12th Nov, 2023 12:00
The Bolesworth Castle November 2023 Classic & Performance Car Auction
1991 Nissan Figaro
***NO RESERVE*** Timewarp, as-new example, displaying a credible 4,315 miles
Registration - H404 XWU
Chassis No. - SFABXXBAFBLU62894
M.O.T. - April 2024
Odometer - 6,944 Kms (4,315 miles)
Calling all fans of the cute Nissan Figaro – here we have an almost as-new example that’s seemingly covered just 6,944 kilometers to date; ie a mere 4,315 miles in 32 years! We’ve never encountered a Figaro in this condition before, and can only assume it’s been secreted in a museum or private collection, as its cream upholstery is as unmarked as its Pale Aqua paintwork, while the light green carpets have been protected by grey Figaro over-mats. First registered in Japan in July 1991 and in its current UK ownership since May 2016, the little Nissan currently rides on a set of Nankang tyres, while what appears to be an unused space saver resides in the boot along with the related tooling. It comes as little surprise that the vendor presently considers the engine, automatic transmission, bodywork, paintwork and upholstery to all be in ‘excellent’ order. If you’ve been on the lookout for a Figaro, then it’s hard to see how you’ll find a better example than ‘H404 XWU’, that’s being offered at No Reserve.
Nissan’s characterful little Figaro convertible was introduced to the world at the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show, for which the Japanese company used ‘Back to the Future’ as its marketing tagline. The 2+2 model was based on the Micra of the day, and featured a front-mounted 987cc turbo engine of 75bhp driving the front wheels via a three-speed automatic gearbox. A design critic writing for the New York times described the Figaro as ‘the height of postmodernism and unabashedly retro, promiscuously combining elements of the Citroën 2 CV, Renault 4, classic Mini and Fiat 500’! Whatever your take on the design, the model caused quite a stir at launch and continues to do so today. Amazingly, production was limited to a single year (1991), during which a total of only 20,073 were produced, all of which were equipped with righthand drive. The Figaro was offered in just four colours that were intended to represent the seasons of the year – Emerald Green (spring), Pale Aqua (summer), Topaz Mist (autumn) and Lapis Grey (winter).
In summary
- An almost as-new example imported in November 2012
- Just 6,944 indicated kilometers (4,315 miles) from new
- Being sold at No Reserve
'A Buyer’s Premium applies to the Hammer Price of this Lot if your bid is successful, as per the following; Motor Cars 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT), Motorcycles and Bicycles 15% + VAT (minimum £100 + VAT); Registration Numbers 15% + VAT (minimum £50 + VAT); Automobilia 15% + VAT (minimum of £5 + VAT).'
Potential buyers should satisfy themselves with the description and condition of each lot prior to sale. Each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ as per the terms and conditions for the auction, buyers are asked to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out the service. Any disputes over descriptions will not be entertained.
Sold for £28,125
(Inclusive of Buyer's Premium)
Registration - H404 XWU
Chassis No. - SFABXXBAFBLU62894
M.O.T. - April 2024
Odometer - 6,944 Kms (4,315 miles)
Calling all fans of the cute Nissan Figaro – here we have an almost as-new example that’s seemingly covered just 6,944 kilometers to date; ie a mere 4,315 miles in 32 years! We’ve never encountered a Figaro in this condition before, and can only assume it’s been secreted in a museum or private collection, as its cream upholstery is as unmarked as its Pale Aqua paintwork, while the light green carpets have been protected by grey Figaro over-mats. First registered in Japan in July 1991 and in its current UK ownership since May 2016, the little Nissan currently rides on a set of Nankang tyres, while what appears to be an unused space saver resides in the boot along with the related tooling. It comes as little surprise that the vendor presently considers the engine, automatic transmission, bodywork, paintwork and upholstery to all be in ‘excellent’ order. If you’ve been on the lookout for a Figaro, then it’s hard to see how you’ll find a better example than ‘H404 XWU’, that’s being offered at No Reserve.
Nissan’s characterful little Figaro convertible was introduced to the world at the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show, for which the Japanese company used ‘Back to the Future’ as its marketing tagline. The 2+2 model was based on the Micra of the day, and featured a front-mounted 987cc turbo engine of 75bhp driving the front wheels via a three-speed automatic gearbox. A design critic writing for the New York times described the Figaro as ‘the height of postmodernism and unabashedly retro, promiscuously combining elements of the Citroën 2 CV, Renault 4, classic Mini and Fiat 500’! Whatever your take on the design, the model caused quite a stir at launch and continues to do so today. Amazingly, production was limited to a single year (1991), during which a total of only 20,073 were produced, all of which were equipped with righthand drive. The Figaro was offered in just four colours that were intended to represent the seasons of the year – Emerald Green (spring), Pale Aqua (summer), Topaz Mist (autumn) and Lapis Grey (winter).
In summary
- An almost as-new example imported in November 2012
- Just 6,944 indicated kilometers (4,315 miles) from new
- Being sold at No Reserve
'A Buyer’s Premium applies to the Hammer Price of this Lot if your bid is successful, as per the following; Motor Cars 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT), Motorcycles and Bicycles 15% + VAT (minimum £100 + VAT); Registration Numbers 15% + VAT (minimum £50 + VAT); Automobilia 15% + VAT (minimum of £5 + VAT).'
Potential buyers should satisfy themselves with the description and condition of each lot prior to sale. Each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ as per the terms and conditions for the auction, buyers are asked to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out the service. Any disputes over descriptions will not be entertained.
Auction: The Bolesworth Castle November 2023 Classic & Performance Car Auction, 12th Nov, 2023
Our November auction of classic and performance cars
Viewing Days:
Saturday 11th November,12 noon - 6pm
Sunday 12th November, 9am - 12 noon
If you wish to consign your vehicle to this auction, you can request a valuation here or by calling one of the Hampson Auctions team on 01606 828124
Fill in the form below and one of our team will get in touch with a no-obligation valuation. We will also take you through the consignment and valuation process, to enable you to make an informed decision.
If you prefer to contact us directly please call 01606 828 124 or email info@hampsonauctions.com
