Retro JDM Hatch: 1992 Nissan Pao – Sold?

December 10, 2020 Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call Rudy directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

October 16th Update – While preparing for our latest Free-For-Friday features, we discovered a fresh listing for the JDM Nissan Pao in which the seller has finally reduced their asking price from $9,200 to $6,800.

October 9th Update – While updating our Free-For-All Friday database, we confirmed the private seller of this JDM Nissan Pao posted a new Craigslist ad using the same pictures, description, and price as the original one. We’ve updated the links below.

The Nissan Pao has emerged as one of the more popular JDM vehicles that enthusiasts pine for, and it’s not because of its scathing performance or tenacious road-holding abilities like other pieces of forbidden Japanese fruit. No, it’s seemingly because it’s already an iconic design, despite being penned in the late 80s. This Nissan Pao originally listed in October 2020 on Craigslist in Laconia, New Hampshire has had its retro-inspired design further tweaked with what looks like a custom wrap and painted steel wheels, and the seller is now asking $6,800, which is down from the original ask of $9,200. While you won’t find the Pao in any domestic price guides, Hagerty Insurance did compile a write-up on all of the Pike Factory creations, and estimated that a Pao will run you between $8,000 and $16,000 depending on condition – and this example is priced on the low end of that scale. The seller has done the hard work of getting the car here, presumably legally, so all the next owner has to do is enjoy it.

Throughout the history of the automobile, there have been select instances of automakers taking a major chance on building an exclusive model often with some distinguishing feature, be it high-end luxury trimmings or a complimentary program designed to heighten the ownership experience, like Hyundai did with its Genesis lineup. The Pike Factory was a Nissan facility that produced a fleet of retro-inspired vehicles the likes the world has never seen in a modern production environment, and despite being lower-powered, economically-minded cars, they were built in limited numbers and quickly snatched up by customers who were smitten by the undoubtedly cute but also stylistically significant creations. The Pike Factory vehicles were sold through dedicated Nissan dealerships called Cherry Stores, adding to the sense of exclusivity. They remain quite popular today, and the full lineup of Pike cars include the Be-1, Figaro, S-Cargo, and the Pao.

The YouTube Channel Petrolicious put together this quality video about the Nissan Pao several years ago:

The Pao seen here has 118,000 kilometers, which works out to about 73,000 miles. The seller doesn’t provide much in the way of background information but does confirm that the Pao was imported legally. New Hampshire has fairly lax title laws, so it’s not surprising we keep seeing these JDM cars and trucks show up in places like The Granite State. The Pao comes with an automatic transmission and full sliding canvas roof and roof rack, certainly adding to the nostalgic vibe. The engine bay photos show what looks like an abrupt line between the paint under the hood and the smurf blue exterior, leaving the impression of the exterior having been wrapped to give it more flash. Even if the Pao is one the more commonly seen imports from overseas, they’ll always be a crowd-pleaser. Good luck with the purchase if you decide to pursue this Pao.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1990 Nissan Pao
Auto
4cyl 1L
Canvas top
118,000km ~ 73,000 miles aprox.
Cool little car runs, drives.
Tons of looks all legally imported! Asking $9200obo email.“

Do you have a Nissan Pao story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!