The DFW Car & Toy Museum has unveiled a rare 1992 Nissan Figaro as a new addition to The Ron Sturgeon Collection. This Japanese Domestic Market vehicle, originally sold only in Japan with approximately 20,000 units produced, represents a unique blend of retro styling and modern engineering that continues to captivate automotive enthusiasts decades after its initial release.
The Figaro was designed as a retro-styled city car based on the Nissan Micra platform. This particular example has been resprayed in an elegant Champagne finish, though it was originally painted Emerald Green. The vehicle features a fixed-profile convertible top that provides an open-air driving experience while maintaining its distinctive vintage aesthetic.
Under the hood, the Figaro is powered by a turbocharged 987cc MA10ET inline-four engine producing 75 horsepower and 78 lb-ft of torque. This power is delivered to the front wheels through a three-speed automatic transaxle, creating what owners describe as a peppy and practical driving experience for urban environments. The vehicle's suspension system includes MacPherson struts in the front and an independent four-link setup in the rear, contributing to a refined ride quality for its class.
The interior showcases Crème leather seats with green piping and includes a two-place rear bench, all designed with retro flair that was both nostalgic and futuristic for its time. As a right-hand-drive vehicle with just 83,000 kilometers (approximately 52,000 miles) on the odometer, this Figaro represents a well-preserved example of 1990s automotive design. Ron Sturgeon, owner of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, describes the Figaro as "a dream car for anyone who loves vintage style and clever engineering" that is "playful, rare, and impossible not to smile when you see it."
For business and technology leaders, the Figaro's story illustrates several important principles about product development and market positioning. The vehicle demonstrates how limited production runs can create lasting collector value, how retro design elements can transcend their era to remain appealing decades later, and how niche market vehicles can develop cult followings that sustain their relevance. The Figaro's turbocharged engine in a compact package also represents early adoption of performance technology in accessible vehicles, a trend that has continued to evolve in the automotive industry.
The museum's acquisition of this vehicle reflects broader trends in automotive collecting, where Japanese Domestic Market vehicles are gaining increased recognition and value among collectors worldwide. The Figaro's combination of distinctive styling, limited availability, and technological features makes it particularly significant in this context. Visitors can view the vehicle at the museum's North Fort Worth location, which offers free parking and admission according to information available at https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
This addition to The Ron Sturgeon Collection represents more than just another vintage automobile—it serves as a case study in how specific design choices, market positioning, and technological implementation can create enduring appeal that transcends the vehicle's original market context. For leaders in technology and business, the Figaro's story offers insights into product lifecycle management, the value of distinctive design language, and how niche products can develop lasting cultural significance beyond their commercial lifespan.
