BATHURST 1000
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A NISSAN Figaro is the latest offbeat vehicle to join the list of cars that have carried Rick and Todd Kelly to Mount Panorama on their annual road trip ahead of the Great Race.
The 1991 model two door convertible will be part of a retro theme for the Kelly brothers who, along with David Russell, will cover annual 800 kilometres on their annual trip to Mount Panorama.
Kicking the trip off in style, the Kelly brothers donned their finest 1950s threads, with the dress up theme now a staple of the trip as well.
“For Todd and me, the Bathurst road trip is a tradition, we’ve done it for 12 or 13 years now, and it all started back when Todd, I and Nathan Pretty drove a camper van up to Bathurst,” Rick Kelly said.
“Over the years it has developed into something quite unique. We generally pick a car now that is a little older, have a theme, whether it’s 1950s, ’60s, ’70s, or ’80s, and we dress accordingly to the era of the car, which just adds a little bit of fun.”
The Figaro boasts a 987cc turbocharged engine with a three-speed automatic transmission.
It didn’t take long for Kelly to take a liking to the quirky car.
“This year it’s hard. How do we top all of the cool cars and outfits we’ve had over the years?” he said.
“Of course, how could you beat a Nissan Figaro? It’s a very unique car, it didn’t actually get brought into Australia and this one has come straight from Tokyo in only the last few weeks.
“Since we’ve taken delivery, I’ve absolutely fallen in love with it. It’s a nice little car, a one litre turbo, and just a lot of fun.”
The older Kelly brother said his involvement in the car selection was limited and is quite happy to point fingers at Rick should any laughs get directed their way.
“The Nissan Figaro is completely Rick’s deal, so I can stand back and wipe my hands clean of the expedition if we get picked on, or I can say it was half my idea if people like it,” Todd Kelly said.
“It’s a cool little car, it’s got fairly reasonable technology and age for something that looks really cool and retro. I think it’s going to be perfect for what we’re doing, and it’s comfortable too.”
