Back in the mid1980s Shoji Takahashi, a Japanese designer, set about creating a retro-styled car that would have all the charisma of a Sixties classic but with all the benefits of modern standards in safety, comfort and performance. The result is the Nissan Figaro, which remains one of the most unusual cars of the late 20th century.

Revealed at the 1989 Tokyo motor show, the Nissan Figaro was an instant hit and it soon became apparent that the manufacturer’s original intention to produce just 8,000 units would fall well short of the potential demand. The car’s brief production run was soon increased to 20,000 units but even this was not enough and potential buyers had to enter a lottery to win the right to make a purchase.

Furthermore, despite Nissan’s intention to sell the Figaro exclusively in Japan, it was only a matter of time before the first grey imports appeared on British roads. But buyers beware, the mileometer records only in kilometres.

Powered by a 1 litre petrol engine, the Figaro was, in essence, a reskinned Nissan Micra. A turbocharger boosted its power to 75bhp and, thanks to a kerb weight of just under 1,800lb, the car offered plenty of zip for the city while still returning good fuel economy.

But few buyers were concerned with the Figaro’s technical specifications, it was the model’s looks that set it apart. With styling more reminiscent of the late 1950s and early 1960s the Figaro was offered in just four body colours – topaz mist, emerald green, pale aqua and lapis grey – with each of the nonmetallic, matt finishes designed to represent a different season of the year.

Over time some cars have been subject to a repaint in myriad nonstandard colours – including vivid pinks – but the original cars are still viewed as the most desirable.

The car’s retro-styling extends to virtually every element of the bodywork with colour-coded centre caps on the wheels, copious chrome strips and a large mesh grille that would look equally at home on an aged Austin Healey. The Figaro’s desirability was further enhanced by its folding soft top. Finished in off-white, with a glass rear screen, the hood folded easily with the release of a pair of screen-mounted catches.

Despite the car’s diminutive size the front seats are large and squashy. Trimmed in white leather, they are prone to getting grubby but cleaning them regularly is a satisfying task. The bespoke radio CD, finished in a material akin to Bakelite, takes pride of place in the centre of the dashboard and chrome switches and knobs are scattered around the cabin.

Creature comforts are handled with discreet aplomb, power steering is standard, windows are electrically powered and air-conditioning, essential for the hot and humid Japanese market, is included.

On the road the Figaro feels, not unsurprisingly, like a Nissan Micra, and an 18-year-old one at that. The engine is a little raucous, the steering is a bit too light, the standard three-speed auto gearbox is not the smoothest and at higher cruising speeds the wind noise becomes rather intrusive.

But all these shortcomings have little impact on the car’s desirability as a secondhand purchase. When new the Figaro had a list price of about £10,000 and today good examples still fetch around half that price with some owners asking as much as £8,000 for what are described as “mint” examples.

If style, individuality and fun are what you are seeking in a used car then the Nissan Figaro delivers on all fronts – indeed it could just be the one secondhand car you buy that you will never want to sell.

Hood Off-white hood is prone to water marks and staining but can clean up well. Check seals for signs of water ingress and make sure poppers are not torn

Colours Originally just four. At launch the topaz mist (beige) was least desirable but now commands a premium of around £200. Check the quality of repaint on cars finished in nonoriginal colours, particularly bright pinks and blues

Stereo CDs tend to bounce in the factory-fitted stereo system. Specialist refurbishment is often required, costing around £300

Badge No visible Nissan badge on the bodywork, just a fleur de lys-like emblem on the bonnet

Residual values Secondhand prices can vary dramatically. All cars were initially registered in Japan during 1990-91 but secondhand prices can vary between £4,000 and £8,000 for cars of similar mileage

Trim Cupholders, boot trays and parcel trays can be hard to find secondhand and often fetch more than £100 each on internet auction sites

Vital statistics

Model Nissan Figaro

Engine 987cc, four cylinders

Power 75bhp

Transmission Three-speed automatic

Top speed 100mph

The one to buy

A 1990 H Nissan Figaro with 40,000 kilometres on the clock. Pay £4,995 at a specialist dealer or £4,000 privately

Values

Kilometres 30,000 40,000 60,000

1990 G

Trade £3,275 £3,150 £2,875

Retail £4,975 £4,850 £4,575

1990 H

Trade £3,450 £3,300 £3,025

Retail £5,150 £4,995 £4,725

1991 J

Trade £4,200 £4,025 £3,700

Retail £5,895 £5,725 £5,375

Or for similar money

1998 S Toyota MR2 GT T-Bar

1999 S VW Golf 2.0 Avantgarde convertible

2000 X MGF 1.8V VTi

2003 03 Citroën C3 Pluriel 1.4

2004 53 Smart Fortwo Pure cabriolet