Figaro, Figaro, Figaro
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| via CarStyling.ru |
I've often longed for a vintage car but realise with no mechanical experience, the running costs would quickly add up and I wouldn't be sure of its reliability. Hey, I'm sure they were VERY reliable 50 or 60 years ago but all those years would take a toll on anybody.
So in turn, I've also often longed for a modern car with the looks and styling of a vintage car. Little did I know, Nissan had already done just that in the early 1990s. Enter the Nissan Figaro:
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| via PuglyFeet |
I had seen a couple around, thinking they were vintage but inside they are fitted out to 1991 specifications including a retro styled CD player.
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| via Bringatrailer.com |
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| via carfolio.com |
Unfortunately, these cute little cars are twenty years old now so I would still be concerned about reliability. They seem to have been very popular indeed when they were released (they needed to have a kind of lottery to allocate the 20,000 produced) so why the heck has no one else done this?
I mean, it just makes sense, almost EVERYONE loves the look of mid century cars.
So come on, car companies, hear my cries...
What do we want?
Retro Styled cars with modern specifications.
When do we want them?
NOW!
That is sooo cool. Never knew that.
ReplyDeleteOh man, they never sold these in the U.S. They are adorable! I agree wholeheartedly - vintage cars are so much more stylish.
ReplyDeleteMan, that IS a VERY stylish automobile! Wonder why they only did such a limited run?
ReplyDeleteI mean, I get that it was probably some sort of experiment to see what kind of public demand there would be for it, but didn't they end up selling ALL of them? I don't get it.
You'd think that basic greed would cause them to make more for the rest of us... And I certainly WOULD want one! In Mint Green, please. Oh, and if it wouldn't be too much trouble, I'd like the steering wheel on the left, natch. ;)
What a great idea! I know we Boomers would be very interested. Love that Nissan....have never seen one. Good post!
ReplyDeleteWell, I'll tell ya what...
ReplyDeleteI have a 1963 Dodge Dart Station Wagon that is my one and only car. Its a daily driver and work in progress. Being almost 50 years old, it is remarkably reliable. I don't take it on long trips very often but instead drive it to and fro work and all around town every day! It is simple enough in mechanical design that even I, a relative novice to car repair can do most of the work myself. My insurance is cheap, my maintenance is minimal and affordable, and my street cred is through the roof! I love old car ownership, yes it has its limitations, but my car suits my life perfectly. I plan on having her for many many more years! Also, unlike a new car which depreciates in value the minute you drive it off the lot, an classic car only goes up in value as long as you maintain it. All that being said, if you long for the modern comforts like AC, power windows, seat belts, and power steering...go for a retro styled car. Ford re-issued the Thunderbird a while back and its not too bad either...although I prefer your Nissan here!