The Cutest Car Nissan Never Meant to Export

If Studio Ghibli designed a car, it might look like the 1991 Figaro. Part of Nissan's wild "Pike Factory" series, this retro-styled compact wasn't just a car - it was a statement piece that somehow merged 1960s European style with 1990s Japanese reliability. Here's the kicker: Nissan only planned to make 8,000 of them, but demand was so hot they had to set up a lottery system.

Under that adorable retro body sits the MA10ET - a turbocharged 1.0L engine pushing out a modest 76hp through a three-speed automatic. But power was never the point. The Figaro was all about style: a fixed-profile convertible top that rolls back like a sardine can, leather seats that look like they belong in a French cafe, and a Bakelite-style dash that makes modern retro attempts look try-hard. Built on the Micra platform, these cars came loaded with features you wouldn't expect: power windows, A/C, and a CD player cleverly disguised to look vintage. Every Figaro left the factory in one of four colors, each meant to represent a season. Pale Aqua (Winter) is the most common, while Topaz Mist (Autumn) remains the holy grail for collectors.

Looking to buy one? Check the turbo seals - they can get weepy with age. The convertible top mechanism is robust but expensive to fix if it breaks. Rust loves to hide in the sills and wheel arches, so get friendly with a magnet during inspection.

Pro tip: Many Figaros have found their way to the UK and North America, but original JDM examples with service history command a premium. Just remember - every single one came with right-hand drive.