A 75-Horsepower Nissan Convertible From 1991 Now Costs More Than a Used 370Z

Looking for a stylish way to commute without breaking the bank? A convertible like the Mazda Miata or Audi TT usually does the trick. But Nissan took a different approach in the early 1990s, channeling the past instead of chasing the future. The result was the Figaro, a retro-styled drop-top that’s now worth more than a lightly used 370Z.

Unveiled at the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show, the Figaro borrowed heavily from the 1935 Datsun Roadster. Its round headlights, chrome grille, and wheel covers screamed 1930s elegance, while the fabric roof folded manually into the trunk. Inside, cream leather seats with black piping and a flat dashboard completed the vintage vibe.

Nissan planned to build just 8,000 units, but demand was so strong that production swelled to 20,000, all sold only in Japan. At roughly $13,000 (about $30,500 today), it was a bargain.

0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produced a modest 75 horsepower. That power went to the front wheels through a three-speed automatic transmission. Still, at under 1,800 pounds, it could hit 60 mph in about 11 seconds. The suspension was surprisingly advanced for an economy car, with independent MacPherson struts up front and a four-link setup in the rear.

But with rear drum brakes and a soft, comfort-oriented tune, this was no sports car. It was a style statement, plain and simple.

Today, the Figaro has held its value remarkably well. Fair-condition examples fetch $10,000 to $13,000, while well-maintained cars go for $14,000 to $20,000. Collector-grade models in rare colors like Emerald Green can top $45,000. Compare that to a 2010 370Z with 50,000 miles, which you can pick up for around $15,000.

Sure, the Z car offers 332 horsepower and real performance. But you’ll see a thousand of those for every one Figaro. For anyone with a soft spot for Japanese kei cars, that rarity, and the charm, is worth the price.