The Figaro was a fixed convertible with limited seating that was built by Nissan. It was only offered in 1991 and only through Nissan company stores. With its innovative retro styling, it’s not known why Nissan didn’t pursue multiple-year runs. With right-hand drive, the cars were never officially imported into the U.S., but one does turn up here from time to time. Located with a dealer in Seattle, Washington, this interesting oddity is available here on craigslist for $18,900. Hats off to “Curvette” for yet another inquisitive tip.
Figaro’s were based on another Nissan car that never made it to the U.S. They employed front-wheel drive with a transverse-mounted inline-4 that displaced just 1.0 liters using a turbocharger good for 75 hp. More than 20,700 copies were built, including a few that were converted to LHD for other countries not the U.S. The design and layout of the Figaro seem reminiscent of a collection of 1950s kitchen appliances (IMO).
Only four color choices were offered that corresponded to each of the four seasons of the year. That explains why the seller’s car is finished in Lapis Grey for the Winter. We’re told that to get one in Japan, you had to enter a lottery with the hopes of having your number drawn. This car has 65,000 miles and looks to be in above-average condition, perhaps better than its 35 years.
Everything looks ship-shape with this Nissan, and you’re not likely to see another one anytime soon. Unless you join up with a Nissan group, where these little cars are more likely to congregate. They were well equipped, and the fit and finish seemed to be above average. It’s a shame they didn’t make them for more than one year or add them to their U.S. inventory.
Well, I know nothing of the car, however, the name triggers a Looney Tunes cartoon memory where Bugs is the maestro and the opera singer is singing “Figaro, Figaro”, it’s amazing we can think at all after seeing those cartoons as kids.
The car is a cute thing, awful sterile looking inside, and under the hood, let’s just say, a ’55 Willys it ain’t. I’d say a perfect car for those “headlight eyelashes” some gals decorate their cars with. For the guys, a paper bag with eye holes is included.
There’s a dealer,Duncan Imports.in Christianburg,VA
that has a lot of these for sale.At one time they had 125 of them.
Seeing that many is like seeing a lot of Modal A’s together –
you look at the first one,then walk by the rest of them.
I believe they were all automatics.
I’ve been waiting to see reliability and service reports of these for 10 years. I need one for local use. With the gas prices coming they will be desirable!
I was intrigued the first time I saw one of these in Calgary. I had to follow it for a while until I could see the name on it. Then had to do some research. I was disappointed in the lack of availability of a LHD model & filed it in the interesting folder. Still makes me smile when I catch a glimpse of one tho.
Inspired by the Renault Dauphine.
out of all the japanese automakers it’s always Nissan who makes the special stuff – love it