An Adorable Classic: The Nissan Figaro
The Nissan Figaro is an adorable classic car with a limited release, and maintains a high value on the used car market.
Written by Serena Aburahma
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
If cars can have personality, the Nissan Figaro has few competitors. This 1991 retro-inspired Japanese car is a head-turning
classic car
not easily overlooked. Its whimsical quirky style seems more geared to old-fashioned British tastes than Japanese sensibilities. The Nissan Figaro makes the idea of driving fun. The big round headlights and curvy lines are hard to ignore. With a limited production of only 20,000 units, it is rare to spot one on the road. But if you do, you might find yourself wondering what kind of
car made you smile
. The Figaro is a tiny car with a big heart
The Nissan Figaro was first envisioned as a "halo" car meant to add a bit of zest to the Japanese streets.
It was introduced at the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show where it received better than expected reviews, according to
Lane Motor Museum
. Nissan originally planned to manufacture 8,000 Figaros. As its popularity grew, production was increased to a total of 20,000.Those interested in owning one of these eccentric two-seaters entered a lottery to purchase the car. The lucky winners were notified that a Nissan Figaro was being produced just for them. It was a creative marketing technique by Nissan and it was met with overwhelming enthusiasm and success.
The unusual model was named after Mozart's comic opera, The Marriage of Figaro. It is an apt name for a small iconic car designed specifically for having a good time on the road while you drive.
The Nissan Figaro is a timeless trendsetter with an energetic charisma spanning generations with ease.
What makes the Nissan Figaro so cool?
One of the most unique features of the Nissan Figaro is its folding open top, which is reminiscent of Italian cars produced in the 1950s.
The front-wheel-drive engine is 987cc with 76hp, a turbocharged and water-cooled I4. The 3-speed automatic transmission and surprisingly agile performance make it ideal for maneuvering around town.
The Figaro is as elegant as it is compact with classy white
leather interior seats
and trim. Nissan Motor Corporation
notes that the instrument panel was specially designed and finished for the Figaro including audio panels and meters. It may be tiny and adorable but it is not without its own one-of-a-kind nod to economic luxury.Keeping in line with the spunky attitude the car was built for the Nissan Figaro was made available in four cheerful color choices.
Hagerty Media
says the colors are intended to represent the four seasons. They are Lapis Gray for winter, Pale Aqua for summer, Emerald Green for spring, and Topaz Mist for fall. It doesn't get any more fun than that.Where can I find a Nissan Figaro?
The Nissan Figaro continues to do well in the
used car market
. The original cost of the car was 1,870,000 Yen or $13,651. Car collectors these days are willing to pay up to $25,000 for a used Figaro in mint condition with low mileage. It's finding one that remains the challenge.Most Nissan Figaros end up in the UK where the RHD market is flourishing and Nissan's little car is quite a commodity.
There are also dealers in the United States who specialize in Figaros as well as other classic import cars. Its vintage style and mechanical reliability keep it popular on the used car market.
If a two-seat convertible coupe is on your bucket list, you can't go wrong with the notable retro-inspired Figaro. Keep an eye out for one of these happy cars with an uncommon character and you may soon be cruising the neighborhood in style.
Finding affordable car insurance for your Nissan Figaro
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