Nissan "Grapes": photos, history and secrets of a rare Japanese minibus

If you're into vintage cars or Japanese car culture, the title Nissan "Grapes"** (or Nissan Grape) might seem unusual to you. This compact minibus, released in the late 1970s, has become a legend in Japan's domestic market - but is almost unknown outside its borders. Unlike popular Nissan Elgrand or SerenaThe Grapes was not exported en masse, making it a rare find for collectors today.

In this article we have collected unique photos of Nissan Grape, including archival images and modern restorations, and revealed the technical nuances that made this model so special. Why was it called "Grapes"? How does it combine the features of a van and a minivan? And where can you find original copies today? The answers are below.

Why was Nissan called "Grape"?

The official name of the model is Nissan Homy Grape (Japanese: 日産・ホーミーグレープ), but people simply called it for short "Grape"** or "Grapes". The reason lies in the marketing strategy Nissan 1970s: The company decided to give its commercial vehicles "tasty" names to emphasize their versatility and friendliness. For example, models appeared Nissan Cherry (“Cherry”) and Nissan Laurel (“Laurel wreath”).

Word Grape (grapes) symbolized:

• 🍇 Collectivity — just as a bunch of grapes brings together berries, so a minibus brings people together.
• 🍷 Cultural context — in Japan, grapes are associated with family picnics and vacations.
• 🎨 Design — the rounded shape of the body resembled the shape of a bunch of grapes.

Interestingly, the name stuck so well that even after a change of generations (in 1982 the model began to be called Nissan Homy Super Grape) it continued to be used in colloquial speech.

Photos of Nissan Grape: from archival images to modern restorations

Find quality photos Nissan "Grapes"** - not an easy task. Most of the original photographs are stored in Japanese archives or on specialized forums. Below we have collected a selection of images that will help you evaluate the evolution of the model:

1. First generation (1979–1982)

• 📸 Front view - round headlights and a short hood, typical of Japanese minibuses of that time.
• 🚪 Lateral projection — high body with large windows providing excellent visibility.
• 🔧 Interior — a simple instrument panel with a minimalistic design designed for practicality.

2. Second generation (1982–1999, Homy Super Grape)

• 🔄 Updated design — more angular shapes, large radiator grille.
• 🛋️ Salon — options with 7–8 seats and convertible seats have appeared.
• 🎨 Color solutions — pastel colors (beige, blue) and two-color combinations.

🔍 Where to look for photos? The best collections can be found at Japanese auctions (Yahoo! Japan Auctions), in groups Facebook on retro cars (for example, JDM Buyers) or on the websites of amateur clubs Nissan Homy.

Technical characteristics: what's under the hood of the "Vinograd"?

Despite its compact size, Nissan Grape offered good technical solutions for its time. Basic versions were equipped with gasoline engines of the series Z, and later diesel options appeared. Below are the key parameters:

Characteristics	1st generation (1979–1982)	2nd generation (1982–1999)
Engine	Z16 (1.6 l, 80 hp) / Z18 (1.8 l, 95 hp)	Z20 (2.0 l, 105 hp) / LD20 (diesel, 2.0 l, 70 hp)
Gearbox	4-st. Manual transmission / 3-speed Automatic transmission	5-st. Manual transmission / 4-speed Automatic transmission
Drive	Rear (FR) or four wheel drive (4WD)	Rear (FR) or four-wheel drive (4WD, since 1985)
Dimensions (L×W×H)	4100×1600×1900 mm	4300×1650×1950 mm
Clearance	180 mm	190 mm (for 4WD - 200 mm)

🔧 Design Features:

• 🔩 Frame — ladder type, which ensured high strength with low weight.
• 🚗 Suspension — front independent (MacPherson), rear leaf spring or spring (depending on modification).
• ⛽ Fuel — gasoline versions were sensitive to fuel quality, diesel versions were more reliable, but noisy.

Important: models with all-wheel drive (4WD) often have problems with the transfer case - its service life rarely exceeds 150,000 km without repair.

Where can you buy a Nissan Grape today?

Due to limited exports Nissan "Grapes"** remains rare outside of Japan. However, there are several ways to purchase it:

1. Japanese auctions

• 🏪 Yahoo! Japan Auctions - the largest source, but requires an intermediary for purchase.
• 🚗 Goo-net Exchange — specializes in retro cars, there is a filter by model Homy Grape.
• 💰 Prices - from ¥300,000 (≈$2,000) for a project to ¥1,500,000 (≈$10,000) for restored copies.

2. European and American JDM dealers

• 🌍 USA - companies like Japanese Classics or Dunmurry sometimes they offer Grape to order.
• 🇪🇺 Europe - in the Netherlands and Germany there are dealers specializing in retro Japanese (for example, JDM Garage).
• ⚠️ Risks - check the car's history for corrosion (especially the floor and sills).

3. Private sales

• 📌 Facebook Marketplace - groups like JDM Buy/Sell/Trade.
• 🔍 Local forums - for example, Retro Rides (UK) or Oldschool.co.jp (Japan).

☑️ Check Nissan Grape before purchasing

Check the body for through corrosionMake sure 4WD is working (if equipped)Diagnose a diesel engine for oil starvationCheck the documentation for originality

Done: 0 / 4

Restoration and tuning: how to return “Vinograd” to its former shine?

Restoration Nissan Grape - a task for enthusiasts, since many spare parts have long been discontinued. However, there are several proven methods:

1. Body work

• 🔨 Rust - the main problem. Most often, the sills, floors and wheel arches rot.
• 🛠️ Solutions:
  • Use repair panels from Nissan Homy (suitable for the first generation).
  • Order custom patches from Japanese workshops (for example, Trust or Mine’s).

2. Engine and transmission

• ⚙️ Gasoline Z-series - can be upgraded with a block head from Nissan Silvia S12 to increase power.
• ⛽ Diesel LD20 - require replacement of the fuel injection pump every 100,000 km, otherwise there is a risk of breakdown.
• 🔄 Box — in the first generation automatic transmission the weak point is the torque converter.

3. Interior tuning

• 🛋️ Seats - often replaced with modern ones Nissan Elgrand E50 (suitable for fastenings).
• 🎶 Audio system - install head units 2DIN with support Apple CarPlay.
• 🔥 Heating — Japanese versions have weak interior heating, so additional heaters are added.

⚠️ Attention: When replacing the engine with a more powerful one (for example, SR20DET) you will need to redo the fastenings and electricals - this is a labor-intensive process that will cost $3,000–$5,000.

Where can I find spare parts for Nissan Grape?

The most reliable way is Japanese showdowns (for example, Amayama or JDM Parts Depot). You can also search for similar parts from Nissan Vanette (chassis and suspension) or Datsun Cabstar (some body parts).

Nissan Grape in pop culture: why did it become a cult?

Despite modest sales outside Japan, Nissan "Grapes"** gained cult status thanks to:

1. Cinema and anime

• 🎬 "Initial D"** - in manga and anime Initial D These minibuses were often used as support vehicles for drifters.
• 🎥 "Canon"** - in the anime Air (2005) the main character moves on Homy Grape, which made the model recognizable among otaku.

2. Music and subcultures

• 🎸 J-Rock - groups like The Pillows mentioned Grape in the texts as a symbol of freedom and travel.
• 🚐 Vanlife — in Japan, the “Grape” was popular among hippies and travelers for its spacious interior.

3. Video games

• 🎮 «Gran Turismo»** - although I myself Grape not represented there, his close relative Nissan Homy appeared in earlier versions.
• 🏁 «Drift Mania»** - modders created textures Grape for use in drift simulators.

💡 Interesting fact: Owner's meetings are still held in Japan Nissan Grape called «Grape Festival»**, where dozens of restored examples are collected.

Alternatives to Nissan Grape: what to choose if you can’t find the original?

If searches Nissan "Grapes"** dragged on, we can consider similar models of that period:

Model	Years of manufacture	Benefits	Disadvantages
Toyota LiteAce	1970–1999	More reliable diesel, wide selection of spare parts.	Less spacious interior, high price for restoration.
Mazda Bongo	1977–1983	Unique design, popular in Europe.	Poor corrosion resistance, rare spare parts.
Mitsubishi Delica	1979–1994	All-wheel drive as standard, durable frame.	Stiff suspension, noisy interior.
Subaru Sambar	1961–present time	Compact, boxer engine.	Very cramped, weak engines.

🔍 Advice: If you need exactly Grape, but the budget is limited, please note Nissan Homy without the “Grape” prefix - they are technically identical, but cost less.

💡

Nissan Grape is not just a car, but a part of Japanese culture of the 1980s. Its uniqueness combines the practicality of a van with the comfort of a minivan, making it an ideal restoration project.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Grape

🔹 Why wasn’t Nissan Grape exported outside of Japan?

Nissan focused on the domestic market, where demand for compact minibuses was high. In addition, the model did not meet European and American safety standards of the time (for example, passive safety).

🔹 Is it possible to install a modern engine in a Nissan Grape?

Yes, but it will require serious modifications. Popular options:

• SR20DET (from Nissan Silvia) — you need to adapt the mounts and exhaust.
• VQ35DE (from Nissan 350Z) - a new box and electronics will be required.
• Electric motor - some enthusiasts convert Grape in electric cars.

💰 Budget: from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on complexity.

🔹 How to distinguish the first generation of Grape from the second?

Main visual differences:

• First generation (1979–1982) — round headlights, short hood, chrome grille.
• Second generation (1982–1999) — rectangular headlights, more angular body, plastic grille.

Also in the second generation there was a modification Super Grape with an extended base.

🔹 Is it legal to import Nissan Grape into Russia or Europe?

Yes, but there are nuances:

• 🇷🇺 Russia — customs clearance is required as a retro car (reduced duties for cars over 30 years old).
• 🇪🇺 Europe — compliance with environmental standards is necessary (for example, Euro 4), which may require modifications.
• 📄 Documents — be sure to check the car’s history for theft (via JEVIC or CarVX).

🔹 Where can I find original documentation for Nissan Grape?

Look for the following sources:

• 📖 Japanese manuals - on eBay or Yahoo! Japan Auctions (queries: “日産 ホーミー グレープ マニュアル”).
• 🌐 Online archives - sites like Nicoclub.com or JDM-FSM.com post scans.
• 📧 Owners clubs - in groups Facebook (For example, Nissan Homy Owners Club) share copies.

⚠️ Attention: Many manuals are in Japanese - use for translation DeepL or Google Lens.