February 13, 1991 – Production of the retro Nissan Figaro is announced

On the heels of the BE-1, S-Cargo and PAO, on February 13, 1991, Nissan announced a fourth car would be added to its stable of retro rides, the Nissan Figaro. The news came after a successful concept debut at the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show, of which the production version was to closely resemble. Based on the Nissan Micra, the limited production Figaro would be limited to 20,000 units and could only be acquired through a lottery system.

Nissan described the Figaro as a “distinctive, personalized coupe that would allow owners to enjoy a delicate feeling of stylish elegance in everyday life.” Elegant, maybe not, stylish, absolutely. Featuring a seasonal paint schemes, as well as a sliding roof and ample chrome plating, the Figaro has no trouble standing out in a crowd.

Nissan Figaro Styling

With just 20,000 units to be built, Nissan employed a unique marketing ploy: a pallet of unique paint colors representing spring, summer, fall and winter. As discussed in episode one of The Drive History Podcast featuring JDM importer Dylan Cain, collectors to this day still try to acquire one of each. The paint colors include Topaz Mist (fall), Emerald Green (spring), Pale Aqua (summer) and Lapis Grey (winter).

Inside you’ll find a tight but cute 2+2 leather wrapped seating arrangement and a sliding soft-top above that folds entirely into the trunk area. If you thought this CARacature on wheels (pun intended) was round on the outside, wait until you slide inside. The curves continue from the floor and up through the dash, which also features a special paint that softens the texture on the eyes. Dotted with accessory switches, the interior feels more like a playground than the cockpit of a vehicle capable of highway speeds.

Nissan Figaro specs

^{Nissan Figaro interior. By Oxfordian Kissuth – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0}

Based on the Micra, this retro ride not is not just about looks. Featuring a turbo 1-liter MA10ET 4-cylinder engine connected to a three speed automatic transmission, drivers enjoy a subtle punch without sacrificing ease of fuel efficiency. It rides on McPherson struts up front and four-link-type suspension in the rear. Ventilated disc brakes bring each wheel to a stop.

If you were lucky enough to get your hands on a 1991 Nissan Figaro, you’d have to shell out 1,870,000 yen, about $15,500 (USD) in 2024, if my math is right. In total, only 20,000 of these chic little cars came to be. The first alottment saw with 8,000 down the line and 6,000 each in the next two, all originating from the Nissan Pike Factory.

The Nissan Pike Cars

With the Figaro, PAO, BE-1 and S-Cargo all coming out of the Pike Factory, Nissan’s special project, they became known as Nissan’s “Pike cars.” Each featuring retro styling, they aimed not only to instill nostalgia, but to adapt marketing strategies from other consumer products, especially personal electronics. If you’re in the market for a retro JDM car, Dylan Cain and The Import Guys

can help you out!

^{Nissan Be-1. By Mi-ta’smetro – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0}

^{Nissan Pao. By Tennen-Gas – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0}

Nissan S-Cargo. By Tennen-Gas – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0

Brian Corey