The 3rd generation Mazda RX-7 | Efini RX7 (FD3S) is one of the most sought after sports cars by Canadian enthusiasts.
With 50:50 front-rear weight distribution, low center of gravity and long wheelbase the RX7 possess world class handling and amazing balance for drifting, racing and cruising in stock form.
The 13B's twin turbos put out 255hp from the factory and the engine can be tuned to produce over 400hp at the wheels for much less than most sports cars.
The Figaro was introduced at the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show under the slogan "Back to the Future".
It was designed by Shoji Takahashi, who won a design competition with the car. It was built in limited numbers by a Nissan special projects group called Pike Factory, who also produced other niche automobiles such as the Be-1, Pao and S-Cargo. This car was so popular that a Lottery was held to determine who would get to purchase one of the 20,000 made. Only 8,000 were originally available with an additional 12,000 added to production numbers to meet demand. Only four colours were available: Topaz Mist, Emerald Green, Pale Aqua and Lapis Grey. The least popular was Topaz Mist, which now has become the most sought-after version due to the rare few that have survived.
The Figaro came equipped with a full White Leather interior and sculpted features. The air conditioning controls are polished aluminum in the shape of sea shells, the CD player is a Clarion hidden inside the retro styled casing, and a Open Top retractable roof is a real breath of fresh air.
The engine was Nissan's MA10ET, a turbocharged 1.0 L (987 cc) I4 producing 74 HP and 78lb-ft of torque. You won't be winning any races, but that's not what this car is about.
"It's a 1950s-style, bosom-shaped Noddy car... Everywhere you go turns into a party. People want to talk about the car… It's not flashy, it doesn't guzzle petrol, it doesn't get up anybody's nose... It's a car that makes you smile. It's a witty car, and I don't think they make witty cars anymore. Everyone should have one. If I had to consider something else, I think it would be the number 22 bus, because there isn't another car as perfect as this."
A quality Figaro can fetch quite a price. Due to the limited numbers of these cars, the pricing is affected in both directions. Quality examples are increasingly rare and command a premium price, and low quality cars are significantly less valuable due to the decreasing availability of parts.
The Figaro will range from a low of 8K to a high of 30K for an immaculate condition collector's item (recently a Figaro with a mere 7,000 kms and a grade of 5.0 passed through the auctions for $19,000 CAD total landed cost). Due to the nature of these cars, there are quite a few well kept examples available relative to the small numbers originally produced.
The best value in a Figaro can be found between $10,000 - $12,000 CAD total landed cost. In this price range you'll be able to get a 30k-80k KM, high quality grade 3.5+ Nissan Figaro.
Nissan Figaro Compliance
Compliance has recently become an issue with all imported vehicles in BC.
Typical Compliance parts required for the Nissan Figaro:
DOT/SAE Compliant Headlights
DOT/SAE Compliant Taillights
Daytime Running Light Module (In stock)
Rear side Markers
Front Side Markers
These parts are required to meet the regulations set forth by the CVSE (Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement). Photographic proof of compliance is required prior to registration in BC.
Other Compliance Issues that may arise:
Glass:
All Glass must be properly stamped to meet AS standards accepted by the CVSE. All factory glass available will meet these standards. If any glass has been replaced with an aftermarket piece that has not been properly stamped, it will require replacement to maintain compliance.
Lighting:
Just as with the glass, if any components have been replaced with non compliant aftermarket parts, replacement will be required to meet compliance.
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