Nissan Pao

The Nissan Pao's history starts in October 1987 at the Tokyo Motor Show: Nissan unveiled its gadget. Two years later orders were being taken - little did Nissan know (or did they...?) that demand would far outstrip the tiny 10,000 unit production run that they planned. Orders were eventually fulfilled based on the results of a lottery conducted by Nissan.

There are generally two camps when it comes to the Nissan Pao: lovers and haters. (When I say 'haters' it's only fair to say that many of the self-proclaimed anti-Pao crowd do like what the Pao is trying to do, they respect it if you like, but they simply don't like the 'odd' looks that eventually came with the car).

Pao lovers are besotted with the machine and it's actually quite difficult to get your hands on a decent example since they're snapped up as soon as they come on the market (though check places around the web that offer the Nissan Pao for sale).

Expect to pay upwards of £3000 (yes, even though it came out around 18 years ago - they're really that popular!) for a decent model

As well as a unique and entirely loveable demeanour, the Nissan Pao enjoys all the creature comforts you would expect in a modern car. As well as a fuel economy of up to 69mpg (US) at 60km/h and a tiny turning circle of only 4.4m (or 14.4ft), the Pao enjoys a radio, air conditioning, a folding roof, and in some models automatic transmission.

See here for the full nissan pao specification.

There's no doubt that Nissan were not trying to make a classic car: instead they've made a modern car with retro looks. Big difference.