HIGHLIGHTS
• Low mileage
• Extensively maintained and serviced by noted UK Figaro specialist
• One UK owner
• UK V5
• New MOT
• Sought-after original Figaro ‘tag’ and flare
• Sought-after original Figaro ‘tag’ and flare
THE APPEAL
Built to cash in on the classic car boom that hit Japan in the early 1990s, the Nissan Figaro is one of three cars to come from the company’s ‘Pike Factory’ where it developed three retro-styled production cars that would go on to achieve cult status.
The other two were the S-Cargo van and the Be-1, but it was the two-door Figaro that won the most hearts.
So much so that after the initial production run of 2,000 cars were built in 1991, Nissan had to commission a second run of them. A cutesy two-door drop-top coupé with unashamedly Fifties styling, the Figaro looked like something that Betty Boop would drive.
So much so that after the initial production run of 2,000 cars were built in 1991, Nissan had to commission a second run of them. A cutesy two-door drop-top coupé with unashamedly Fifties styling, the Figaro looked like something that Betty Boop would drive.
Yet under the curvy exterior it was essentially a turbocharged Micra – and that’s no bad thing as it means it’s both cheap to run and easy to maintain.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
• 75000 kilometres
• Extensively maintained and serviced by noted UK Figaro specialist
• One UK owner
• UK V5
• New MOT
This is a very early car from the 1992 second run of Figaros, with its chassis number suggesting it was the 51st of the second batch cars produced.
It was originally imported to the UK by a Figaro specialist and didn’t acquire its UK status until 2019 when it was given an extensive overhaul and sold to its current owner. Included are the Japanese export certificate and proof of registration and duties paid, and a number of invoices from the same specialist for work carried out since.
It has service records and old MOTs, an emergency flare and one of the original cardboard welcome tags which is sought after by enthusiasts of the model.
It has service records and old MOTs, an emergency flare and one of the original cardboard welcome tags which is sought after by enthusiasts of the model.
It will be sold with a one year's MOT from 27th of April.
THE INTERIOR
• Ivory leather
• Figaro CD player with auxiliary input
• Excellent condition
The Figaro’s interior is a work of art – finished in retro ivory with delicate chrome details, the car looks like a 1950s classic, which was the maker’s intention.
It’s dominated by a thin-rimmed ivory steering wheel, while the secondary controls are all delicately styled. It also has a sought-after Figaro key ring and a spare set of keys.
The leather seats are all in fine order with no major damage, just one nick in the rear seat .
The boot and spare wheel storage are in good order with no notable issues.
THE EXTERIOR
• No evident corrosion
• Good vinyl hood
• All trim present and correct
Finished in one of the original 4 colours (said to represent the 4 seasons) this ‘Lapiz Lazuli’ grey, is arguably the best colour for a Figaro and more unusual than the most common Pistachio Green.
It’s in excellent order – unusual in that it is rust free due to not having been subjected to many British winters . There are no major dents or damage, just a couple of small indents at the bottom of the boot lid.
The original wheel trims are all present and the chrome and stainless steel trim are largely in good order, save for a couple of creases in one window trim.
The retractable roof goes up and down easily and is in good overall condition.
THE MECHANICS
• 1.0 turbo in-line four
• Three-speed auto
• Well-maintained
Under the bonnet you’ll find a turbocharged version of Nissan’s 1.0-litre petrol engine, which delivers a surprisingly peppy turn of pace.
It starts on the button and idles sweetly, engaging gears as it should. The vendor reports that it drives very well with no obvious faults.
Before purchase, the Figaro had a mechanical overhaul with new belts, brakes and mechanical parts. It has proven 100% reliable in its owner’s tenure.
Before purchase, the Figaro had a mechanical overhaul with new belts, brakes and mechanical parts. It has proven 100% reliable in its owner’s tenure.
SUMMARY
The Figaro is a cool, cult classic and this is a really lovely example that would only need a few bits of minor detailing to bring it up to absolutely A1 conditioning.
As it stands, it’s a really straight, sound and charming example that’s ready to use and enjoy.
Notice to bidders
As it stands, it’s a really straight, sound and charming example that’s ready to use and enjoy.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
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