Nissan Figaro

The Figaro was a small retro-styled car produced by Nissan but not sold under that marque. The Figaro was introduced at the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show under the slogan, "Back to the Future". With a design based on the cars of the 1950s, the Figaro hid mechanicals based on the compact Micra. The Figaro was built by a Nissan special projects group called the 'Pike Factory'. The Pike Factory also produced other 'niche' automobiles at this time such as the Be-1, Pao and S-Cargo.

Only four colours were available: Topaz Mist, Emerald Green, Pale Aqua, Lapis Grey. The least popular was Topaz Mist, which has now become the most sought-after colour.

The roof was retractable and the car was comfortable for two with leather seats, air conditioning, and a comprehensive (CD/tape/radio) entertainment system with a 150 watt amplifier. It was designed by Shoji Takahashi, who won a competition with his unique car. The car was so desirable that a lottery was held to determine who would be able to purchase the 20,000 cars made in 1991 for JPY1,870,000.

The engine was Nissan's MA10ET, a turbocharged 1.0L (987cc) I4.