Rare 1989 Nissan S-Cargo Joins DFW Car & Toy Museum Collection
TL;DR
Collectors gain a rare advantage with the 1989 Nissan S-Cargo at DFW Car & Toy Museum, as only 8,000 were produced, making it a unique acquisition.
The 1989 Nissan S-Cargo features a 1.5-liter carbureted inline-four engine, three-speed automatic transmission, right-hand drive, and 97,000 kilometers, designed as a functional homage to the Citroën 2CV.
The S-Cargo's addition to the museum brings retro charm and smiles to visitors, fostering appreciation for automotive history and community engagement in Fort Worth.
Named after escargot, this quirky 1989 Nissan S-Cargo microvan combines snail-inspired design with practical features like a split bench seat and Bluetooth stereo.
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The DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth has expanded its collection with the addition of a rare 1989 Nissan S-Cargo, a distinctive microvan that represents a unique chapter in Japanese automotive design. With only approximately 8,000 units ever manufactured, this vehicle's arrival underscores the museum's role in preserving automotive artifacts that combine functionality with artistic expression.
Imported from Japan in 2018, the S-Cargo was designed as a tribute to the Citroën 2CV delivery van, blending retro aesthetics with practical utility. Its name cleverly references both "Small Cargo" and the French word "escargot," reflecting its snail-inspired, charmingly slow-paced character. Finished in classic white with right-hand drive, the vehicle features a split front bench seat in light gray cloth and a rear bench in black vinyl, accommodating both cargo and passengers. Amenities include air conditioning, a full-length rubber floor liner, and a Pioneer Bluetooth stereo, integrating modern convenience into its vintage framework.
The center-mounted instrument cluster houses a 160-km/h speedometer and gauges for fuel and water temperature. Powered by a 1.5-liter carbureted inline-four engine paired with a three-speed automatic transmission, this front-wheel-drive van has accumulated 97,000 kilometers (about 60,000 miles), offering smooth and enjoyable urban mobility. Ron Sturgeon, owner of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, remarked, "The S-Cargo is one of those vehicles that just makes people smile—it's functional art on wheels. It's exactly the kind of oddball innovation we love to share with our guests."
This acquisition matters as it highlights the cultural and historical significance of niche automotive designs, often overlooked in mainstream car culture. For enthusiasts and collectors, the S-Cargo represents a piece of JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) history that celebrates creativity and practicality. Its presence at the museum, located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in Fort Worth, provides visitors with an opportunity to engage with a vehicle that blends whimsy with utility, fostering appreciation for automotive diversity. The museum's new 150,000-square-foot facility offers free parking and admission, with hours from Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., as detailed on their website at https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
The implications of this announcement extend beyond mere collection expansion; it reinforces the museum's mission to educate and inspire through unique automotive artifacts. In an industry often focused on performance and luxury, the S-Cargo reminds us of the value in design innovation and historical preservation. For the local community and visitors, it enhances the museum's appeal as a destination for discovering rare vehicles, potentially boosting tourism and cultural engagement. As automotive history evolves, such acquisitions ensure that quirky, functional designs like the S-Cargo are not forgotten, offering insights into past trends that continue to influence modern vehicle concepts.
Curated from 24-7 Press Release
