The Nissan Pao is a three-door, five seater hatchback that
was produced from 1989-1991. The Pao was a catalyst of the retro fad in Japan.
Although made in the late 80’s, the design for the Pao was greatly inspired
‘50s French design. Nissan created this unique gem in limited quantities, only
in Japan, as the Pao was meant to enhance the younger generations image of
Nissan. It worked too, and the Pao actually ignited a retro fad that went on for
years in Japan.
Outside there's plenty of vintage design elements to
love—from the exposed hinges to its cute fascia and retractable soft top roof—and that's much
the same story inside as well.
The Nissan Pao is a four-cylinder engine, which puts the Pao
at 34 mpg paired to an automatic 6.9 L,
and 44 mpg with the 5.4 manual
version. provided 51 horsepower from the
factory. Admittedly, that's not a lot, however these cars were quite light on
their feet and weighed only 1,670 pounds (not quite "kei car" small, though). A three-speed automatic
transmission came standard, but a five-speed manual was optional.
As mentioned before, Pao production was limited- only 10,000
units were made. Exclusivity has its own appeal, after all, and the Pao was
primarily a marketing tool for Nissan anyways.
Interested customers had to submit a reservation between the
dates on January 15th and April 14th in 1989. Orders were
delivered in accordance with the order placing. The new fashion icon sold out
in just 3 months back then, and is now being fervently sought after in the
modern JDM community.
If the Pao has likewise stolen your heart, you may actually
be able to track one down through a Japanese exporter. They don’t last long on
the market however, so I’d be safe rather than sorry and buy the first one you
find.
The Pao is currently being sold between $3-5k. If you want
my opinion- that is deplorably low!
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