Today’s Pick: 24K km 1991 Nissan Figaro

this Daily Selection This is a 1991 Nissan Figaro with 24K kms, sold by a dealer in Virginia on ClassicCars.com.

For a primary, everyday car, practicality and utility are usually top of mind for most buyers. A commuter car needs to be inexpensive, comfortable, and fuel-efficient. The criteria for a second or (especially) third car will be different. That’s when factors like styling, performance, and exhaust note may be moved higher up the list of requirements. If you’re going to spend extra money on a car you don’t need, you should buy one you actually do need. thinkIf you want something relatively rare and definitely unique, take a look at this 1991 Nissan Figaro.

After debuting at the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show, the Figaro went into production as a 1991 model – and that was it. Nissan decided to build just 20,000 of them for Japanese customers (although some websites, such as this one, put the number at 20,073). To manage demand and ensure that the number of orders for the 1,870,000 yen model did not exceed the planned sales of three planned production quotas, the company devised a lottery system.

Those who ended up owning a Figaros got an undeniably cute two-door car that looked like it was made in the 1960s, not when the Sony Walkman was popular. Colors included four bright and pleasant options: Lapis Lazuli, Emerald Green, Light Sea Blue, and Topaz Mist. Even better, buyers also got a contrasting fixed roof that had a retractable soft top inside.

The retro theme continues inside the car, too, with white leather seats surrounding a white instrument panel and cream and chrome controls.

Nissan says the Figaro has a 7.5-foot wheelbase and weighs just 1,786 pounds. Output from the MA10ET turbocharged 987cc I4 engine is also fairly modest: 75 horsepower and 78 pound-feet of torque. A three-speed automatic transmission sends the small engine’s output to the front wheels.

It must have been frustrating to want a car like this before and have to enter a lottery to get one. Fortunately, things are much easier now. Nissan Figaros passed the 25-year mark a long time ago, so they can be imported into the United States. This car with 23,981 kilometers (14,901 miles) is listed at $39,643. That’s a lot of money for a car you don’t need, but if you want a car that is so recognizable, unique, and stylish, then it’s worth it, right?

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