart from the paint shade, buyers were limited to such features as oval side windows and an electric canvas sliding sunroof. This S-Cargo carries those features, which should improve practicality and occupant comfort. With the news so positive externally, it is hard to believe that things could get better under the skin. But trust me, they do!
The comparisons to a snail went beyond its appearance with the S-Cargo. Nissan offered a single drivetrain configuration, a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine sending 70hp to the front wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. Naturally, these vehicles would hardly threaten muscle cars on acceleration, and the four ran out of puff with the needle nudging 75mph. However, the seller has fed this S-Cargo a big spoonful of Wasabi, and it should prove entertaining when the driver presses the pedal to the metal. The original motor is a distant memory, with its space occupied by a turbocharged Nissan E15ET four that sends its power to the road via a five-speed manual transmission. The seller indicates the engine and transmission have only clocked around 5 kilometers (3 miles) since receiving a complete rebuild. After the engine was installed by Japanoid Auto Store it was sent over to Racing Greed to be tuned on a dynamometer. After getting it all dialed in, the car produced a very healthy 135 horsepower, so nearly double with the original engine produced. Combined with the significantly better transmission, this Nissan should provide impressive performance while potentially sipping fuel at around 50mpg. For those considering practicality, it makes it a viable commuter or daily driver that would hold its own on the open road. And the seller-provided documentation showing the work that was done with a total cost of $14,900 CAD. They recently spent another $638 having all 4 brakes serviced. And they are also including a carpet set and a set full set of wheels with summer tires installed.
The seller didn’t limit the upgrades on this classic to its drivetrain because its interior improvements should make life on the road more comfortable. The original Gray-upholstered bench seat is a distant memory, with occupants sinking into heavily bolstered buckets. A CD player with door-mounted speakers occupies the spot usually reserved for the optional factory radio. The floors retain their practical rubber mats, with carpet never on the S-Cargo’s options list. The center-mounted gauge cluster is intact, supplemented by a brace of aftermarket gauges to monitor the health of the little giant killer under the hood. There is a hole in the dash that used to house the shifter, but fabricating something creative to fill the void could be satisfying for the new owner. The surprise packet with the S-Cargo is its load space. These little beasts are tiny, but thanks to the low floor and high-roof styling, the rear can accommodate some large items. That aspect of this Nissan looks impressive, with no signs of abuse or neglect. The overall interior presentation is tidy, with no significant faults or problems beyond some slightly scuffed paint.
Although various sources quote different production figures, it is widely accepted that Nissan only built 8,000 examples of the S-Cargo between 1989 and 1991. The company intended them exclusively for domestic consumption, but a few escaped the confines of their home country to foreign shores. This is one of them, and the drivetrain upgrades should provide significant performance improvements and a rewarding driving experience. It could make an excellent delivery or promotional vehicle for any business (it made an appearance in one of the Godzilla movies, so it already has a portfolio of work). However, retaining it for private use would guarantee attention if the new owner rocked up to their local Cars & Coffee behind the wheel. Its diminutive size and fuel efficiency would make it a viable daily driver, meaning a world of options awaits the new owner. Could that person be you?
- Location: Port Moody, British Columbia, Canada
- Mileage: 57,000 km
- Engine: E15ET Turbocharged Inline-4
- Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
- VIN: 2BG70104420008770
- Title Status: Clean
Bid On This Auction
- Inboundmotorsports bid $2,189.00 2023-01-20 10:29:36
- parallax_ca bid $2,089.00 2023-01-18 12:56:03
Kendra bid $1,989.00 2023-01-16 10:46:17- parallax_ca bid $600.00 2023-01-16 10:10:03
rwrogers bid $500.00 2023-01-14 18:15:34- SILVERFOXX bid $300.00 2023-01-14 13:22:49
- rwrogers bid $100.00 2023-01-13 11:24:44
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- As seen in Godzilla
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- Staged for Godzilla
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- Staged for Godzilla
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- Staged for Godzilla
The name reminds me of the punchline to the joke where the snail ordered a racy sports car with a giant “S” for a hood ornament………
My neighbour had one of these years ago. They were legal to import into Canada once they were 15 years old. For the first few years they were pretty inexpensive. I always thought it was a fun looking car.
If I was the seller I would have spent a bit more time on the photos of the car. In the first few pictures it looks like it’s been used as a rally car.
No, the car has never seen a dirt road. It’s actually a prop from the movie Godzilla set for 20 years after a nuclear accident. It’s also been in Mission impossible 4 ghost protocol.
In New Zealand in 2016, I recall seeing several of these in and around smaller cities and towns. One was at a florist shop. Makes sense to use them as a handy/utilitarian small stuff mover.
Looks like fun.
I had a port hole sunroof S Cargo for about 5 years, they are fun, you get loads of attention, mechanically it’s a early Nissan Sentra, I had some issues with mine, every one of them has issues, speedometer problems, windshield wiper motor issues, but nothing crazy nad
I can vouch for narrow roads and not much room on any highway while I was in Japan for a while teaching classes.
I had to take a cab to get from one location to another in Tokyo and then outside towns … it amazed me how close cars came to each other while heading in opposite directions.
I was wondering if this vehicle is legal to use in the USA
Yes Mark the car can be imported into USA because it’s 25 years old. Kevan
It sure is! I bought our ’89 S-Cargo over 4 years ago and, besides the WVSP giggling like maniacs whilst chopping off on the registration paperwork, the S-Cargo is not only legal but drivable here. In fact, we motored from Montreal to WV without any mechanical problems. Since then I’ve replaced all filters, top radiator cap, battery, alternator (Overnight Parts From JAPAN!), water pump and windshield washer motor. The A/C and sunroof need attention and, the lack of a radio will be remedied as soon as possible. I’ve also redone the aftermarket Watanabe rims to white (contrasting the Red Blue which it was painted to advertise Red Bull in New Zealand … yes, before Canada, the van was there!). With the fender flares in white and a large cartoony snail on the side, SYNARA (WV plate) has been seen in 5 states and 4 countries and, has garnered 6 trophies and, been in 6 parades as well as an advertisement for the AACA (I’m the regional secretary) during the Great Race stop in Huntington, WV this past year. Drivable? Cute? Spacious? Parts availability? Yes … parts being a bit more difficult but, as it has a Nissan Micra mechanics (or, Sentra here), not that bad. The mpg isn’t great but, the spg (smiles per gallon) certainly is!
how is the “frame” (*unibody of course) underside and glass all good (stars chips cracks, wear marks, foggy… seen a few with broken windshields ty! gord
Gord , the underside the frame is all fine. It’s not a rusted out vehicle from Sapporo Japan. It’s from Nagoya Japan that’s like the San Diego of USA and the car is covered in 2 feet of snow. I have no photos of the underside as of yet but when our roads are clear, I’ll get it to the station and take photos while it’s on the hoist. Thanks.
I have one of those quirky S- Cargos !
Fun little car and people get a kick out of seeing them
When I first saw the name and the shape, I immediately got the snail joke that Nissan was going for.
They sure came up with some “unique” styling back then. This, the Figaro, the Cube and Juke, the last two actually did quite well here in the States.
“…Could that person B U…?”
nope.
Of the 3 ‘throw-back’ models, or kitchie I’d take the Fargo w/the
abarth or fiat style vert (solid roof w/cloth panel – rolls down onto rear trunk.)
Not sure I’d even go for tht as they are RHD? and folks know the issue there.
These are delightful looking cars that you can’t help but look at and smile, and yes, they are legal in the US.
Driving them is another matter altogether. I’ve owned a couple of stock kei cars and I didn’t mind the standard motor/automatic combo…it fit the vibe of the car. The other kei cars are fun to spend the day tooling around in, but the S cargo, as cute as it looks, is ear damagingly loud to use for any length of time, which is not that different from driving one of the Citroen 2CV truckettes. Usable cargo space…meh…it’s okay and for a shop…a good vehicle for advertising. It’s a very small vehicle and though it has good space for a small vehicle…it’s still a small car. The non sound proofed rear in the 2CV and the derivative S Cargo generate a lot…A LOT of noise. It’s the reason other owners of these decided to sell theirs. I’m not saying avoid them, butyou should know what it is you’re getting into.
I am impressed with the motor/tranny swap…makes me want to get it on a track and see what it can do, but it would be great to know more about that also. Taking on someone elses project, as good looking as this is, can be the source of some major headaches…there isn’t enough about this to calm that concern, though I do admire the install. It doesn’t come with a workshop manual you can follow to make repairs.
Finally, while I have friends who have told me how easily they have brought cars over the border, the things that could go awry still scare me. The car is in BC (beautiful province) and there is paperwork you can fill out, etc. Pay the duty on the purchase price and take it home. It’s a lot of work if you live in the NW…a major PIA if you live elsewhere and have to do this from afar.
And yet despite all of this…I keep thinking to my self…Let’s see…if I….
really hoping for a reply re the underside and glass… the windshield can be very difficult to replace as only available from japanese sources (looked at one from BC and price of w/s made the purchase unreasonable)… hoping seller will reply
My questions are to the owner is it capable of 70-80 MPH? I have heard only 55MPH and is pushing it. In the case of manual trans vs. auto the auto has more top end highway speed. The next would be does he have copies of the original import docs? Without may come into play as many JDM vehicles have slipped by in a container labeled as parts. Insurers like Hagerty as well as the Feds are hip to that and requested them on a quote on my SW20.
A few of these and the more popular Figaroas are on the road here in Ireland. Home market Japanese cars are a natural for grey market importation over here because of the right hand drive.
I would love this thing and its reasonable so far, if it was in the US I would be bidding . If you dont get your reserve (if you have one) and would be willing to import it I would be interested
That’s a reasonable asking price, and if I had the means I’d be sorely tempted. Hoping this goes to a good home!
The miles to the US to the east coast is over 4000 miles. The shipping alone is $3800. One needs an experienced company that specializes in transporting cars from Canada to the US. There will be those that will say it’s easy but truth is it isn’t. You can’t just drive up to the Canadian border un announced and say “Hey hi, I need to go up the road and pick up a car on line and will be right back in a few hours. I found a shipping company picking up my SW20 and I had to make copies of their contract and sign everything. Seemed like 30 pages. The car in transit for two weeks. The car was dropped off when I was at work and my wife had to deal with it. I didn’t get to meet the driver. He couldn’t drive a stick my wife said. I get in the next morning and the clutch was gone. So just know what you are getting into.
If you live close to Canada you can do exactly that! I’ve bought a S Cargo, a Pao and Two Ladas, and yes you can drive the car if you get a trip permit from ICBC, or you can trailer it. You show up at Truck customs, stand in line, tell them you bought a car, give them the paperwork, the type in the computer what feels like an hour, ask you dumb questions about the value. They go out and verify the VIN, depending on what you paid for it you either pay duty or Not, they then give you your paperwork and off you go! It’s Way easier than most people think
I’ve had the same experience. I sold a classic car from Canada to the USA and the buyer paid me to drive it to him. It was over 25 years old. Crossing the border and getting the paper work for the new seller to register it took maybe 30 minutes.
Very interested , how much more would it be for you to bring it into the US?
Um yeah, I too want to know. How much for you to drive it to the US.
For those of you old enough to remember Stan Motts Cyclops .. it sure reminds me of a Cyclops reboot….
& i thought any color was good with grey. I was wrong!
This car should have been in a Pee Wee Herman movie.
Imagine cruising Van Nuys or Woodward on a friday night, back in the day – or showing up for a hot date – with this thing.
It’s cute!!!!! The engine sounds EXACTLY like the engine in my 1967 Honda S800 coupe.
Saw one at kind of a crappy used car dealer several years ago. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aE1crLGLHU
Bugeye Sprite meets plastic ice fishing shanty
Ty for the photos esp the underside!
IS there an issue with the sliding top necessitating the foam noodle upfront? Any leaks, tears, wear, stitches coming out?
Glass… still need to know re windshield… stars chips cracks wear marks, foggy?
Is that the fuel pump on underside near rear (red box)? Really drapes down…can be repositioned? (looks like a rock/curb could take it out)
Ty!
still hoping for a reply… hard to up the bid without some replies ty!
Is this still available??
It is. Feel free to make an offer.
wish seller would respond to my questions… still waiting a month later!! help!
can connect at parallax@vianet.ca if want to connect directly, ty gord