20k: Retro Cute: 1991 Nissan Figaro
In the late 1980s Nissan launched a series of retro-styled cars was called the Pike series and sold them in Japan at a dealership network called the Nissan Cherry Store. Everything in the Pike series (Be-1, Pao, Figaro and S-Cargo) looks like something that would be perfect next to a pink Hello Kitty purse or a stuffed Domo-kun…which is what I imagine a Nissan Cherry Store to be stocked with…anyway, find this 1991 Nissan Figaro for $18,000 in Napa County, CA via craigslist. Hot tip from Kaibeezy.
The Nissan Figaro is based on the K10 Nissan Micra also known as the March. A limited number of 20,000 of the retro styled city car were built in the 1991 model year only for Japanese market – with sales being so contested that a lottery was created to give folks a chance to buy one.
Under the hood is a 1.0 liter turbocharged inline-4 rated at 75 horsepower and 76 ft-lbs of torque. Power is put to the front wheels via a 3-speed automatic transmission.
The inside continues the retro theme with classic looking gauges, white steering wheel and toggle switches. Perhaps the vintage vibe can add enough fun to overpower the drudgery of a 3-speed slushbox mated to the front wheels.
See a stranger classic on these shores? tips@dailyturismo.com
Given the choice between this and a "New" Beetle, Smart 4Two or Nissan Juke I'd take this thing even if it does mean I run into curbs when taking left turns. Cool find!
wow the styling looks as fresh as if it were released today. awesome!! i wonder if any retro styling is still possible given our more stringent crash regulations.
I've seen these in Japan, and there's even a Stateside club dedicated to showing and supporting these micro-cars. For some perspective, both on design inspiration and a left-hand drive precursor, I recommend:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autobianchi_Bianchina
…the story of the little Italian roadster built by Autobianchi from 1957 to 1970, based on the Fiat 500 chassis and drivetrain. Neat little car, and of course, since they were made in Italy and not Japan, the steering wheel is on the left.
Eminently importable, too, I should imagine, if you could find one. That's my kind of trip, though.
I know of a dusty and derelict Figaro sitting by a garage that's local to me here in the South Bay LA area. If anyone's looking for a "Project Pike," let me know, and I'll go knock on some doors. You can contact me directly by email: cflo at dailyturismo.com
sure looks good in Sarah Jane Smith green
Perry here. The ad says it's registered here in Ca! How the hell did he DO that??!!
If ever a car was designed to be driven by hamster, this is it! Love it!
Query: Did you put in Unknown as your screen name, or did one of the options populate that? If that's your "real" screen name, huzzah sir or madam!
Also: Did anyone click the green car link I posted above? Really high quality photo, the Figaro looks stunning.
I clicked the link, and you're right, it's a looker.
The derelict local car I mentioned above is green too, but more of a muted sage from the looks of it. I've already done some further investigation for an interested party 😉
@Perry: Ad says clean CA title, but no plates(and not likely to ever get plates)
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Breaking Nissan Figaro