The DFW Car & Toy Museum has added a rare 1992 Nissan Figaro to The Ron Sturgeon Collection, bringing a significant piece of Japanese automotive history to North Texas. Originally sold exclusively in Japan with production limited to approximately 20,000 units, this cult classic represents a design philosophy that was never officially available to American consumers until now.
This particular Figaro, imported from Japan in June 2024, features a distinctive Champagne finish over its original Emerald Green paint. Based on the Nissan Micra platform, the vehicle exemplifies the retro-styled design that blended nostalgic aesthetics with futuristic elements when it launched. The fixed-profile convertible top provides an open-air driving experience, while the right-hand-drive cabin features Crème leather seats with green piping and a two-place rear bench.
Mechanically, the Figaro delivers surprising performance from its turbocharged 987cc MA10ET inline-four engine, which produces 75 horsepower and 78 lb-ft of torque. Power reaches the front wheels through a three-speed automatic transaxle, making it both peppy and practical for urban driving. The suspension system combines MacPherson struts in front with an independent four-link rear setup, while braking is handled by front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.
With just 83,000 kilometers (approximately 52,000 miles) on the odometer, this well-preserved example demonstrates the durability of these unique vehicles. Ron Sturgeon, owner of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, described 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."
The museum, now located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in Fort Worth, offers free admission and parking in its 150,000-square-foot facility. Visitors can explore this and other automotive treasures during operating hours Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. More information about the museum and its collections is available at https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
This acquisition matters because it preserves and showcases an important example of Japanese Domestic Market automotive design that represents a specific moment in automotive history when manufacturers experimented with retro-futurism. The Figaro blends nostalgic styling with modern engineering in a compact, efficient package, capturing a period of creative experimentation in the automotive industry during the early 1990s. Its presence in a Texas museum makes this design philosophy accessible to American enthusiasts who might otherwise only encounter such vehicles through photographs or videos.
The Figaro's combination of turbocharged performance, distinctive styling, and limited production numbers makes it a significant addition to any automotive collection. For visitors interested in Japanese automotive culture, unique design, or 1990s automotive history, this vehicle offers tangible connection to an era when automakers explored new approaches to vehicle aesthetics and engineering. The museum's acquisition demonstrates Texas's growing role as a hub for preserving diverse automotive heritage, providing educational opportunities for enthusiasts and the general public alike while contributing to the state's cultural tourism offerings.
