Pao Bhaji & All That Jazz

Images: Courtesy Shirley Breaux

“The first time I saw a Nissan Pao was in Italy, in Modena,” explains 34-year-old Shirley Breaux. “We were just driving around, and I’d never seen this car before. It was coming towards me from the opposite direction, and I caught a glimpse of the front – saw the name PAO on it. That stuck with me.”

“I went down a serious internet rabbit hole afterward,” recounted Shirley. “I ended up learning that the most affordable way to get one in the US was to import it. It was actually the first car I ever imported – I just dove in and hoped for the best.”

“Surprisingly, it was pretty straightforward,” explained Shirley. “Everyone involved was helpful and supportive. It was very transparent that it was my first import and that I was trying to do it as affordably and efficiently as possible. People shared contacts, and I did my due diligence – researched everyone before doing business to avoid getting scammed.”

“Eventually, the car arrived by boat, and I used a broker to have it delivered from Maryland because docking there was cheaper than New York. Altogether it came to around US $12,000.” [Rs 10.2 lakhs – Ed]

By now, many of you have probably found yourselves googling or wondering, what exactly is the Nissan Pao?

The Pao was one of four ‘neo-retro’ vehicles developed by Nissan in the late 1980s, alongside the BE-1, the S-Cargo, and the better-known Figaro. Produced between 1985 and 1991, all four models were built on the Nissan March/Micra platform and designed to evoke nostalgia through retro styling cues.

Powered by a 987cc engine (with the Figaro receiving a turbocharged version), these quirky cars were primarily sold in Japan, though some eventually found devoted fans across Europe and the United States. Each model drew design inspiration from classic cars: the BE-1 from the Mini, the S-Cargo from the Citroën 2CV, and both the Figaro and the Pao from vehicles of the 1950s and 60s.

Launched in January 1989 after debuting at the 1987 Tokyo Motor Show, the Nissan Pao was a three-door, four-seat hatchback produced exclusively for the Japanese market. A version with a retractable canvas roof – dubbed the Canvas Top – added to its vintage charm. The Pao’s production ended in February 1991, and it was never succeeded by a follow-up model.

Designed by Naoki Sakai, the Pao blended multiple retro influences: ribbed body panels and its quirky rear side windows echoed the 2CV, the rounded hood and headlights nodded to the Renault 4L, while the exposed door hinges were lifted from the classic Mini. Even the split tailgate design was reminiscent of the Austin A40 Farina Countryman.

New Jersey-based wardrobe stylist Shirley, who has a background in business development and creative design, wasn’t a stranger to classic cars – she and her partner both favour classics over modern ones. Shirley herself owned a modified, off-road-ready Porsche 944 before discovering the Pao. But after being smitten by its charm, the (1989) Pao quickly became her daily driver and showpiece at car meets, often attracting smiles and attention from passersby.

Though her mother never shared the enthusiasm, Shirley and her father bonded over their love of old cars, frequenting car shows around New York during her childhood. Since acquiring the Pao, her passion has only grown. She’s added a Nissan Figaro to her collection (currently undergoing an engine swap following a road trip mishap in Florida), and she’s now eyeing a BE-1 – possibly reimagined as a rally or track car.

Shirley and her boyfriend are also converting a Subaru Sambar mini truck into a mobile coffee and lemonade stand. While she doesn’t consider herself deeply embedded in the JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) community, she has a strong appreciation for its culture and regularly attends events like Daikoku NYC.

Still, it’s the Pao that holds a special place in her heart. Nicknamed ‘sunshine on wheels,’ it never fails to brighten someone’s day. “Compared to the Figaro, the Pao feels slower and a bit less safe,” Shirley admits, “but its charm more than makes up for it.”

She plans to keep her current Pao mostly stock but hopes to build a second one as a future project. In a car culture that can often be divided between purists and status-chasers, Shirley gravitates toward the inclusive, community-driven side – where passion matters more than prestige. And the delightfully whimsical Nissan Pao is the perfect ambassador for that philosophy.