1991 Nissan Figaro

ECC-067C

As new - super cult classic collectable in remarkable condition.

A exceptional example of one of the most fascinating Japanese cult classics - the retro mod Nissan Figaro. Virtually unknown in the USA, we have just imported this fine motorcar as it passed the 25 years old Federal restriction waiver and became eligible to import.

Our Figaro has but 6,287 original kilometers - less than 4,000 miles, and looks like a new baby inside and out. The exterior is finished in the original Emerald Green factory enamel, a delightful shade with echoes of the 1950’s pastel fashion. All exterior trim, chrome and brightwork is in immaculate condition and the car is a dazzling treat in person. Bodywork is a combination of steel and composite panels, all straight and unblemished. The top is original, in very good condition. The rear window is glass with an electric defroster element.

The upscale interior is equally charming with rich, creme leather seats accented with contrasting piping up front and a useful jump seat with dual seat belts in the rear. The charming retro-styled dash is in perfect order, including the uniquely Japanese design of the radio/CD player. All switchgear, HVAC functions and onboard systems work as expected. Overall the interior is factory fresh. Please note : The Figaro is Right Hand Drive ... as were all regular production models.

Under the bonnet a 988cc turbo-charged four cylinder engine spins up 76 HP and 78 lb ft of torque to a 3-speed automatic transmission. The combination provides peppy performance well suited to modern driving conditions with a 0-60 mph sprint under 11 seconds and a top speed near 100 mph. The Figaro belies it’s toy-like appearance with true real-world drivability and practicality. Our Figaro starts, runs, rides,drives and handles like a new car. The dual rear compartments for the top, trunk and spare are as original and in perfect condition.

The chassis features independent front strut suspension and a beam axle in the rear. The underside and entire chassis is virtually rust free. Under the hood, everything is clean, neat and in as-produced condition. Given the very low mileage and excellent care while in storage, all mechanicals are in top condition and perfect working order. Mechanically the Figaro is considered a very trouble-free design. That said, the turbo and timing belts typically require service at 50K miles or so and the bodywork can develop rust in certain areas, making our super low mile, totally rust-free car even more rare.

This Figaro is registered and titled in Vermont, with current Vermont plates. Please note : Actual VIN is FK10-005528, not what is shown in Ebay details above (Ebay would not accept non-US VIN format)

A remarkable example of one of the cutest and most interesting cult cars ever built, this Figaro is literally as-good-as-it-gets. A perfect addition to any serious collection and a super nice, super fun driver for those inclined to use it as such. A true gem!

While we expect more Figaros to find their way into the US now that the 25 year-old restriction is cleared, most of these will be much less desirable, higher mileage cars, in less than perfect working order. It will be very, very unlikely to find a nicer one than we have on offer.

NISSAN FIGARO HISTORY

Nissan showcased this novel 2+2 roadster at the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show as part of a concept car collection consisting of 4 separate “Back To The Future” showcars. Popular appeal was so strong that Nissan decided to proceed with limited series production for 1991. The original production quota of 8,000 was raised to 20,000 units due to demand so strong that a lottery was required to portion out the distribution to the luckiest suitors. Produced only for one year, 1991, all 20,000 were sold only in Japan with right-hand drive.

The innovative”post-modern” style was a global sensation and many examples ended up being exported to Britain (popular there due to right-hand drive), with a few to Europe and Canada in even more limited numbers, but never into the US, as they were banned by Federal statute, until 2016 - when they became 25 years old and thus legal for importation.

The Figaro is mechanically based on the Nissan Micra minicar, known for durable and reliable operation. One key difference is the addition of a turbocharger to the Micra’s one liter engine that added considerable pep. Mechanical parts are thus readily available as well, as the Micra was a very popular model worldwide.

The cult status of the Figaro is well established as it became an eye-catching toy of the fashionable set owned by the likes of Eric Clapton among other pop stars and featured in several British TV series and films, most recently having a cameo in the adventure CGI romp “Pacific Rim” here in the US.

Despite the sales and PR success of the Figaro and the other 3 post-modern concept cars Nissan produced as part of the “Back To The Future” campaign, no one has brought anything even vaguely similar to the market since. The uniquely Japanese character of the design has thus created a very devoted cult following around the mystique of the Figaro. The simple fact that this purist design is also a pretty damn handy little car has only added to its appeal.