Description
Nissan Urvan E23 | 1986
Highlights:
– 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine, diesel, manual transmission
– 227,000 km on the odometer, reportedly used and driven daily
– Handcrafted wooden roof box mounted on a sturdy roof rack for extra storage
– Simple, flexible camper-style interior with no fixed furniture, ready for cargo or travel use
– No power steering, for an authentic, analogue driving experience
The seller offers for sale this 1986 Nissan Urvan E23, powered by a 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine, paired with a manual transmission. The van has covered 227,000 km and is said to be used and driven on a daily basis, presented in a cream exterior finish with a fresh coat of paint applied in September 2026. A roof rack carries a handcrafted wooden roof box, adding useful extra storage space for touring or camping trips, and the van has a currently valid roadworthiness inspection.
Inside, the Urvan has been set up as a simple and flexible camper, without any fixed furniture or built-in cabinetry. Curtains, cushions, a rug and loose storage boxes furnish the load area, making it easy to use the van as a cosy travelling base one day and empty it out for cargo or general transport the next. The layout suits owners who want the freedom to reconfigure the interior rather than commit to a permanent conversion.
The E23 generation, sold by Nissan as the Urvan in some export markets and as the Vanette or Caravan elsewhere, was introduced in 1980 as a straightforward, durable light commercial van built to shrug off high mileages in daily service. Simple mechanicals, an equally simple boxy cabin and a range of dependable four-cylinder diesel and petrol engines made it a popular choice for tradespeople and, later, for van-life conversions such as this one. Surviving examples in usable, unmolested condition are becoming increasingly hard to find, especially ones that have been kept mechanically simple rather than heavily modified.
Without power steering, the driving experience stays close to what the E23 offered from new: light, direct and mechanical, with the diesel engine providing steady, unfussy pulling power rather than outright speed. Combined with its roof storage and no-frills camper interior, this Urvan is set up to be used exactly as intended: loaded up and driven, whether for work or for the next trip away.
Condition of the bodywork & paint
4 — Very Good. Clean with minimal wear; might need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Condition of the interior
4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.
Technical condition
4 — Very Good. Mechanically solid, with potential for minor servicing.
Overall condition
4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
