The 1989 retro looking Nissan Figaro has a solid cult following. Only 20,000 were ever built. Originally only sold in Japan. Now it has become popular with owners in the UK and Ireland, given the popularity of second-hand Japanese import cars.
Only 8,000 were originally available with an additional 12,000 added to production numbers to meet demand. Prospective purchasers had to enter a lottery to be able to buy one of these cars. Limited edition cars came with passenger side baskets and cup holders.
Powered by a 1.0 Nissan turbocharged engine, the Figaro is supringly quick. The engine produces 76 PS (56 kW; 75 hp) at 6000 rpm. Top Speed: 106 mph (170.59 km/h). Leather seats, air-conditioning, open top roof and an expensive stereo system with CD.
Only four colours were available: Topaz Mist, Emerald Green, Pale Aqua and Lapis Grey. Each colour symbolised a season of the year. When the car was launched, Topaz Mist was the least popular colour. There were only 2,000 produced in Topaz Mist hence they have become increasingly rare. The Figaro was sold without the Nissan name. (wikipedia & classicandsportscar.ltd.uk)
Figaro in Emerald Green
Figaro in Topaz Mist
Figaro in Lapis Grey
Figaro in Pale Aqua
Figaros in the 4 original colours:
(L to R) Topaz Mist, Lapis Grey, Pale Aqua and Emerald Green.
(Photos from classicandsportscar.ltd.uk, shop.figarospares.co.uk,
figarotrader.co.uk, classic-chrome.net & autowp.ru)