Nissan S-Cargo Specs: Engine, Size and Pike Car History

The Nissan S-Cargo is a small, snail-shaped delivery van built from 1989 to 1991, with a 1.5-litre E15 four-cylinder engine, a 3-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. It is 137 inches (3,480 mm) long and weighs roughly 951 to 971 kg, and only 10,685 were built. These Nissan S-Cargo specs also cover its Pike Factory origins and what to know before importing one.

Nissan S-Cargo specs at a glance

Item	Detail
Production	1989 to 1991, 10,685 built (some reports say about 12,000)
Body	Light commercial van, 2 or 3 doors
Layout	Front engine, front-wheel drive
Engine	1.5 L E15 inline-four
Transmission	3-speed automatic
Length	3,480 mm (137 in)
Width	1,595 mm (62.8 in)
Height	1,839 mm (72.4 in)
Wheelbase	2,261 mm (89 in)
Curb weight	951 to 971 kg (2,097 to 2,141 lb)

Figures come from Wikipedia. Power, torque, payload and top speed vary between sources, so we have left them out of the table. Treat any quoted number as approximate.

Engine and performance

The S-Cargo used a 1.5-litre E15 four-cylinder with a 3-speed automatic. Collector listings usually quote around 70 hp, which is modest, and the van was built for city delivery work rather than speed.

With a curb weight under a tonne, it is easy to place in tight streets. Do not expect brisk highway acceleration.

Dimensions and cargo space

The van is short, narrow and tall. At 3,480 mm long, 1,595 mm wide and 1,839 mm high, it fits tight parking spaces easily.

Cargo capacity is limited. Sources quote a payload of around 300 kg, so confirm the figure for the van you are looking at before using it for work.

Retro design inspired by the Citroën 2CV

Designer Jim Shimizu drew the S-Cargo with flat sides, rounded roof and two headlamp pods that echo the Citroën 2CV Fourgonnette. Optional porthole side windows were available.

Inside, the layout is plain and practical, with a large central instrument pod and a simple dashboard.

The Pike Factory and why it is collectible

The S-Cargo came from Nissan’s Pike Factory project group, alongside the Be-1, Pao and Figaro. It debuted at the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show and was sold without Nissan branding, by reservation only, through Nissan Cherry Stores in Japan.

Limited production and unusual styling help explain its collector status today. For other small, quirky vehicles, see our guides to the Suzuki Mighty Boy, the Honda N-Van and the Fiat Multipla.

Buying a Nissan S-Cargo in Canada

• Import rules: check Transport Canada and your province before buying a car from Japan.
• Condition: inspect for rust and check the automatic gearbox and engine carefully.
• Parts: parts can be harder to find for rare Pike cars, so ask what the seller can supply.
• Price: varies widely, so compare recent auction results and dealer listings.

Our guide to the Toyota mini truck is another example of small Japanese commercial vehicles.

Frequently asked questions

What engine does the Nissan S-Cargo have?

It has a 1.5-litre E15 inline-four paired with a 3-speed automatic. Power is commonly quoted at around 70 hp, but figures vary by source.

How many Nissan S-Cargos were built?

Production ran from 1989 to 1991, with 10,685 built according to Wikipedia. Some reports give a figure closer to 12,000.

Why is it called the S-Cargo?

The name is a pun meaning small cargo that also sounds like escargot, the French word for snail, a nickname for the Citroën 2CV.

What is a Nissan Pike car?

Pike cars came from Nissan’s Pike Factory project group and include the Be-1, Pao, Figaro and S-Cargo. They are small-batch, retro-styled models.

Can you import a Nissan S-Cargo into Canada?

Vehicles over 15 years old can generally be imported into Canada, but you must follow Transport Canada import rules and your province’s safety inspection and registration requirements. Check these before buying.

Was the S-Cargo sold with a Nissan badge?

No. It was introduced at the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show and initially sold without Nissan branding, by reservation only, through Nissan Cherry Stores in Japan.