Classics Monthly Magazine – Published April-December 2020

Read editor Simon Goldsworthy comprehensive restoration of the car. The 9 part series starts back in April when Simon buys a Figaro at auction for £3021 which is located in Scotland and transports it back to his home in Lincolnshire.  Our very own Simon Smith helps with advice during the restoration.

Part 1 – Back to the future – View/Download/Print PDF
Simon Goldsworthy waits nearly 30 years to get a car that was first shown under a banner that claimed it was ‘Back to the Future.’ And no it is not a Delorean, but the quite remarkable Figaro from a most unlikely manufacturer – Nissan.

Part 2 – Safety First – View/Download/Print PDF
Last issue we explained how and why we have bought a Nissan Figaro as a project car. This issue we make a start on getting it ready for the road.

Part 3 – Building in Reliability – View/Download/Print PDF
Two main tasks are completed on the Figaro this issue, one a precautionary measure and the other an essential repair.

Part 4 – Interior Refurbishment – View/Download/Print PDF
We head down to The Figaro Shop in Didcot to get some expert help with one major and several minor improvements in the Figaro’s cabin.

Part 5 – Dash, Seatbelts and LEDS – View/Download/Print PDF
Picking up from where we left off last issue, there is a little more disassembly to do on the Figaro’s interior and a couple more repairs to make before we can put it back together for the drive home.

Part 6 – Heat, Cooling and more – View/Download/Print PDF
A new radiator and replacement coolant hoses had long been on our Figaro’s project list. Unfortunately, fitting them did not go entirely to plan.

Part 7 – Replacing the Heater Matrix – View/Download/Print PDF
The Figaro’s interior has to come out once again, this time to replace the heater matrix after one of its plastic outlet pipes snapped off when the hoses were being changed.

Part 8 – Unexpected Rust Repairs – View/Download/Print PDF
Investigating an odd-looking previous repair under the nearside sill reveals fibreglass matting. There is no other option but to peel it off and discover what horrors lurk beneath.

Part 9 – The Finishing Touches – View/Download/Print PDF
We wrap up our Figaro adventure with a few final tasks, plus a summary of what it is like to own and drive such a distinctive car – a car which will soon be for sale with an asking price of £4000.