Nissan Figaro: Difference between revisions
m Had the link for the Nash Rambler Landau point to the entry for the car rather than the entry for the company |
"Great Britain and Ireland" is a good uncontroversial replacement for "British Isles" but simply "Britain and Ireland" is geographically incorrect as the island is called "Great Britain" not "Britain" |
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{{Infobox automobile |
{{Infobox automobile |
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| image = |
| image = Nissan Figaro.jpg |
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| name = Nissan Figaro (E-FK10) |
| name = Nissan Figaro (E-FK10) |
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| caption = Nissan Figaro finished in |
| caption = Nissan Figaro finished in Pale Aqua (summer). |
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| manufacturer = [[Nissan Motors|Nissan]] |
| manufacturer = [[Nissan Motors|Nissan]] |
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| production = 1991<ref>{{Cite news|url= https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/nissan/96257/cult-classic-celebrating-25-years-of-the-nissan-figaro |title= Cult classic: celebrating 25 years of the Nissan Figaro |date= 6 July 2016 |last= Saarinen |first= Martin |work= [[Auto Express]] |access-date= 3 November 2023}}</ref><br/>20,073 produced |
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| production = 1991<br/>20,073 produced |
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| assembly = [[Nissan#Manufacturing locations|Oppama Plant]], [[Yokosuka, Kanagawa]], Japan |
| assembly = [[Nissan#Manufacturing locations|Oppama Plant]], [[Yokosuka, Kanagawa]], Japan |
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| predecessor = |
| predecessor = |
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| class = [[City car]] |
| class = [[City car]] |
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| body_style = 2-door [[convertible |
| body_style = 2-door [[fixed-profile convertible]] |
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| layout = [[Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout|FF layout]] |
| layout = [[Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout|FF layout]] |
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| platform = |
| platform = |
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| weight = {{convert|810|kg|lb|abbr=on}} |
| weight = {{convert|810|kg|lb|abbr=on}} |
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| top_speed = |
| top_speed = |
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| related = {{unbulleted list|[[Nissan Be-1]]|[[Nissan Pao]]|[[Nissan March]]}} |
| related = {{unbulleted list|[[Nissan Be-1]]|[[Nissan Pao]]|[[Nissan S-Cargo]]|[[Nissan March]]}} |
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| designer = [[Naoki Sakai (industrial designer)|Naoki Sakai]] and Shoji Takahashi |
| designer = [[Naoki Sakai (industrial designer)|Naoki Sakai]] and Shoji Takahashi |
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}} |
}} |
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[[File:Nissan Figaro rear.jpg|thumb|Nissan Figaro finished in Pale Aqua |
[[File:Nissan Figaro rear.jpg|thumb|Nissan Figaro finished in Pale Aqua.|alt=]] |
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[[File:Nissan Figaro - interior.jpg|thumb|right|Nissan Figaro interior]] |
[[File:Nissan Figaro - interior.jpg|thumb|right|Nissan Figaro interior.]] |
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The '''Nissan Figaro''' is a two-door car manufactured by [[Nissan Motors|Nissan]] in 1991 for the Japanese market. Based on the original [[Nissan Micra|Nissan March/Micra]], the Figaro is a [[fixed-profile convertible]] with a [[2+2 (car body style)|2+2 seating arrangement]]. It shares the March's [[front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout]]. When new, it was sold only through [[Nissan Motor Company#Japan|Nissan Cherry Stores]]. |
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The '''Nissan Figaro''' is a [[front-engine]], [[front-wheel drive]], two-door, [[2+2 (car body style)|2+2]], |
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[[Convertible#variations|fixed-profile convertible]] manufactured by [[Nissan Motors|Nissan]] for model year 1991, and marketed in Japan at [[Nissan Motor Company#Japan|Nissan Cherry Stores]]. |
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A total of 20,073 Figaros were produced by Nissan in the convertible's single year of series production<ref name="fig3">{{cite web|title=Nissan Figaro FK10 VIN Table |publisher = GTR-Registry.com |first=Mark |last=Dodd |date=April 15, 2017 |url= http://gtr-registry.com/en-fk10-figaro.php |access-date=November 24, 2019}}</ref> |
A total of 20,073 Figaros were produced by Nissan in the convertible's single year of series production,<ref name="fig3">{{cite web|title=Nissan Figaro FK10 VIN Table |publisher = GTR-Registry.com |first=Mark |last=Dodd |date=April 15, 2017 |url= http://gtr-registry.com/en-fk10-figaro.php |access-date=November 24, 2019}}</ref> all with [[Left- and right-hand traffic#Steering wheel position|right-hand drive]];<ref name="fig5">{{cite web|title=How a Nissan Figaro Became an Instant Classic in the U.S. |publisher = The Wall Street Journal |first=A.J. |last=Baime |date=April 19, 2016 |url= https://www.wsj.com/articles/car-called-figarocame-directly-from-japanand-became-classic-1461072554 |access-date=November 17, 2019}}</ref> at least several thousand have been [[Grey import vehicle|grey imported]] to [[United Kingdom|Great Britain]] and [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Nissan Figaro at 30: plotting the retro roadster's history |url=https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/features/nissan-figaro-30-plotting-retro-roadsters-history |access-date=2023-08-29 |website=Autocar |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Buying a used Nissan Figaro |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/motors/buying-a-used-nissan-figaro-1.1011257 |access-date=2023-08-29 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en}}</ref> There are a few examples of left-hand drive conversions for countries that have right-hand traffic.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McAleer |first=Brendan |date=2021-08-23 |title=This left-hand-drive Figaro proves nothing is impossible |url=https://www.hagerty.com/media/car-profiles/this-left-hand-drive-figaro-proves-nothing-is-impossible/ |access-date=2022-07-04 |website=Hagerty Media |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=LHD – A look a left hand drive Nissan Figaros - LHD – A look a left hand drive Nissan Figaros - Figaro Owners Club |url=https://www.figaroownersclub.com/left-hand-drive-nissan-figaro/ |access-date=2022-07-04 |language=en-GB}}</ref> |
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⚫ | Because of its origins at Pike Factory, Nissan's special project group, the Figaro (along with the [[Nissan Pao]], [[Nissan Be-1|Be-1]], and [[Nissan S-Cargo|S-Cargo]]) is one of Nissan's "Pike cars," and represented a design strategy that adapted "design and marketing strategies from other industries like personal electronics".<ref name="fig1">{{cite news |last=Patton |first=Phil |date=March 18, 2011 |title=Nissan's Cartoon Cars, Once So Hip |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/20/automobiles/20PIKE.html?_r=0 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130123152315/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/20/automobiles/20PIKE.html?_r=0 | archive-date= 2013-01-23 }}</ref> |
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⚫ | As a |
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⚫ | In 2011, design critic [[Phil Patton]], writing for the [[The New York Times|''New York Times'']], called the Pike cars "the height of [[postmodernism]]"<ref name="fig1" /> and "unabashedly retro, promiscuously combining elements of the [[Citroën 2CV]], [[Renault 4]], [[Mini]], and [[Fiat 500]]".<ref name="fig1" /> |
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With its design variously attributed to [[Naoki Sakai (industrial designer)|Naoki Sakai]]<ref name="fig2">{{cite web|title=No matter how you slice it, the pint-sized Nissan Figaro is just plain fun |website=Driving.CA |first=Brendan |last=McAleer |date=July 28, 2015 |url= http://driving.ca/nissan/auto-news/entertainment/pint-sized-nissan-figaro-is-the-cutest-car-in-the-world |access-date=November 17, 2019}}</ref> and/or Shoji Takahashi,<ref name="fig1">{{cite news|title=Nissan’s Cartoon Cars, Once So Hip |newspaper=The New York Times |first=Phil |last=Patton |date=March 18, 2011 |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/20/automobiles/20PIKE.html?_r=0 |access-date=November 17, 2019}}</ref> the design vaguely recalls the [[Gutbrod Superior]], a mediocre German fixed-profile convertible marketed from 1950-1954.<ref name="fig9">{{cite web|title =Nissan Figaro war ein Plagiat der ersten Stunde (Nissan Figaro was a plagiarism of the first order) |publisher=Welt |first=Hans-Roland |last=Zitka |date=March 9, 2014 |url= https://www.welt.de/motor/modelle/article131885611/Nissan-Figaro-war-ein-Plagiat-der-ersten-Stunde.html |language=de |access-date=November 18, 2019}}</ref><ref name="fig8a">{{cite web |title=Blick zurück nach vorn (Look back to the front) |publisher=Oldtimer Markt |date=March 1, 2019 |url= https://www.oldtimer-markt.de/aktuell/nachrichten/Blick-zurueck-nach-vorn |language=de |access-date=November 18, 2019}}</ref> |
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⚫ | |||
⚫ | Because of its origins at Pike Factory, Nissan's special project group, the Figaro (along with the [[Nissan Pao]], [[Nissan Be-1|Be-1]] and [[Nissan S-Cargo|S-Cargo]]) |
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⚫ | Nissan introduced the Figaro at the [[Tokyo Motor Show#1989|1989 Tokyo Motor Show]], using "Back to the Future" as its marketing tagline. Based on the first-generation [[Nissan Micra#First generation (K10; 1982–1992)|Nissan Micra]], the Figaro was manufactured at [[Aichi Kokuki|Aichi Machine Industry]],<ref name="fig2">{{cite web |last=McAleer |first=Brendan |date=July 28, 2015 |title=No matter how you slice it, the pint-sized Nissan Figaro is just plain fun |url=http://driving.ca/nissan/auto-news/entertainment/pint-sized-nissan-figaro-is-the-cutest-car-in-the-world |access-date=November 17, 2019 |website=Driving.CA}}</ref> a special projects group that Nissan would later call "Pike Factory", which also produced three other niche vehicles: the [[Nissan Be-1|Be-1]], [[Nissan Pao|Pao]], and [[S-Cargo]]. Aichi had originally built independent [[kei car]]s like the [[Cony 360]] until Nissan assumed operations in 1966, and was also the original manufacturing location for the first generation [[Nissan Sunny]]. |
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⚫ | Based on the [[Nissan Micra|Nissan March]] (Micra) platform, the Figaro uses a 1.0-liter (987 cc) [[turbocharged]] engine generating {{convert|76|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|78|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} of [[torque]] through a three-speed [[automatic transmission]], front [[MacPherson strut]]s, rear four-link coil spring [[Suspension (vehicle)|suspension]], [[rack and pinion steering]], and front ventilated [[disc brake|disc]] and rear [[drum brakes]].<ref name="prntz">{{cite web|title=Why you should want the adorable Nissan Figaro |publisher=Hagerty.com |first=Larry |last=Printz |date=June 21, 2018 |url= https://www.hagerty.com/articles-videos/articles/2018/06/21/the-adorable-nissan-figaro |access-date=November 17, 2019}}</ref> The Figaro can reach a top speed of {{Convert|106|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}}. It also featured front fenders made from [[thermoplastic]] resin to reduce weight.<ref name="prntz"/> |
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⚫ | In 2011, |
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⚫ | |||
⚫ | Nissan introduced the Figaro at the [[Tokyo Motor Show#1989|1989 Tokyo Motor Show]], using "Back to the Future" as its marketing tagline. Based on the first-generation [[Nissan Micra#First generation (K10; 1982–1992)|Nissan Micra]], the Figaro was manufactured at [[Aichi Kokuki|Aichi Machine Industry]],<ref name="fig2"/> a special projects group |
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The Figaro features a retro style design on both the interior and exterior, taking inspiration from cars of the 1950s as well as from elements of 1930s [[Art Deco]] design.<ref name=":1" /> Notable retro exterior design elements include the round headlights and taillights, chrome trim, fixed-profile convertible body style, and wheels designed to mimic [[Whitewall tire|whitewall tires]]. |
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⚫ | Based on the [[Nissan Micra|Nissan March]] (Micra) platform, the Figaro uses a 1.0-liter (987 cc) [[turbocharged]] engine generating {{convert|76|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|78|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} of [[torque]] through a three-speed [[automatic transmission]], front [[MacPherson strut]]s, rear four-link coil spring [[Suspension (vehicle)|suspension]] |
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Standard equipment included ivory leather seats with contrasting [[Piping (sewing)|piping]], [[air conditioning]], [[Compact disc player|CD player]], chrome and [[Bakelite|Bakelite-style]] knobs, soft-feel paint on the dashboard top, chrome-trimmed [[speedometer]] with smaller inset gauges for fuel and engine temperature |
Standard equipment on the interior included ivory leather seats with contrasting [[Piping (sewing)|piping]], [[air conditioning]], [[Compact disc player|CD player]], [[Cassette player|cassette tape player]], chrome and [[Bakelite|Bakelite-style]] knobs, soft-feel paint on the dashboard top, chrome-trimmed [[speedometer]] with smaller inset gauges for fuel and engine temperature, and chrome-trimmed [[tachometer]] with inset clock.<ref name="prntz" /> |
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⚫ | As a fixed-profile convertible, the upper side elements of the Figaro's bodywork remain fixed while its fabric soft top retracts in conjunction with a solid panel with a [[defroster]]-equipped glass rear window—as seen in other fixed-profile convertibles, including the original 1957 [[Fiat 500]] and the [[Citroën 2CV]]. |
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⚫ | Exterior paint |
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⚫ | Exterior paint colors represented the four seasons: Topaz Mist (autumn), Emerald Green (spring), Pale Aqua (summer) and Lapis Grey (winter).<ref name="prntz" /><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.duncanimports.com/what-is-the-nissan-figaro.htm |title=Nissan Figaro for Sale 1991 |website=duncanimports.com |access-date=2019-01-01}}</ref> |
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⚫ | At first, 8,000 Figaros were manufactured and then an additional 12,000 to meet demand. Prospective purchasers entered a lottery to acquire a Figaro.<ref name=":0">{{cite news|url= https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/11/world/europe/uk-nissan-figaro.html |title=This Quirky Car Is Japanese. But |
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⚫ | At first, 8,000 Figaros were manufactured, and then an additional 12,000 to meet demand. Prospective purchasers entered a lottery to acquire a Figaro.<ref name=":0">{{cite news|url= https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/11/world/europe/uk-nissan-figaro.html |title=This Quirky Car Is Japanese. But There's 'Something Very British' About It.|last=Pérez-Peña |first=Richard |date=2019-01-11 |work=The New York Times |access-date=2019-01-12 |issn=0362-4331|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Limited edition cars came with passenger side baskets and [[Cup holder#Automobile cup holder|cup holder]]s. |
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The Figaro also inspired the styling of another similar Japanese coupe, the First-Generation [[Daihatsu Copen]], which took elements of the design, but notably with an even smaller engine (with the addition of a turbocharger) and that it was a full retractable hardtop, with the whole roof and c-pillars folding down into the boot. |
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==References== |
==References== |
Latest revision as of 01:02, 9 September 2024
Nissan Figaro (E-FK10) | |
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Overview | |
Manufacturer | Nissan |
Production | 1991[1] 20,073 produced |
Assembly | Oppama Plant, Yokosuka, Kanagawa, Japan |
Designer | Naoki Sakai and Shoji Takahashi |
Body and chassis | |
Class | City car |
Body style | 2-door fixed-profile convertible |
Layout | FF layout |
Related | |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 987 cc MA10ET turbo I4 |
Transmission | 3-speed automatic |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 2,300 mm (90.6 in) |
Length | 3,740 mm (147.2 in) |
Width | 1,630 mm (64.2 in) |
Height | 1,365 mm (53.7 in) |
Curb weight | 810 kg (1,790 lb) |
The Nissan Figaro is a two-door car manufactured by Nissan in 1991 for the Japanese market. Based on the original Nissan March/Micra, the Figaro is a fixed-profile convertible with a 2+2 seating arrangement. It shares the March's front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. When new, it was sold only through Nissan Cherry Stores.
A total of 20,073 Figaros were produced by Nissan in the convertible's single year of series production,[2] all with right-hand drive;[3] at least several thousand have been grey imported to Great Britain and Ireland.[4][5] There are a few examples of left-hand drive conversions for countries that have right-hand traffic.[6][7]
Because of its origins at Pike Factory, Nissan's special project group, the Figaro (along with the Nissan Pao, Be-1, and S-Cargo) is one of Nissan's "Pike cars," and represented a design strategy that adapted "design and marketing strategies from other industries like personal electronics".[8]
In 2011, design critic Phil Patton, writing for the New York Times, called the Pike cars "the height of postmodernism"[8] and "unabashedly retro, promiscuously combining elements of the Citroën 2CV, Renault 4, Mini, and Fiat 500".[8]
Design
[edit]Nissan introduced the Figaro at the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show, using "Back to the Future" as its marketing tagline. Based on the first-generation Nissan Micra, the Figaro was manufactured at Aichi Machine Industry,[9] a special projects group that Nissan would later call "Pike Factory", which also produced three other niche vehicles: the Be-1, Pao, and S-Cargo. Aichi had originally built independent kei cars like the Cony 360 until Nissan assumed operations in 1966, and was also the original manufacturing location for the first generation Nissan Sunny.
Based on the Nissan March (Micra) platform, the Figaro uses a 1.0-liter (987 cc) turbocharged engine generating 76 PS (56 kW; 75 hp) and 78 lb⋅ft (106 N⋅m) of torque through a three-speed automatic transmission, front MacPherson struts, rear four-link coil spring suspension, rack and pinion steering, and front ventilated disc and rear drum brakes.[10] The Figaro can reach a top speed of 106 mph (171 km/h). It also featured front fenders made from thermoplastic resin to reduce weight.[10]
The Figaro features a retro style design on both the interior and exterior, taking inspiration from cars of the 1950s as well as from elements of 1930s Art Deco design.[4] Notable retro exterior design elements include the round headlights and taillights, chrome trim, fixed-profile convertible body style, and wheels designed to mimic whitewall tires.
Standard equipment on the interior included ivory leather seats with contrasting piping, air conditioning, CD player, cassette tape player, chrome and Bakelite-style knobs, soft-feel paint on the dashboard top, chrome-trimmed speedometer with smaller inset gauges for fuel and engine temperature, and chrome-trimmed tachometer with inset clock.[10]
As a fixed-profile convertible, the upper side elements of the Figaro's bodywork remain fixed while its fabric soft top retracts in conjunction with a solid panel with a defroster-equipped glass rear window—as seen in other fixed-profile convertibles, including the original 1957 Fiat 500 and the Citroën 2CV.
Exterior paint colors represented the four seasons: Topaz Mist (autumn), Emerald Green (spring), Pale Aqua (summer) and Lapis Grey (winter).[10][11]
At first, 8,000 Figaros were manufactured, and then an additional 12,000 to meet demand. Prospective purchasers entered a lottery to acquire a Figaro.[12] Limited edition cars came with passenger side baskets and cup holders.
References
[edit]- ^ Saarinen, Martin (6 July 2016). "Cult classic: celebrating 25 years of the Nissan Figaro". Auto Express. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
- ^ Dodd, Mark (April 15, 2017). "Nissan Figaro FK10 VIN Table". GTR-Registry.com. Retrieved November 24, 2019.
- ^ Baime, A.J. (April 19, 2016). "How a Nissan Figaro Became an Instant Classic in the U.S." The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved November 17, 2019.
- ^ a b "Nissan Figaro at 30: plotting the retro roadster's history". Autocar. Retrieved 2023-08-29.
- ^ "Buying a used Nissan Figaro". The Irish Times. Retrieved 2023-08-29.
- ^ McAleer, Brendan (2021-08-23). "This left-hand-drive Figaro proves nothing is impossible". Hagerty Media. Retrieved 2022-07-04.
- ^ "LHD – A look a left hand drive Nissan Figaros - LHD – A look a left hand drive Nissan Figaros - Figaro Owners Club". Retrieved 2022-07-04.
- ^ a b c Patton, Phil (March 18, 2011). "Nissan's Cartoon Cars, Once So Hip". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2013-01-23.
- ^ McAleer, Brendan (July 28, 2015). "No matter how you slice it, the pint-sized Nissan Figaro is just plain fun". Driving.CA. Retrieved November 17, 2019.
- ^ a b c d Printz, Larry (June 21, 2018). "Why you should want the adorable Nissan Figaro". Hagerty.com. Retrieved November 17, 2019.
- ^ "Nissan Figaro for Sale 1991". duncanimports.com. Retrieved 2019-01-01.
- ^ Pérez-Peña, Richard (January 11, 2019). "This Quirky Car Is Japanese. But There's 'Something Very British' About It". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
External links
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