Given the success of the Be-1, Nissan was only too happy to green-light further Pike Factory cars. The next two to arrive, in 1989, were the rugged-looking Pao and the cheerful, useful S-Cargo.
According to Sakai, the Pao was inspired by the idea behind the fashion brand Banana Republic, a safari lifestyle for everyday. Again, underpinnings were from the March, with the Pao dressed up in Jeep-like exposed door hinges, fold-up rear windows, and a split tailgate.
The success of the Pike Factory cars had caused a ripple effect.
One of the design team suggested a group visit to the nearby Atsugi Cultural Center to watch a small production of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro. The name stuck.
The oval grille and stunted proportions of the Figaro have been likened to everything from a Goggomobil to a Hillman Minx. Its true ancestor is the original Austin-based Datsun Fairlady of the 1950s, Nissan’s first foray into building sports cars.
Nissan could have sold more, but neither the Figaro nor any of the other Pike Factory cars were profitable. As a marketing exercise, they showed daring and raised the profile of the brand.
I don't think any other car maker has tried something risky like this. Nissan proved what can be done with great design, even at a profit loss, because they knew what is cool.... and inspired Ford to make the retro T bird, and VW to make the retro Beetle
Big compliment and respect to Road and Track for running a multi page feature on these
try getting the japanese to do this sort of crazy shit now.
ReplyDeleteFinally! The answer to something that has come to mind since 2007. In 2007 we were visiting family in Burlington, Ontario. On our way from a seaside town we kept passing and being passed by a passenger version of the S-Cargo. It had special importers plates on it, which our host explained to us. He is a barrister. He said that this is how this vehicle could be on the road, It had no identifying badge. So, it remained a mystery to me until you posted this picture. Thanks
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