Highlights
- Excellent retro styled design with more reliable modern mechanics
- Great potential for light restoration
- Highly original example
The Appeal
The Nissan Figaro really is a lovable little car. To those unfamiliar, the dinky roadster looks to have hailed from the golden era of automotive design, the 1950s, however the little Nissan rather surprisingly is actually some 40 years younger.
First created as a design exercise, the Figaro utilised bulletproof modern Nissan running gear and paired it with iconic retro styling. The Figaro was never intended to be an actual production car, but faced such incredible demand that Nissan was forced to put it into production.
Demand for the Figaro never declined but instead has increased more and more over time along with the values which have shot to untold highs. Which is why the car we have here, presents such an exciting and rare opportunity.
A 1997 model, J633 ATO lends itself perfectly to a light restoration. Already running and driving thanks to the aforementioned quality Nissan driveline, and in generally solid form, it won't take much to get this Figaro back to its former glory. For those looking for a great value way to get into the world of Figaro ownership, look no further.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 24/06/1997
- Japanese import as Figaros were never officially sold in the UK
- Fully registered for UK road use
- Accompanied by a good selection of independent and Figaro specialist service history
- Invoices for extensive welding work performed on the car
- Large collection of previous MOT certificates
- No current MOT
- Correct V5 registration document present with the car
- Extensive Figaro information sheets and enthusiast literature
The Interior
- Marvellous well presented retro interior
- Cabin is of a highly original standard
- Excellent clean cream leather upholstery
- Smart chrome switchgear and embellishments
- Good quality cream leather seating with contrasting grey piping
- Seats in are in good shape with the to be expected signs of wear exhibited on the driver and front passenger seat base cushion
- Some trim pieces are not present with the vehicle
- 2+2 seating layout
- Rear seats also upholstered in cream leather
- Matching cream retro 3 spoke steering wheel
- Both door panels in good order but missing some trim and door furnishings
- Boot in fair condition with space saver wheel and bespoke storage panel
- Neat dashboard with contrasting leather top panel
The Exterior
- Car in fair aesthetic condition but will benefit from light restoration and recomissioning
- Brilliant iconic retro styling
- Two tone paint scheme with grey body and contrasting white roof panel
- Paint work in good order but several signs of blemishing and lacquer peel to be seen around the vehicle
- Retractable convertible roof section which functions well and stows away within the rear of the car
- Excellent quality chrome trim all round the car
- Appears to be in largely solid order with no signs of major rust visible
- Front bumper shows signs of damage and will likely need replacing
- Good quality lights and glass work
- Four 12” wheels with factory white wheel trim
The Mechanics
- Legendary 1.0 Nissan micra derived engine
- Driveline famed for its reliability and longevity
- Engine appears in good order having been subject to extensive maintenance throughout the years
- Car starts well and settles into a comfortable idle
- Vehicle cycles through the gears in the automatic transmission well and is able to drive under its own power
Summary
Elegant 50s classic styling with modern reliable running gear, what’s not to like? It’s clear to see why these little cars were and still are so popular, and with a large and dedicated fan base, the buyer of this Figaro will be in good company.
In largely good original form, with a quality interior and driveline, J633 ATO may be one of the best value ways into Figaro ownership on the market today, with a large parts network courtesy of the modern Nissan mechanical underpinnings, it's fair to say it won't take much to see this beloved Japanese icon back joining the roster of Figaros on British roads.
Notice to bidders
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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