FABULOUS, FUN AND FUNKY FIGARO IN RARE AND BEAUTIFUL TOPAZ MIST COLOUR

My own obsessive compulsive disorder for older classic cars has been tolerated by my lovely partner for a number of years and yet she's never shown one iota of interest in unusual or historic cars.
That was until one momentous weekend away in London where she spotted and commented very favourably on her first ever Nissan Figaro that she'd noticed from quite some distance – I was amazed!
All of a sudden she was smitten by one of the ‘original' retro-styled cars. A relatively modern car with what could be considered cutsie retro design and one that has become a well known and respected classic in its own right.
I told her all I knew about their inherently reliable Nissan Micra mechanicals. good spares availability. relative economy etc. etc but what really interested her was the individual style. the opulent luxury of the interior with art deco inspired instruments and details. air conditioning. power steering and an automatic gearbox. To top it all was an easy to operate convertible roof to let the sunshine in and yet its clever design kept her long hair perfectly coiffeured – what could be better?
With each of the original four pastel colours representing each season. she found the soft brown or Topaz Mist that ties in to her favourite season of autumn the most appealing. and of course in typical style. it's the rarest and generally most sought after.
After a somewhat protracted countrywide search and being disappointed by the standard of many Dealer cars being offered for sale. we eventually found the most delightful. privately owned and lovely low mileage car with an extensive service history and only three previous UK owners since 1991.
The car had many rare and valuable period extras which together with the Topaz Mist colour made it a very special find. It wasn't absolutely immaculate but it was clearly incredibly genuine and honest compared to many of the ‘glossed-over' cars we had seen and so. although it was expensive. a deal was struck and we had one very happy girl. The period extras included the useful cup holders. the original and difficult to find woven string parcel shelf. correct tailored and monogrammed overmats. stainless steel door mirror covers. stainless steel headlamp eyelids. and the most gorgeous unmolested luxury interior in a soft mushroom colour highlighted with contrasting brown detail and dashtop and although this had a fine split in it. so did every other one we looked at. Its door edges were protected with chrome strips and each wheelarch was also embellished with correct and period bright trim. It even had stainless steel door handle escutcheons. stainless steel 'Figaro' branded threshold plates. a useful upholstered front centre armrest and period 'Figaro' branded mudflaps – the car looked absolutely stunning!!
Being Nissan Micra based but with power steering. air conditioning. and an automatic gearbox. these diminutive turbocharged darlings can be quite stressed little units. but with a good service history and an electronic ‘turbosaver' device already fitted. we felt sure we'd found a little gem.
Run daily for more than two years and with only routine servicing. the stylish little Figaro delivered all that it had promised and spent most of the time with its clever folding roof open. It was driven everywhere without any issues at all and enjoyed to the full – cool. stylish. retro and individual – all in one little car – incredible!
The bodywork is worthy of a brief mention. as here too these cars can vary considerably in condition. The front panel and wings are manufactured from a resilient composite material and consequently never show any signs of rust and much of the bright trim is stainless steel. However. the rear wheelarches can corrode very badly as can the underside if not treated. as our winter roads are far harsher than those in Japan. The MOT tester commented very favourably on the underside of our own car and the lovely condition of the bodywork speaks for itself although obviously. without superficial cosmetic attention. there is of course the odd age related mark.
Sadly. we eventually ran into some mechanical issues and it became apparent that these cars were not without their Achilles heel. Once a failed cylinder head gasket had been replaced. the tiny old and tired turbocharger was dispatched to the legendary Turbo Technics at Silverstone for a thorough overhaul to include a new impeller and bearing replacement. Our local specialist garage completed the reassembly of the engine and whilst there. a complete cambelt and new tensioner kit was fitted.
So there you have it – a completely sorted and rare Nissan Figaro in the most delightful colour. 52500 miles with a fabulous leather interior and crucially a new turbocharger. new cylinder head gasket. new cambelt and tensioner and recently replaced front brake pads – they don't come any more comprehensively sorted than that and with a new MOT it will be ready for another twenty odd years of loyal. stylish service.
Perhaps not the cheapest available but certainly one of the most sorted and original examples currently for sale with all the potentially costly items renewed and replaced. Adorned with many difficult to find period accessories. this delightful car is just ready to use and enjoy straight away although perhaps a new soft roof skin could be fitted in readiness for next winter as it could be considered a little worn at the edges now. That said. it comes with a lovely non-dating ‘FIG' registration plate and although most enthusiasts know that the Figaro hails from around 1991. it's a nice distinctive finishing touch nonetheless.
Please email or telephone on 07801 813777 at most reasonable times with any questions or for further. more detailed photographs. but please don't bother asking about the Reserve. The car is also advertised via other media and may be removed from the auction if it sells through other marketing. The vehicle will not be available to purchasers outside the UK - thank you.
© wordaholics. co. uk

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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