By Classic Yorkshire correspondent Tony Lofthouse
One of the most intriguing Japanese cars to reach our shores over the last 30 years is surely the Nissan Figaro.
It’s an odd looking car combining retro-styling from the fifties with an array of modern day features.
On the outside, the car’s round headlamps, chrome front grill, folding roof and curvy lines speak of a bygone era. Inside, the Figaro comes with air-conditioning, power steering, electric windows, leather upholstery and classic instrument dials.
Under the bonnet, is a turbocharged 1.0 litre engine linked to a three-speed automatic transmission.
Not surprising then that its launch in 1991 came under the banner ‘Back to the Future’.
The Figaro is based on a first generation Nissan Micro and was very much a design exercise for the Japanese giants.
Only 20,000 were made but demand was huge with Nissan having to resort to a ticket lottery to pick its expectant owners. Thankfully, around 4,500 of these mini roadsters made it to the UK.
Among the proud owners today is Steve Page from West Yorkshire who bought his imported Figaro in 2007.
Like many buyers, Steve was struck by its quirky styling. He said: “I picked the car up for £4,000 for my son for his 21st birthday. It needed a lot of restoration which he did quite a bit of before moving onto a Mini Cooper.
“I then took over the project and it’s been a long running one! It’s involved everything from major body work to tackle rust and rotting wheel arches to replacing the soft top and restoring the leather interior. I’ve also had it resprayed in its original Topaz Mist blue.
“But, it’s been worth it. The car is a great drive, corners well and is reliable.
“It’s a car that packs a punch and is a real joy in the warmer weather with the hood down. It certainly turns heads and some people don’t recognise it as a Nissan.”
The mechanical and body overhaul to Steve’s Figaro was carried out by Baildon Service Centre.
The Figaro was produced for less than two years and came in a choice of colours representing the four seasons – Lapis Grey (winter), Emerald Green (spring), Pale Aqua (summer) and the rarest shade, Topaz Mist (autumn). Only 2,000 were made in the autumn shade!
Today, prices range from around £3,000 right up to £16,000 for a top quality example.
For more information on this Japanese classic visit www.figaroownersclub.com