A Rather Unusual sighting today

The Nissan Pao - Introduction

The Nissan Pao was first released on the 15th of January 1989. A small and economical alternative to Nissan's K10 Micra, the Pao was a versatile machine designed to fulfil multiple roles as a city car, retro design statement, and fashionable accessory. The Pao is still popular with collectors, aficionados and anyone wanting a stylish retro car with excellent fuel economy and low upkeep costs; its very limited production run (orders were taken only until April 14th 1989, three months after they started) has helped the car to achieve cult status. The Pao's continued desirability is ably demonstrated by the quick sales and retained residual values enjoyed by all models on the rare occasions that one is available to buy.

Take a look at our new classifieds secion which may have the vehicle you want.

image used under the GFDL license

Hailing from the (in)famous Nissan Pike factory (which also produced, amongst others, the equally quirky 'S-Cargo' and 'Be-1' models), the Pao represents a bold design statement in a similar mould to the more common 'Figaro'. The Pao looked sufficiently 'retro' when it was released in 1989 to cause a stir, yet it included all the comforts one would expect from a contemporary car including retro-styled radio, full air conditioning and power steering. It is fair to say that the Nissan Pao has transcended its initial position as collectible novelty piece to a become a cult icon of late 80s Nissan Pike design as well as a practical, economical and fun car.

The Pao's striking looks are often either loved or hated — often both in equal measure — but there is no denying that the designer's willingness to break from soulless, inoffensive vehicles that make up the vast majority of the world's motoring stock is a welcome breath of fresh air. It is for this reason that the Pao — and the design statement that it happily embodies — should be celebrated and recorded.

This site is the unofficial home of Nissan Pao information. We hope that you find what you are looking for. We are interested in hearing from Pao owners with pictures, anecdotes, histories or stories relating to their Pao - please contact us.

The Nissan Pao Team