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March & April 2021 Newsletter - Issue No 115
Figgy owner,

Welcome to our special 30th Birthday edition!
Two weekends ago (Sunday 14th February), the little car we all love to bits became 30 years old. To us, it's always seemed perfect that Valentine's Day falls on the same day. What better excuse to show some love to your partner and Figaro!

To prepare for this special edition we reached out to everyone to send in pictures of your car for inclusion and you didn't disappoint! You can see the amazing results below and it's so heart-warming to see so many of you enjoying your car, even in these difficult times.
Boris gives thumbs up to 30th Party (still crossing everything though)
Like you, we were all ears last Monday when the government revealed its roadmap to easing lockdown restrictions. The two dates that we need to focus on are Step 3, 17th May (outside events can go ahead up to 2,000 people) and Step 4, Monday 21st June (all restrictions lifted). Our event is 1 week later over the weekend of the 26/27th of June. Although this is great news we are still very nervous and these dates are subject to hitting certain targets. Also, we are unsure about overseas members being able to travel. But at the moment, our position is that we are actively working towards the event. The latest numbers are 242 cars so we are well on track to hit 300 by late June. Register Now

Thanks to the 50 members who submitted pictures if we missed any we apologise. Also, Colin Bullock sent in his amazing matching trailer story. David & Yvonne Harper for 'The Big Picture' entry, Classicline with an insurance update, Ian Martin for another one of his wonderful poems. Also a shout-out to Ken Graham and Yuki Saga who helps with the document feature.
QUICK LINKS
INSURANCE VALUATIONS
Priced at ÂŁ16 our 2 Year Insurance Valuation Certificates are highly recommended to protect your value
FIGARO TRADER
Launched 5 years ago our online platform allows you to buy and sell Figaro Cars, Parts & Accessories
FIGARO CLOTHING & GIFTS
Our Figaro Store contains over 20 designs and hundreds of gifts to keep any Figaro enthusiast happy
FIGARO BUYERS GUIDE
Priced at just ÂŁ6 and published Online (PDF) the guide is explains INSPECTING, TEST DRIVING and BUYING
ARCHIVE NEWSLETTERS
We have published over 100 Newsletters containing OWNERSHIP SUPPORT, MEMBERS STORIES...
A PERSONAL WELCOME FROM KEVIN & SUE
A figgy welcome to all our new members.

We love running this little club and are here to help in any way we can. Although I personally don't claim to know everything about the car, as a club we are truly blessed to be surrounded by such helpful and friendly members whom we can turn too, so ask away!

We wanted to remind everyone that we are always on the lookout for great stories and helpful and interesting content.

Kevin, Sue & Belle (Figaro) sales@figaroownersclub.com
NEWS HEADLINES
Figaro Desk Tidy
Created by a club member (and laser king) Steve Bettesworth the tidy is cut from 3mm Birch plywood in the shape of a lovely Figaro car. With exceptional detail on all sides of the car, including the unique grill shape and features. Supplied in a wooden frame to protect the car pieces and all parts can be carefully snapped out from it.
Car Guide Pao, Figaro & Be-1
Released in September 2008 the Japanese publication covers information on the Pao, Figaro & Be-1. In addition to many sketches, clay models and interviews with designers plus overviews of Pao & Figaro & Be-1. Introduction of all Pike car models and design drawings under development, clay models, and vehicles exhibited at the show.
Figaro Shaped Rice Crackers
These Kaki-no-tane (“Kaki” means “Persimmon”, “no” means “of” and “tane” means “seed”) celebrate some of Nissan's famous cars. The plastic can contains rice crackers shaped like a fruit persimmon seed and often sold with peanuts. The project was created to help Nissan reinvent the region. Thanks to Yuki Saga you could win one at the 30th Birthday celebrations. Read more
Dash Crack Repair Service
The Figaro dash top can suffer from cracking especially if the car has been left outside for much of its life. The reason this happens is the material used reacts over time to heat and UV rays causing it to expand then crack. Depending on where the crack appears this can sometime be fixed cheaply using strips of metal, although this does not look that great. Read more
Roof Alignment Video
This short video explains issues concerning your roof catching as it’s retracted or the top boot being difficult to open and close. Reasons, why the top boot can catch, is also covered in addition to checking the roof safety locking mechanism. Two other videos below show more if you need to know how to adjust each item. Watch now
Wiper Blade Page
Although our website already includes over 1,000 pages of info there is always room for new additions. The wiper size on the Nissan Figaro is 18″. You will need two identical blades and some sets are different sizes. Below is a link from Halford’s but we recommend shopping around. The page includes a link to buy. Read more
Dave Sands Remembered
Last month we were shocked to hear that member Dave Sands passed away on Christmas Eve from Colon Cancer. Dave and Sally came to prominence back in 2014 when we published a story about a 3,835km Figaro Adventure. We pass on our condolences to Sally and the family. Read more about this incredible trip. Read more
What's on the VHS Tape?
Watch me unpack and reveal what’s on this mystery Green Nissan Figaro VHS tape which was sent to us by dealer Adam Lees of Figaro Imports.
Enjoy the video but there is a WARNING! The tune will get into your brain and you will be humming it for the rest of the day!!!
The Big Picture
The image that makes us smile
Meet Nia (left) and Seren (right), the granddaughters of members David & Yvonne Harper. They have owned their Figaro for 14 years and wanted to share a ray of sunshine and happiness with this photo of them sat on the back seat with sunflowers.
30th Birthday Celebrations
We asked you to send in pictures celebrating the love of your life and you didn't disappoint. Enjoy 51 pics from all around the globe.
Pete & Sandra sets the scene with their spectacular custom Figaro named Sally

WATCH THE VIDEO

We shot this video on the 14th February 2021 to celebrate the cars 30th Birthday.

With Stevie Wonder singing the famous Happy Birthday song the video includes a timeline of the manufacture and how the Figaro was initially born.

Also some rare pictures and of course our wonderful members enjoying their figs.
Airfix Inspired Figaro Merchandise
Four new designs that celebrate all that we love about the Figaro. Available
on a T-shirt or custom print of your actual car.
Words Kevin Fagan

Like many of you, when I was a kid I had so much fun building Airfix planes and had a thought a few months ago, could it be possible to re-create the same design in print form of the Figaro? I had no idea how to do this but luckily for me, Sarah Callis from Patternhill Studio stepped up to the plate. Sarah had past experience in creating vintage cars on her ETSY page so was well qualified and up for the task.
Below is the result of the collaboration where we shared detailed pictures to try and get the parts of the car to look like the real thing. The print is available in all 4 classic colours on T-Shirts and A4/A3 Customised or Standard Print for mounting in a frame.
T-Shirt Designs
The print shows the Emerald Green version model kit template design. 33 key parts of the car are featured including the Red Flare, Side Indicators, CD player, Wipers, Wing Mirrors, Key and Steering Wheel.
Emerald Green Classic. Also available Topaz Mist, Lapis Grey & Pale Aqua. Prices start at ÂŁ15.39.
A4/A3 Super charged Custom Print (Your Actual Figaro) Design.
These 'Supercharged' Figaro prints include fine details of your actual Figaro. Sarah produced a custom version of our Figaro Belle for Sue and I. This included the actual number plate, hearts hanging off the switches, a rear rally sticker and even the two sheep hanging (acquired on our Yorkshire Rally) off the rearview mirror!

"As an example. If your car is pink, has a rear boot rack and parking stick then Sarah can include this detail in the actual print. You send in pictures at the point of ordering and Sarah will create your car in print"

Prices start at ÂŁ20 for the A4 standard non-supercharged version (see right) ÂŁ25 for A3. If you want to opt for the supercharged version the price increases to ÂŁ40 as there is more work involved.
Save money with a 10% Members Discount. use FIGAROOWNERSCLUB in the Etsy shop.
Boot Rack Fitting
It's one of the most popular accessories fitted to the car, providing additional space for suitcases, bags and the obligatory picnic basket.
Two version are available, Stainless Steel & Aluminium. We strongly recommend purchasing the optional rear bracing bracket. The rack clamps on the side edges of the boot lid and has rubber feet to protect the paintwork and can be removed.

PRICING
Aluminium / Wood – £93+VAT
Stainless Steel /Wood – £109.79+VAT
Rear Bracing Strap (Recommended) – £2.50+VAT

As the rack will end up at 90 degrees and most likely with a case attached the optional top bracing strap must be purchased.
You can see how the bracket fits over the top of the edge of the boot. Once installed it stops the rack from sliding down the boot!
I placed a couple of dusters under the rack during fitting as it's very easy to drop a strap whilst you are tightening it up
To stop the metal brackets marking the paintwork on the side of the boot we recommend applying heat shrink sleeving. You simply push over the edge and use a heat gun or hair dryer to shrink onto the bracket.
From above after fitting. We recommend not overtightening the side brackets or it will end up bending. Make sure the suckers are positioned evenly and the rack is in the centre of the boot before you start tightening.
WATCH THE VIDEO
Shot in my garage and workshop the video provides useful tips on applying protective sleeving to the brackets before fitting which will save your paintwork in addition to preparing the car before fitting.
Ownership Documents
We researched what ownership documents you would have received the day you collected your brand new Figaro. How many have you got?
When the car was sold back in 1991 it would have included a range of documentation covering operation and service issues. Over the years these documents become lost and not passed on when the car is sold. Below are the documents along with some early service schedules. If you have some (or possibly all) then this is very rare and should add value to the car if you decide to sell it.
  • Instruction Manual
  • Service Book
  • Clarion Instruction Leaflet
  • Clarion Warranty Card
  • Air Conditioning Service Record
  • Roof Operation Card
  • Warranty Card (Car)
  • Document Holder
  • Annual Inspection Report
  • Pre-Maintenance Inspection
  • Inspection Wallet
Thanks to members Ken Graham and Yuki Saga for helping with this information
Insurance Update (UK Members)
Since Brexit, there have been a number of key changes you need to be aware of so we asked Classicline Insurance to bring us up to date.
It has been a while since we last had an insurance overview, so we have asked the team from ClassicLine Insurance, the Figaro Owners Club insurance scheme partners, to provide us with a quick round-up and a guide to what’s new with the insurance scheme.

Quick intro…
ClassicLine Insurance has been the club’s insurance scheme provider since 2009 and Ian, Darren, and the team are familiar faces at the shows. The insurance scheme has evolved over time with the support and input from the Figaro Owners Club and its members. Our competitor research shows us that our cover is the highest quality specialist vehicle insurance on the market and is offered at competitive prices.
Because our expert team understands the Nissan Figaro and what a joy it is to drive, this means we can spend more time listening to your individual requirements. So, if there is something specific you need, just let us know.

Driving abroad in 2021
If you are planning on taking your cherished car abroad once Covid-19 travel restrictions have been lifted, we can issue you with a Green Card if required (as of February 2021 these have been re-introduced). This is a document that proves that you have the minimum compulsory insurance cover required by the law of the country being visited. If you are towing, you will also need a green card for your caravan or trailer. You must carry a physical copy of your green card when driving abroad, with electronic versions not acceptable. Don’t forget your GB stickers too!

Why have agreed value cover
By obtaining a valuation from the Figaro Owners Club or from ClassicLine’s in-house team, you’ll have the peace of mind that your one-off, unique vehicle has been valued accurately and will therefore be insured at its true value should you ever experience a total loss. This is by far the most important reason why Figaro Owners Club members should always insure with a specialist provider such as ClassicLine.
 
Don’t forget that your valuation needs to be renewed every two years Learn more

Use a specialist repairer
Accidents happen. That’s why we have insurance. So, if you make an insurance claim and your car can be repaired, we will agree with you on how to repair it.
The benefit of insuring with ClassicLine is that can choose a repairer. You may want to choose a garage that offers a high-quality service that you are happy with, or one that is local to you.

Whoever you choose, it’s important to ensure that you use a repairer who is familiar with the specialist requirements of your vehicle. Not only should you be ensuring that the garage or mechanic understands the needs and complexities of a classic car, but genuine replacement parts are used to maintain the value of your Figaro.
The Figaro Owners Club has a useful Garage Directory on the club’s website. This is a helpful list of Figaro dealers, importers, and garages known to the club and its members for having experience and knowledge of importing, selling, restoring, repairing, and servicing the Nissan Figaro car. This is not an approved list, but we would encourage all Figaro owners to talk to a number of these specialists when they need to get their Figaro repaired following a claim

Once you have shortlisted your repairer, you must send us a detailed repair estimate and full details of the incident before your repairer starts any work. Our insurance advisors will talk you through the steps to get your car back on the road.

Taking your Figaro off the road
We are seeing many customers choose to take their Figaros off the road as they have been unable to use them as much as normal due to the ongoing restrictions. Although it is not currently a legal requirement to have insurance on a vehicle declared as SORN, it is sensible to do so. This is often when your vehicle is most vulnerable - exposed to fire, theft and accidental damage - be it welding sparks or a family of mice nesting in your upholstery... so don’t forget to cover your off-road vehicle on a laid-up policy.

We must make you aware that it is the vehicle owners’ responsibility to ensure that the car is either taxed or declared as SORN. Failure to do so may result in a fine or penalty.

Benefits of laid up insurance cover
Laid up insurance cover includes accidental damage, fire, and theft as standard. The premium reflects the fact that your car is not being used on the road meaning you will not be paying extra for comprehensive insurance cover when it is not necessary. The cover will include your tools and spare parts so long as they are in the same garage as your vehicle - something that many home policies won’t cover. We can also now offer agreed value cover for your vehicles on a laid-up policy. Plus, if you are temporarily sending your Figaro off for bodywork or to the paint shop, you will still be covered. Just give us a call in advance so we can make a note of your policy.

ďťżEasy ways to renew
For all those who are working around the clock and unable to contact us during regular office hours, you can renew your policy online. Once you have received your renewal invite, visit here to renew online.

Contact us
To speak to ClassicLine Insurance about our dedicated Figaro Owners Club insurance scheme, call 01455 639 000 making sure you mention you are a member of the “Figaro Owners Club” and quote your membership number to get your 15% discount.
Hopefully, see you this year!
Glimmers of hope are beginning to appear for the summer season and one event we are really looking forward to is the Nissan Figaro 30th Birthday Party Weekend 2021 in June.

Our team will be at the event so please do say hello if you are there. Here’s to hoping that normality returns soon, and we can get out and enjoy our cars!
Meet the Members
We love to publish pictures of our members and their cars. Here's a selection of some of our latest Figs from around the globe.
Ying ka ng sent in his Lapis Grey Figaro parked in some wonderful locations. This was our favourite.
Rosey Matu sent in this lovely picture of her little cocker spaniels named Zahra and Bindi enjoying the Figaro.
Andrena Connelly with
Violet Elizabeth (Figaro) enjoying the autumn sunshine at home in Glasgow.
Airbox Top Cover Upgrade
Let's be honest, most owners never look under the bonnet, only if the engine starts to sound funny! But for the purest amongst us, having an engine bay you could eat your dinner off of is the ultimate statement.
In terms of the respraying the airbox, it probably doesn't appear that far up the list of 'to do's when restoring a Figaro but when you see the results below you may change your mind!
As you can see the Airbox top cover was not in great condition, with lots of bubbles under the paint.
It took me a good hour to off the paint using 80 grit sanding bits on a Dremel and then sanding by hand with 100 grit.
Having heard wrinkle paint is very forgiving, I didn't go mad trying to get a perfect finish.
At first glance, the bare metal looks to be black and reflecting a lot of sun light?!
Only thing to note. The VHT paint has an special nozzle that doesn't need much pressure to activate and it's great. My finger was no where near as tied as it normally is when using a rattle can. Sadly, the nozzle top is tilted "backwards" to a normal can and so when I picked the can up, muscle memory from every can I've ever used before, meant that I ended spraying my hand rather than the part, twice
As it was a cold day I used my heat gun to speed up drying time between coats. In addition to keeping the heat in, the box was also there to keep any debris falling on to the paint while it was still wet.
To fully cure and wrinkle up, the part is meant to go in an oven at 93°C (200°F) for 20 minutes. As this wasn't an option, I carefully applied heat directly with my heat gun. It takes a long time for whatever the paint is suspended in to evaporate off and slow and steady is the way to go with this paint. After getting a decent amount of heat in to the part as a whole, I then worked in 2 x 2" areas.
After this, for some reason I decided to add a 4th layer. I guess in an effort to make sure I had everything covered. Stupidly I only gave it a light coat and when I reapplied the heat, the wrinkles just didn't look right and I need to blast on a thick 5th layer. This got me the result I was looking for.
More about the VHT paint
VHT Wrinkle Plus™ combines strong colours with a deep rich texture for a custom look. It is temperature resistant to 350°F (177°C) and is ideal for adding a touch of personal styling to almost any metal surface. VHT Wrinkle Plus™ resists colour fading, grease, degreasers and severe weather conditions. This tough, durable finish is extremely resistant to rust, corrosion, chipping and cracking.

The instructions say to apply 3 heavy coats and you really do need to go pretty mad with it. I'd say I put down around 3 to 4 times more paint per layer than I would have done with a normal type of paint. The instructions on the can are simple enough and very much worth following for the best results.
Figaro Trailer (Upgrade)
Member Colin Bullock gives an insight into how he built his trailer and why a colour change was required.
If there’s anything that the Figaro needs, it’s more space. So back in 2017, we decided to remedy this problem by building a trailer, therefore solving the problem of where to put Lesley’s shoes when attending the rallies! The first obstacle was to find a suitable donor car. Club members Helen and Nick Robinson helped us with that, complete but only good for spares. With it stripped and the engine removed it was time to cut it in half (look away now if you’re a bit squeamish…..)
With the structure now taking shape, the strengthening is added. All steel and a new pair of arches as well. The tow bar set up was a subject of much debate. How long should the bar be? We decided to have it a bit longer than you would think is normal. This was done because of the turning circle of the car, and a decision that proved fruitful on the Jersey Rally. Those tight turns were no match for it as it’s possible to turn full lock and not make contact between car and trailer.
Now it’s time for paint and a bespoke vinyl cover. Both lids open with the upper lid being released by a lever attached to a bicycle brake lever mechanism. The tow bars were specially made for us and bolt to the bumper brackets.
Although by no means a cheap project to undertake we are really happy with the end result. Unfortunately, our beloved Topaz had to be taken off the road last year so what next? Well, we decided to change the colour and marry it up with our lovely recently refurbished Lapis. Due to a couple of different ongoing projects, we are seriously running out of room. Therefore we will be looking to find the combo a new home.
Nissan Figaro 30th Birthday Party Weekend 2021

We invite members to bring their Nissan Figaro and celebrate the cars’ 30th Birthday at this unique weekend of fun, friendship and frivolity in the Cotswolds!
Attend on SUNDAY 27th JUNE 2021 for the main event which will include access to our Figaro Display Field, Vintage Village, participation in the mega convoy drive out, awards and more to come. Or if you are travelling a long way why not make a weekend of it? ďťżWe have pre-reserved a number of rooms for the event so you can enjoy the luxury of Walton Hall Hotel & Spa.

ÂŁ25 per Entry Fee Per Car
Our plan for the day is to create a ‘festival feel’ where members come together to share the love they have for their Figaros, and enjoy a Festival type atmosphere.
How the club started
Our son Daniel had always wanted a Figaro having seen the car at his local garage when he was just 16. After saving for a number of droppable-1614247961678years (plus a small contribution from his mum and dad!) he, at last, brought an emerald green model in May 2008.

Following the purchase, we searched on the internet for a club in the hope we could attend events and meet other owners. We were amazed that at that time no club existed so the Figaro Owners Club was born!

We decided to build a basic website and forum which took a few months and on the 1st March 2009, we pressed the publish button and waited to see if anyone wanted to join? Within a week we had 10 members, a month 35 and a year 478!

Today the club has around 1,300 members worldwide in countries including New Zealand, Japan, Australia, USA, Canada, Germany, Spain, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Sweden and many more.

Kevin & Sue
Figaro Owners Club
58 Earl Howe Road, Holmer Green,
High Wycombe, Bucks, HP15 6QT
United Kingdom