The Figaro Lottery
On the 14th February 1991 ‘NISSAN NEWS’ (which was the official media channel of Nissan Motor Co Ltd) published a 5 page Press Release telling the world about the Figaro. Contained in this release was an unusual statement about the cars ‘Price and Sales Method’.
To understand why they needed to clarify this we have to wind-back the clock to 15 months earlier when Nissan launched the car at the 28th Tokyo Motor Show (26th Oct – 6th Nov 1989).
The reaction to the prototype on display was unprecedented from both public and dealers. Nissan had already decided to limit the production to just 20,000 units over three batches so this left them with a problem as to what do you do when you have more customers than available cars? The solution to offer 100,000 lottery tickets was both initiative and fair as it gave everyone an equal opportunity to purchase a Figaro! The tickets were issued in three batches to match the allotment schedule of the factory.
The Lottery Process
Having seen the Figaro launch, you visited an authorised ‘Nissan Dealer’ and applied to purchase. The process involved the issuing of an ‘Application Form’ containing both the Nissan dealers information and the applicants ‘Figaro Club Membership Number’ (212382 was the lottery number see above).
You were issued with a copy and the dealer kept a copy. This must have then been sent to Nissan for entry into the actual lottery. We do not know if the winning tickets was generated electronically or physically?
You had three chances to win because if your 1st application was unsuccessful you could then re-apply for the 2nd time and again for a 3rd time (see below).
Now probably like me, you have only ever read about this lottery with little or no supporting documentation that it had actually ever took place? Until a few weeks ago that was when my email pinged with a subject ‘Rare find’ from member Chris Marien. Attached to the email was a copy of both the application form number 1820 and winning ticket notification.
3rd Lottery Sales Re-Application Form – Customer Copy
Interesting Observations
- It looks like you were issued with a Figaro Club Membership Number
- This was a re-application and assumes you have already applied under the second application and was unsuccessful
- The deadline for applications was August 31st 1991
- Reception day was February 17, 1919
Figaro 3rd Lottery Winning Guide (Winning Ticket)
Below is the text printed on the back of the winning ticket
Interesting Observations
- It is saying that if you receive this winning guide you must contact the above sales office (dealer) the complete the sales procedure
- Winning and contract (ordering) are different. Please be careful
- Delivery will be made within 3 months from the contract
- Validity period of this prize is October 13th 1991
- On the back they they congratulate the winner and state they were ‘elected’ from a large number on application
- They request the winner to get in touch with the sales company to sort out payment terms, optional parts, car insurance etc.
- The date date of the negotiations will be set by the ‘car life adviser’ who will be in touch
How Chris came about owning this rare find?
I purchased 3 rare Figarist magazines on a Japanese auction site (Jauce.com), and I did not know that there where lottery tickets included in the sale. I used an online translator because I cannot read Japanese. I was thrilled that I had something really rare,because not many will survive in almost 30 years. But when
I got it first sight I spotted directly some kind of serial number and the red stamp and I knew it had to be something official and not merchandised.
Kevin Fagan – Founder of The Figaro Owners Club