The DFW Car & Toy Museum has acquired a rare 1989 Nissan S-Cargo for The Ron Sturgeon Collection, bringing a distinctive piece of Japanese automotive history to Fort Worth. With only approximately 8,000 units produced, this microvan represents a limited-production model that combines whimsical design with practical utility.
The vehicle, imported from Japan in 2018, was designed as an homage to the Citroën 2CV delivery van. Its name plays on both "Small Cargo" and the French word "escargot," reflecting its snail-like aesthetic. Finished in classic white with right-hand drive, the S-Cargo features a functional interior with a split front bench seat in light gray cloth and a rear bench in black vinyl.
Practical amenities include air conditioning, a full-length rubber floor liner, and a Pioneer Bluetooth stereo. The center-mounted instrument cluster contains a 160-km/h speedometer along with fuel and water temperature gauges. 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 (approximately 60,000 miles).
Ron Sturgeon, owner of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, described the S-Cargo as "functional art on wheels" that embodies the kind of innovative design the museum aims to showcase. The museum, now located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in Fort Worth, operates from Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with free admission and parking. More information is available at https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
This acquisition matters to business and technology leaders as it demonstrates how niche automotive innovations can preserve cultural history while attracting enthusiasts. The S-Cargo's blend of retro styling and functional design highlights the enduring appeal of vehicles that challenge conventional automotive norms, offering insights into how unconventional products can maintain relevance and collector value decades after production.
