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What’s Old Is New Again? 1991 Nissan Figaro

The Nissan Figaro was one of four Back To The Future Nissan retro limited production cars introduced at the 1989 Tokyo auto show. All four (the other three were the Be-1, Pao and the S-Cargo) were based on a Nissan March, so they had modern mechanical components with their retro looks. While most stayed in Japan, this Figaro is advertised here on craigslist and is located in Evanston, Illinois. The seller is asking $22,000 for this 13,500 mile retro convertible. Thanks to frequent commenter Leiniedude for this really cool tip!

Convertible you say? Yes, although the window frames stay in place, the rear window and top panel fold into that large hinged panel where you would expect a trunk lid to be. The trunk is actually the small panel between the rear lights and is largely useless for storage. You can learn more about Figaros in general by looking at this video and this buyers’ guide, as well as this great AutoWeek article on one in Massachusetts (and the buyer’s struggle to get it licensed). As the seller states they have driven this car around 3,500 miles since importing it from the original owners in 2008, I’m guessing that licencing is not an issue with this car, at least in Illinois (your location’s requirements may vary).

One of the main attractions about the Figaro apart from it’s 1960s Italianesque exterior is it’s charming interior. This one appears immaculate as it should be considering the low mileage and the care it’s received.

Underhood is a one-liter turbocharged engine that will at least keep up with traffic. All Figaros had three-speed automatic transmissions; I’ve read that while they feel sporty due to the low weight, the 12″ tires keep everything in context — it’s a cruiser, not a corner-burner. Hopefully our resident Japanese car expert Scotty G. will chime in and tell us more! Could this Figaro sing it’s way into your garage, or would you treat it as a stray cat?

Comments

  1. Avatar rmward194 Member

    Cool looking car. Duncan Imports and Classics, one of the ads I see on Barn Finds, shows 124 of these in stock priced from $32,900 to $5,900

    Like 2
    • Avatar angliagt Member

      When I was there a few months back,I asked one of the
      employees “Just HOW MANY of these does he (Gary Duncan) need?”.

      Like 0
  2. Avatar paul

    That is a cool looking car. Very heavily influenced by 60’s Italian styling.
    Would add it to my collection- if I had one

    Like 4
  3. Avatar Doyler

    When I lived in London it felt like I used to see these all the time. Or I used to see the same one all the time.

    Like 4
    • Avatar Derek

      Loads of them in London. Quite a few up here in the People’s Republic, too.

      Like 0
  4. Avatar John

    Seller’s price is a bit of a joke. There is one here in Vegas for about $9k less, and I have seen one of these for less than $10k. Wish him the best, but wouldn’t be surprised if he can’t sell it at that price!!

    Like 7
  5. Avatar John Sanders

    I have had 5 of these over the years. Fantastic cars. Apparently one man designed the whole car inside and out, and this tasteful consistency shows. These are one of those cars that never look better when modified, be it wheels, paint, or the beautiful cd/tape/radio unit.

    Like 1
  6. Avatar sean sinkule

    SERIOUS PROBLEM..
    This vehicle would not have been eligible for import until 2016 when the vehicle reached 25 years of age. There is NO, repeat NO legal way for this vehicle to have been imported to the US in 2008. This vehicle would be subject to US Customs seizure and destruction. The fact that the vehicle is NOW 25 years old makes ZERO difference.

    Like 2
    • Avatar Brian c Member

      Cool, I saw this car at a car show last week. A lot of interest in the little car. RE: above comment, everything is legal in Illinois for the right price.

      Like 3
    • Avatar Dan in Tx

      So, how is this a serious problem? If he has a clean title for it, which the ad says he does, then here in Texas I am off to the races. No emissions testing after 25 years.

      Like 2
  7. Avatar Brian c Member

    I saw this car at a show last week. Very cool. Re: the above comment, everything is legal in Illinois, for the right price.

    Like 2
  8. Avatar PatrickM

    I’m not a bit turned on by this one. Any sort of accident means hospital time. Too many ultra small cars in today’s market, too. I’m getting older but I still like living. Give me a car with a bit more substance, please.

    Like 0
  9. Avatar Beatnik Bedouin

    There are quite a few of these in NZ that were imported as second-hand vehicles. along with S-Cargo vans. The latter have not held up in value and can be bought at quite reasonable (spelled: c-h-e-a-p) prices.

    Engines had head gasket issues and, of course, there’s the slight problem with rust…

    Like 0
  10. Avatar sean sinkule

    If a vehicle illegally enters the US, it makes no differense if it gets titled or not. US Customs, EPA, AND DOT can and will pursue any new owners as well as the original owner. If you get into a wreck your insurance company is not liable due to the fact that the vehicle is in the US illegally and is not legally on the road. I’ve spent the last 25 years in the vehicle import business and have seen the nightmares this has caused firsthand.

    Like 1
    • Avatar audifan

      Do you really believe customs, DOT and EPA will pursue an owner of a 25 year old little JDM car? If so, you make me laugh. I have been enjoying my several JDM and Euro cars for years, all titled and VALID insurance. Please don’t show pictures of the crushed Mini and Rover. These seem to be the only ones ever crushed. Lol.

      Like 1
      • Avatar sean sinkule

        I would be a bit more concerned about having a wreck and my insurance refusing to take responsibility when they see the car is illegally in the US

        Like 0
  11. Avatar healeydays

    3 years ago, I met a couple that had one of these Figaros at the Cruising Downtown Manchester NH show that usually gets 700-800 cars shutting down the downtown area. The owner told me he bought it from someone in Florida 2 years prior and was able to bring it in on display paperwork that allowed for less than 500 miles a year.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcrQfj7xcTc

    Like 2
  12. Avatar P Wentzell

    Glad this is here as it is the most information I’ve seen. I had contacted Duncan asking questions (can someone 6’2″ 280#) GET into one of these? Never heard from them.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Rick

      P Wentzell You would be very tight. At 6′ and 220, I fit.. but the seat was all the way back. They do have a surprising amount of legroom, but seat adjustment is somewhat limited.

      Like 0
  13. Avatar leiniedude Member

    Inspector Jacques Clouseau!

    Like 0
  14. Avatar Peter

    Very limited production run, makes them very collectable.

    Like 0

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