The 1991 Nissan Figaro is a rare, Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) fixed-profile convertible city car celebrated for its iconic "Tokyo Nouvelle Vague" design. Built on the underlying chassis of the first-generation Nissan Micra, it seamlessly blends modern 1990s technology---like a turbocharged engine and fuel injection---with an adorable, Art Deco aesthetic that resembles a forgotten European classic from the 1950s or 60s.
Developed near the peak of Japan's legendary asset price bubble, Nissan had the financial freedom to build low-volume, highly stylistic "niche" cars. The Figaro emerged from Nissan's special Pike Factory, making it the fourth and final retro creation in the Pike series following the Be-1, PAO, and S-Cargo.
Because it was a one-year production run limited to just 20,000 units, demand in Japan completely overwhelmed supply. To keep sales fair, Nissan instituted a lottery system, allowing ticket winners to purchase the vehicle across three distinct allotments. The car was exclusively available in four paint colors, each curated to represent a specific season of the year:
- Emerald Green (Spring)
- Pale Aqua (Summer)
- Lapis Grey (Winter)
- Topaz Mist (Autumn)
- Emerald Green (Spring)
- Pale Aqua (Summer)
- Lapis Grey (Winter)
- Topaz Mist (Autumn)
The Figaro is valued far more as a charming fashion statement than a precision track machine. It offers a lightweight, "go-kart" feel that excels in tight city streets but is notably exposed on fast-moving modern highways due to its lack of contemporary safety features like airbags.
- The Roof: The design features fixed pillars and roof rails. The fabric center roof section and glass rear window smoothly fold down, retracting out of sight into the top of the trunk.
- The Cabin: The interior is swathed in ivory leather and matches the exterior's vintage vibes with chrome-accented gauges, a classic T-spoke steering wheel, and Bakelite trim pieces. Despite the vintage look, it comes standard with modern comforts like strong air conditioning and a CD player.
- The Roof: The design features fixed pillars and roof rails. The fabric center roof section and glass rear window smoothly fold down, retracting out of sight into the top of the trunk.
- The Cabin: The interior is swathed in ivory leather and matches the exterior's vintage vibes with chrome-accented gauges, a classic T-spoke steering wheel, and Bakelite trim pieces. Despite the vintage look, it comes standard with modern comforts like strong air conditioning and a CD player.
Key Specifications
- Engine: 987cc (1.0L) MA10ET Turbocharged Inline-4
- Power Output: 76 hp @ 6000 RPM / 78 lb-ft of torque
- Transmission: 3-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front-Engine, Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
- Top Speed: 106 mph (170 km/h)
- Fuel Economy: 32 MPG
- Engine: 987cc (1.0L) MA10ET Turbocharged Inline-4
- Power Output: 76 hp @ 6000 RPM / 78 lb-ft of torque
- Transmission: 3-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front-Engine, Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
- Top Speed: 106 mph (170 km/h)
- Fuel Economy: 32 MPG
