Year: | 1991 |
Model: | Figaro |
Mileage: | 192,355km |
Transmission: | 3-speed automatic |
Fuel Type: | Gasoline |
Drivetrain: | FWD |
Engine: | MA10 1.0 liter |
Exterior Color: | Pale Aqua |
VIN Number: | FK10-000*** |
Americans waiting to get their hands on a Nissan Figaro can finally import them directly from Japan! As of February 2016, these playful retros are 25 years old, making them easily importable to the United States at last.
The Figaro was one of four quirky, cartoonish vehicles displayed by Nissan at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1989. Once Nissan saw how enthusiastically visitors embraced the designs — dreamed up by young Japanese designers based on a “Back to the Future” concept — it subcontracted Aichi Machine Industry to manufacture limited versions for the Japanese market.
The Figaro was so popular when launched in 1991 that only people who won a special lottery could purchase one from Nissan. Of course, this didn’t stop the lucky owners from selling them at higher prices to celebrities like Eric Clapton.
Borrowing heavily from classic European cars of the 1950s and 60s, the Figaro looks more Italian than Japanese. Its body is smooth and simple, with expert retro detailing and a freshness that never fades. From cheerful grille to friendly round headlights, cartoonish hubcaps, white retractable top and four round tail lights, every detail is endearing.
The beautiful fluoroplastic finish on the composite body panels was originally available in four pastel shades; Topaz Mist, Emerald Green, Pale Aqua and Lapis Grey. But many owners have discovered that the Figaro also looks fantastic in black, red and even pink, which is popular among female fans in the UK, where the Figaro has a cult-like following.
Quality craftsmanship and supreme attention to retro detailing extend to the interior as well. There are antiquish meters with chrome surrounds on a flat white instrument panel, a 50s-style steering wheel on the right hand side, and standard leather seats with intricate old-fashioned padding. The fabric top can be retracted, leaving the sides of the cabin in place as in the Fiat 500 and Citroën 2CV.
Modern amenities like air conditioning and a CD player keep occupants comfortable and entertained, while four three-point seatbelts and a double lock on the retractable top (with warning buzzer) help keep you and your passengers safe.
The Figaro is fun to drive. While not a sports car by any means, its speedy, turbocharged 1.0-liter engine (MA10) combines with a lightweight body to deliver fairly quick response. The handling and ride are also excellent, thanks to four-wheel independent suspension with a rear stabilizer bar and power-assisted ventilated front disc brakes.
Nissan’s MA10 engine is also featured on the Nissan March (Micra), meaning there are plenty of parts available wherever you go. Mated with a three-speed automatic transmission and featuring ECCS (Nissan Electronic Concentrated Control System), the engine provides excellent 32 mpg fuel economy, 75 horsepower at 6000 rpm, ample 78 lb.-ft. of torque at 4400 rpm and a top speed of 106 mph.
This stunning Figaro with pale aqua finish was lovingly cared for by an enthusiast who couldn’t resist logging numerous miles. He removed the original white hubcaps, which can easily be replaced, but otherwise maintained the original features and kept the car in good shape.
This is just one of 20,000 Nissan Figaros, which were all produced in 1991 for the Japanese market. Secondhand Figaro’s of all colors and conditions can be found in Japan today for export to your country.
When you decide it’s time to directly import your dream Figaro from Japan, be sure to contact Japan Car Direct.
We’re dedicated to providing honest, professional, no-frills service and the highest quality vehicles at the lowest possible prices whether you seek a retro mini, exotic supercar, high-performance drift car, mini truck or German luxury car with RHD or LHD.
Our vast experience and solid connections with auctions, specialist dealers and shipping companies throughout Japan are your assurance of total satisfaction.
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Matthew at JCD is the man. I’ve now imported three of my own cars through him. JCD was able to accommodate my unique needs, everything from short turn around inspections,... read moreMatthew at JCD is the man. I’ve now imported three of my own cars through him. JCD was able to accommodate my unique needs, everything from short turn around inspections, expert opinions on bidding, arranging quick turn shipping, and handling of docs. I have no reservations sending more tens of thousands of dollars for future imports. At the end of the day, they really wanted to make me a happy customer. read less
I highly recommend Japan Car Direct. They help you find exactly what you are looking for and are with you throughout the entire process. Import was seamless. Mike was great... read moreI highly recommend Japan Car Direct. They help you find exactly what you are looking for and are with you throughout the entire process. Import was seamless. Mike was great to work with. Highly recommend the team at JCD. read less
Before this I have never imported any vehicles to NZ let alone one from Japan! I decided to give these guys a shot and bought a JDM Tesla into the... read moreBefore this I have never imported any vehicles to NZ let alone one from Japan! I decided to give these guys a shot and bought a JDM Tesla into the country in the midst of the oil price hikes.
The process is painless end to end and I was well looked after by Mike. Definitely recommend Japan Car Direct for the auction and shipping service. read less
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Great experience. Extremely easy process and Kept me well informed. Highly recommend them if looking to purchase a vehicle from Japan.
It's hard to say anything that hasn't been said from other reviewers! This was my first experience importing a vehicle. Mike Nguyen was super patient with me and my indecisiveness.... read moreIt's hard to say anything that hasn't been said from other reviewers! This was my first experience importing a vehicle. Mike Nguyen was super patient with me and my indecisiveness. He was very quick to respond, and very informative on all my questions. He helped my sort through options until landing a 1kz-te Land Cruiser Prado. It ended up being in better condition than I was anticipating, and was able to drive it 5 hours home from port without a single issue. Cannot recommend Japan Car Direct enough! read less
I used Japan Car Direct's services to import a Nissan Silvia from Japan to Australia. Mike was very helpful from start to finish and definitely made the process stress free.
The... read moreI used Japan Car Direct's services to import a Nissan Silvia from Japan to Australia. Mike was very helpful from start to finish and definitely made the process stress free.
The detailed videos where Mike would translate and explain the Japanese auction sheets and inspections provided great clarification so I knew exactly what I was getting with my car. I have to also commend Mike's swiftness when it came to replying to emails and phone calls, he would always reply near on instantly and even outside of normal business hours just to ensure I was never left in the dark through the bidding and shipping preparation processes.
I could not recommend JCD enough for any potential self importers! read less
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Just picked up my car that I bought through JCD. I was a complete newbie about buying a car overseas and Mathew was kind enough to basically hold my... read moreJust picked up my car that I bought through JCD. I was a complete newbie about buying a car overseas and Mathew was kind enough to basically hold my hand and help me through the process. It seems pretty daunting at first but if I can do it anybody can. Highly recommend JCD! read less
I worked with Mathew on getting my first Japanese Kei truck. The process and communication were great. For me the back-and-forth communication was the reason why I decided to go... read moreI worked with Mathew on getting my first Japanese Kei truck. The process and communication were great. For me the back-and-forth communication was the reason why I decided to go with japancardirect. Being able to see the auction trucks that are coming out and getting a detailed translation of the auction sheet is awesome. At first, I was a little hesitant sending money for a car overseas that I haven't actually seen in person, but Mathew stayed with me even at times when I was less patient. Thanks for all the help you and your team provide. read less
Taylor at JCD has been incredibly helpful in my search for a couple of unique rigs from overseas -- We've scored one, and are looking forward to finding another.
Taylor's professinoalism,... read moreTaylor at JCD has been incredibly helpful in my search for a couple of unique rigs from overseas -- We've scored one, and are looking forward to finding another.
Taylor's professinoalism, promptness, clarity of communication has been amazing. He's helped answer a miultitude of questions, and everything went without incident (aside from impacts from Ukraine).f
Thank you, Taylor! read less
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After seeing quite a few Kei Trucks on the road, I was intrigued. Seeing the local retail prices gave me sticker shock, so I immediately thought there has to be... read moreAfter seeing quite a few Kei Trucks on the road, I was intrigued. Seeing the local retail prices gave me sticker shock, so I immediately thought there has to be a better way. Sure enough, that way is Japan Car Direct. Yoshi and team are knowledgeable, professional and responsive. They do what they say they are going to do before, during and after the transaction, they are in it for the long haul. The result of reviewing the auction listings and acquiring/importing yourself (with help from JCD) is substantial savings and the satisfaction of paying a fair price. It's also fun if you enjoy searching for and identifying great automotive values. Would not hesitate to recommend their services to others and I will be back for more vehicles in the near future. read less
Can't fault these guys - this was the first time I've bought a car at any auction, let alone one in Japan. The support from Yoshiro was brilliant, very patient... read moreCan't fault these guys - this was the first time I've bought a car at any auction, let alone one in Japan. The support from Yoshiro was brilliant, very patient with me and ensured that I only bid on cars worth having. The car I have bought far exceeds expectations in every way and the whole process of purchase and shipping was all taken care of - top marks and thank you read less
Japan Car Direct helped me find my dream car. We found a great deal on an ST205. Yoshiro was fantastic and super responsive and patient with all of my questions.... read moreJapan Car Direct helped me find my dream car. We found a great deal on an ST205. Yoshiro was fantastic and super responsive and patient with all of my questions. They made navigating the import process a breeze. This is a reputable company. I highly recommend them if you’re interested in importing your very own JDM. read less
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So pleased with our companies new Japanese mini-truck import. Japan Car Direct made it all too easy. We made a few first-timer mistakes on the paperwork but the next import... read moreSo pleased with our companies new Japanese mini-truck import. Japan Car Direct made it all too easy. We made a few first-timer mistakes on the paperwork but the next import will be even smoother. Looking forward to the next experience. read less
MARKNADEN Studio
4/08/2022
Great dependable business! Highly recommended! Thank you Mathew for all your hard work!
Yoshiro and the folks over at JapanCarDirect are the best! They were super helpful with my first time importing a vehicle to the US and were quick to answer all... read moreYoshiro and the folks over at JapanCarDirect are the best! They were super helpful with my first time importing a vehicle to the US and were quick to answer all of the first-time questions I had about the process. The vehicle I got was exactly as I expected based on the pre-bidding inspection that they organized and I am beyond thrilled with my new (to me) little van. I'll definitely be working with them again for the next vehicle I look to import read less
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