Why we bought a JDM import Nissan Figaro (+ buyers guide) // The Late Brake Show

[@jordanabraham1290]

The Figaro is such a perfect candidate for an electric conversion! It has an interesting design that looks like a "future design" prototype you would see in "Popular Mechanics" magazine from the sixties. Can't wait to see the updates and final results of this build! Also, the chemistry between husband and wife is unbeatable! You need to do more episodes with her. She is a riot!

[@bentullett6068]

I agree they would be great to convert to electric power. I am surprised Nissan don't provide the parts for these anymore being that the retro styling cars are popular across the globe.

[@stuartlanceley444]

Great video, loved it! There's the great "Project Fig-Leaf" conversion project on Twitter and the Open Inverter forum. It's fantastic! @projectfigleaf

[@matrixmirage2148]

If you re-arrange the letters in "NISSAN FIGARO", you get "RAINING OF ASS", which is a more gentle word for diarrhea 🤔

[@projectfig-leaf451]

Great to see you guys trying to do this as well. Check out the Fig-Leaf’s first outing: kzbin.info/www/bejne/movTZHyVaNV5bsk

[@petec2583]

You (and Jonny) COULD NOT be more wrong. The car already has a turbo for heavens sake. Want to make it faster? Tune it! More boost + more fuel - simples. Don't rip its guts out and weigh it down with batteries. Poor car.

[@woopimagpie]

"But I wasn't in love with you then". "You totally were". Classic!

[@fredericoespinoza]

Busted

[@chooseymomschoose]

Mrs. Pervert is now the star of this show.

[@25Soupy]

@@chooseymomschoose She just reminded me why I choose to be single.

[@TheDjcarlos67]

@@25Soupy "choose" yeah sure 😅

[@timgameson2919]

Couldn't afford a mint one, so bought her a mint coloured one instead.

[@SirLoinOfsteak85]

I just spent 15 minutes watching Jonny explain what to look for in a car I would never buy, and probably can't even fit in. And I really enjoyed it. Keep it up guys!

[@bassicvegan]

The brilliant irony of Jonny turning off the indicators as Chops is explaining how "mostly men" tell her "you've left your car running!" haha

[@ZesPak]

I thought that first, but it wasn't bad "car manners" on her part as they were stopped by the side of the road, Jonny wanted them off because he knows the mics will pick up on it an it'll be annoying in the video.

[@jack2jack]

Jonny thats one of the most genuine buyers guide I've seen in a long time, It's a lost art.

[@muddyboots1881]

"He was in the doghouse... for a long time..." "Do you understand the concept of a gift?!" Mrs Smith 2020

[@chooseymomschoose]

I want to see these two after a few G&Ts.

[@doyle201206]

Figaro is a beautiful little cat that always makes me smile when I see one on the road.

[@wightangel]

You & your wife make a amazing double act. She really lightens up the video with her quips. I actually love the little car & the colour is amazing. Thank you Johnny for lighting up 30 minutes of my mundane day.

[@spainter1985]

1:29 "Stood there and took lots of pictures".... not just Mrs CarPervert by name!

[@jamespaul2587]

Yes, a perfect match! 🙂

[@JakesOnline]

Jonny is the straight-man of this comedy team.

[@44dan5]

Jonny has personality he has a Charger. The man is the epitome of a car pervert. He is about as enthusiastic for cars as can be. Having a slight interest in Figaro I clicked for what he had to say. If you want shouty enthusiasm click on Cleetus McFarland, who I also like but love an honest man, One who showed me Red Victor one.

[@mycosys]

@@HIOP0 i guess if your intellect was non existent you might say that.

[@koolstup]

Poor guy having to put up with this

[@koitorob]

He's also quite clearly second in command 😊

[@heinzkitzvelvet]

Jonny is a battered husband.

[@markrowcroft2890]

What a really engaging episode. Thanks Mr and Mrs Smith! Can't wait to see the outcome!

[@transportevolved]

Jonny, Good luck ! It's a great project, and I can't wait to see the results!

[@martinnorth2680]

There's a lot of great content on youtube these days. But Yourself (and Chops), Harry's Garage and Iain Tyrrell really are all the tops

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

That's v kind to hold us in such high regard Martin. Thanks.

[@BRI535D]

Disagree pal.Hubnut,Carwow,CarWizard,South Main Auto,Fully Charged top out easily I feel.

[@garethneal82]

“You didn’t think I was worth a mint one” We’ve all been down that cul-de-sac

[@Hitycooking]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaDCY3RpZtmhf8k

[@Pete-z6e]

Worm your way out of that one!

[@ctapcreach1412]

Sd

[@terryatkinson899]

And it it broke down she would have said "you get what you pay for". Sometimes you can't win when they get an idea into their head....

[@ctapcreach1412]

@@terryatkinson899 sd

[@ianwlisle]

perfect example of why I'm a proud Patreon - keep it up!

[@ram64man]

For such an iconic model I’m amazed that a newer version hasn’t been made

[@markpatterson1109]

I love these long videos, really keep me going. Thanks Johnny

[@simgraves464]

One of the best car videos I've seen in a while. Loved the little auto and the chemistry between you and your wife. It was just delightful. Can't wait to see the ev conversion.

[@davidf2281]

Did NOT see that coming. Lovely. Edit: Glad now that I didn't read the description before I started watching!

[@Hitycooking]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaDCY3RpZtmhf8k

[@SGDCLOUD]

Never thought I’d be interested in a video about a Nissan Figaro but thoroughly enjoyed it! Can’t wait to see the outcome and your wife’s reaction 🙂

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Cheers!

[@Hitycooking]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaDCY3RpZtmhf8k

[@kazzman28]

@@TheLateBrakeShow this is definitely the kind of car related content that is missing in the market. personal and in-depth at the same time, about a car that might not be the car for everyone.. but then you look at the car on your own drive and understand the reason why we love cars . thumbs up !

[@RandyWillcox]

6:41 "Wellll, it's layers, isn't it?" 😂 Love the Mrs.

[@josephschneider2065]

This episode was brilliant. Your wife’s love of the Fig and your view of the car meshed was perfect. The plot twist and transition to the proposed EV conversion was well done. Keep up the great content. Cheers!

[@stuartsmith5308]

It's just a whole new level, with Mrs Smith, in your videos. More please

[@donalsinnott4303]

That was a brilliantly executed episode

[@RUBBERNMETAL]

This video reminded me of the time my dad wanted to get one while he was living in Japan. I couldn’t understand the charm of this car especially when you could get a basic Impreza instead. Watching this video now has made me realise that it’s such a bespoke car special unlike other basic cars on the road. And btw love the content and twist in the end about the power train.

[@drewsteroriginals4564]

Great video with Mrs Smith, looking forward to seeing the progress with this build. More content with Mrs Smith please, its an automotive Richard and Judy style goldmine.

[@mww558]

I love how passionate you are about this car. I’d never have one but I massively respect your knowledge of NOS/used parts. I wish you could do the same review on my mk3 golf! Your missus just manoeuvres the hood and you’re being super protective.....I know the feeling!! Class video

[@Ashfielder]

A car styled after the 1950s, developed in the 1980s, that I always think was released in the mid 2000s. Shows that retro styling can be successful in its timelessness.

[@bomfunk77]

Naaa mate it's a 1991 model judging by the reg

[@markholroyde9412]

LOL, its just a rebodied Micra with a turbo, the chrome on the bumpers is bacofoil....check out the ViewT, its a rebodied Micra that looks like a Mk11 Jag,

[@bomfunk77]

@@markholroyde9412 the figaro is more than a rebodied micra as they are completely bespoke

[@AnttiBrax]

@@bomfunk77 Maybe you missed the part in the vid that said it was introduced at 1989 Tokyo Motor Show. It's 80's development alright.

[@bomfunk77]

@@AnttiBrax no mate I didn't miss that part but the registration on the car starting with an H denotes it was registered between Aug 1990 and July 1991. So by a process of elimination I concluded with the information at hand it's a 91 figaro. Thanks for taking the time to reply unfortunately better luck next time

[@Spectreblindfolded]

Knew as soon as you said Bristol it was going to be ZeroEV. Their KZbin channel is great. Been waiting impatiently for the 100hp Twizy!

[@robmccarthy3737]

Really interesting Vid (again!) Jonny. Giving me ideas for my 1985 K10 Micra. Keep them coming bud!

[@softair2166]

Saw one of these in Barcelona in 2019, what a surprise!

[@daniel-ino]

I haven't loughed that much for a long time. Your wife is an example for british humor

[@michaelrejoinbradford1282]

Yea stinks Glad I am not married to her

[@infamous7676]

Love these quirky little motors so much fun.

[@JamesMinchew]

I love Mrs Smith. An eV figaro makes a lot of sense. I'll be watching developments with interest.

[@C.I...]

Not sure making the range tiny makes it better suited to road tripping, really. Just makes the compromise turn from speed to... speed? Trading travelling slightly slower for waiting ages every 100 miles.

[@jagdeepbains5829]

Please do a video on your obsession with Mercedes wagons cuz there are a lot of appearances in this video

[@jagdeepbains5829]

Also can I have one

[@matthewcoupeofficial]

Second this would love a video on the W124 S124

[@simonburleigh1872]

I have an S124 230, great car I would love to see Jonny do a video on his.

[@adrgraphics]

If you’ve heard his podcasts, there’s a few stories about one of those merc wagons too!

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

I don't have any W124s or W123s any more, but have had a few. Perhaps one will appear one day. Happy to do a video on this series of cars one day soon.

[@nixer65]

I was just thinking - why don’t you do an electric conversion?... and that’s when you pulled into the farm! Brilliant. Can’t wait to see the result.

[@MrBab91]

The channel is flying now. Many congrats, Mr. Smith.

[@ltkwok]

She’s lucky to have you and you are lucky to have her. I want one of these now but don’t have someone like you to look after it.

[@808v1]

Santa Cruz Screaming Hand!!! Throwback to my younger days of skating :)

[@timscott3027]

Good episode guys I really enjoyed the twist and even though i wouldn't have one I can totally appreciate all it's qualities x

[@cjp6527]

Brilliant as usual Mr Smith...👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Would be great to have more episodes with Mrs Smith as well, your on screen chatter with each other is great...🎩 Looking forward to the next episodes...👀👀

[@patreekotime4578]

About halfway through Jonny explaining about the debris that gets caught in the roof rails I realized the full perversion of the cleaning rituals his wife mentioned. This will be an amazing conversion. I absolutely love the look of this car. British sports cars have become a rare sight on US roads over the last decade and its a damn shame... I guess most of them found thier way back home.

[@barrettwbenton]

Fascinating video. Among other things, this shows how there's nothing scarier/more-wonderful than having a partner who's got your number (and, preferably, your enthusiasm for most of the same things). Challenging in some ways, worth it in nearly-all. Not the biggest fan of EVs (other than eco-issues), but I *do* get doing the convo on this one, and can't wait to see the results.

[@VWbaii]

You and your missus are very well matched Jonny. A proper strange but oddly likeable car!

[@Hitycooking]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaDCY3RpZtmhf8k

[@campbellbamble5138]

A proper strange but oddly likeable lady!

[@lauriebillson926]

Constructive, engaging, and bridges the gap to make the world of electric innovation a bit more relatable and a bit less scary. Just the right side of geeky minerals and delivered with genuine warmth. Bravo Jonny, Chops and the unseen team 👏

[@gnomad42]

I'm a big fan of ZeroEv's YT channel. Chris explains things so well.

[@24th1879]

Although I don't own a Figaro I think they are wonderfully retro styled little vehicles and have quite often thought about getting one. This is a great video full of necessary information for the would be buyer. However, I have always had the idea and thought how great it would be to EV a Figaro and was again thinking this whilst watching the video then out of the blue you stop and take it to an EV specialist... Excellent...

[@ConquerDriving]

How is the conversion coming along?

[@anthonylorbach9365]

I searched the channel, but couldn't find a video of the finished conversion. Was one filmed? Where can I see it?

[@Jamesmorley1999]

Ok, I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again! WE NEED A MRS SMITH AND MRS SNIFF EPISODE PLEASE!

[@slash196]

Reaching out to turn off the blinker is such a married move. I love it.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

😬

[@polopowered]

Really enjoyed this. And what a curveball with the EV route. Bravo.

[@martinrule1569]

Great video and a great double act! Really cheered me up. Thank you and looking forward to seeing her finished and EV’d. 👍🏼 Best wishes for 2021!

[@StumpyVandal]

Was just thinking “they should electrify that” ten seconds before he threw the missus out.

[@dylanh1978]

What a great video, yourself and chops are two great characters. Can't wait to see how this goes !

[@Metal-Possum]

First time I saw one of these was quite recently, for a 90's car, the interior could probably pass of as 2007. Had no idea the car was actually released in 1991, that always blew my mind.

[@bentullett6068]

I thought that as well when I first saw one. It probably was the inspiration that manufacturers like BMW (Mini, Rover, MG), Ford and Fiat used to create their retro design vehicles.

[@gabrielruzzi4452]

Gabe Ruzzi here from the good ol USA 🇺🇸. Stunning car, don’t ever get rid of it!!

[@markreed1604]

so.... If the Fig was for missing a 'Significant' Birthday.... and you've had it over a decade... Was the Mini G a present for missing the next one??

[@Hitycooking]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaDCY3RpZtmhf8k

[@williamarmstrong7199]

@@Hitycooking go away with your spam.

[@mrdiavel4807]

What a lovely story and a lovely couple , don’t ever lose what you have , never get distracted from what’s important , never have your head turned . These are a beautiful people warts and all .

[@matthewseymour8972]

Cracking levels of detailed perving on this one... just stop referring to it as yours Jonny, you’ll get into so much trouble.

[@bluetonic9538]

Brilliant as ever, looking forward to the progress updates

[@markcornwall8132]

What a great car to make a kit for. I can see them selling well in London as a cool town car.

[@Davett53]

I thoroughly enjoyed Mrs. CarPervert's point of view and I must say she is quite fetching. Good for you! I wish every car came with one. She's a keeper.

[@martino9134]

Famous Figaro Owners :- Andrew Marr , Eric Clapton ,Fran Healy ,Chris Rea, Vanessa Feltz, Princess Eugenie, Jane Goldman , Johnny's better half ..

[@AnttiBrax]

Turbo Tom, Marty Mulholland... 😃

[@martino9134]

Maths not your strong suite ? Bit of a Figaro hater ?

[@Richoncars78]

Another quality video, definitely see who wears the trousers. Keep up the good work.

[@joshdobson2737]

The plot twist at 22 minutes is epic! is rear-wheel-drive an option..... more room in the front?

[@MrAdopado]

I'll be surprised if rear wheel drive isn't the way to go on this.

[@chedhead3278]

Cheers Jonny and Chops, top quality content. Engaging, informative and with a great plot twist. Chapeau. :)

[@grolribasi]

When I saw the thumbnail, I thought it's aging wheels, but it's actually Johnny and the wife. Well it's okay, they're good too.

[@MrAdopado]

Fantastic episode! Great presentation, great personal chemistry, loads of car pervy detail resulting in perfect balance. (Even though I rumbled that the EV conversion was coming at the very first mention of a disappointing engine!)

[@brynjarbjorgvinsson1987]

Great video, I think you should ask you misses to join you more often in your videos.

[@niekhonselaar6605]

I OWN ONE OF THESE, love it with all my heart, rlly fun to drive and an absolute way to draw attention to you, not something you see everyday. mine's a glossy brown

[@this_is_ely0305]

"You can't get out of this car looking like a piece of shit." I applaud your decision to marry this woman Jonny 😂👍

[@dinosaurius6638]

Finally! THANKS for this Jonny. You’re such an EV enthusiast that I’m surprised it took this long. The Fig is such an ideal car for EV conversion. Its undeniable charm is unrelated to its craptacular engine and drivetrain. We also have a Figaro and I have reached out to EV shops here in SoCal but no one is interested in converting her (for a decent amount of money). I’m looking forward to seeing your progress. Subscribed! P. S. Love the banter with your wife. You should have her on more. 😆

[@realnutteruk1]

The S-Cargo was based on the Sunny, so was a 1.5 NA....

[@next0845]

Excellent idea! We had a fig a couple of years ago and loved it. As you said, rust is an issue. The drivers side window switch played up, and i took it apart and cleaned up the switch contacts and it worked perfectly.

[@christeitzel9609]

No cheetahs were harmed in the making of this episode

[@gadgetgasspoll2923]

That's a leopard print

[@ICUinthedark]

Just some rabbits...

[@michaelj7069]

My hometown on the central prairies of Canada, lives two and one where I currently live. They are super cute and I can't help but smile when I see them.

[@d.c.Jones70]

Nice little cars and quite literally screaming out for the conversion.

[@michelemorgan9023]

I just signed paperwork today for my figgy here in NC. I loved watching this video! Fantastic!

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Well done Michele. Hope you love it.

[@noisedreams659]

The best thing about the Figaro is when you can't find a parking spot, you could just put it in your pocket, or in your wife's purse

[@georgegibson3249]

Best car review yet. We loved every minute of it. More please.

[@JFMMUK]

My daughter said she trusts your wife. Coming from my teenage daughter, it’s a very good thing :)

[@ricksanchez220]

Sat in work watching thanks Jonny and the wife👍👍

[@larryjimbob]

Jonny cleans it?.....he missed the windows 😂😊

[@Shane-zx4ps]

Tracksuit trousers and a fluffy leopard top is the ultimate figaro dressage 👍

[@carsandstuff365]

My mum had one of these , also a H reg with only 14,000km’s on it .. back in 1999! I really like it at the time .. 1.0 turbo and it was rare .. until you want to London road Southend Essex where all the import dealers were and they had like 40’of them on that road alone !! This was 2003 ish

[@SuperChevelle88]

I've seen so many jdm cars, skyline silvia supra ect, but the Fig is the only one that every time I see one I smile . I want one as my first jdm car , or a kei car

[@AliWade1971]

Have I missed a ‘progress’ or ‘finished’ video?

[@ykitstaz]

No there isn’t a update video 😢

[@davelahoud1256]

What an amazing video and information resource for anyone wanting to buy, or has already bought a Figaro in need of some TLC. Well done Johnny and thanks very much.

[@dominicrusho]

Who the hell do you think you are, Andrew Marr?!

[@martino9134]

.." Heaven knows I'm miserable now I own a Figaro" ... that's the real title of the song 😁

[@lefroy1]

@@martino9134 Quality.

[@Gillotronique]

Love stories are under stated these days and your's just filled my heart (Can't wait for the future!)

[@Rockabillyrabbit]

Lost me at the guy with the big sack

[@spotty91]

Ah, i need more of Jonny and Chris in my Life. Down to earth and honest blokes. I really hope this channel takes off.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Many thanks Thomas. Yes, plenty of Zero EV in the next few months, so stay tuned.

[@peterlofstrand]

Put the batteries in the useless boot, and then make a "frunk" instead.

[@key2dalo]

Or use the boot space to fit the motor and load the front with batteries, just need to keep the roof up if you want to take anything with you.

[@MrAdopado]

Nowhere near enough room for any useful amount of batteries in the boot. My bet is that they will switch to rear wheel drive because there's space for a motor in there.

[@peterlofstrand]

@@MrAdopado Since they are talking about putting batteries where the fuel tank is, then the boot is a good place to consider as well. But true, having it rear wheel drive would be nice too.

[@Perkelenaattori]

Now this is the video I've been waiting for since the start of the channel.

[@johnsampey344]

And you're still Married !!! Amazing. 😅

[@johnsampey344]

I've been "Sacked" twice, for So much LESS ! Just call me sensitive ! 😇

[@Rentle553motions]

I like the couples dynamic in this video!! Made the video have a funny bit to it!

[@Where1smyCamera]

😂😂🤣 a jungle scene that’s vomited haha so good....so good

[@livingthroughtv]

Jonny; years ago we winced at your soul patch, your hightops and your youthful energy - but it is moments like this, like so many other things you've done in recent years, that let us know that you are a wonderful man. Thanks for all your hard work - long may it continue!