At first glance, the Nissan Figaro roof seal doesn’t seem particularly remarkable. It’s a rubber trim that fits around the edge of the folding roof — a small, discreet component most people wouldn’t think twice about.
But for those of us who know and love the Nissan Figaro, it’s anything but ordinary.
This single part plays a vital role in protecting one of the car’s most vulnerable areas. Without a secure and correctly fitting roof seal, water ingress becomes inevitable. Over time, that leads to damp interiors, perishing leather, musty smells, and even structural corrosion — particularly around the pillars and roof frame. In short, the roof seal isn’t just a rubber trim. It’s a line of defence.
The Problem with Low-Volume Classics
The Nissan Figaro is a rare car. Just 20,000 were made, and today it is estimated that fewer than 5,000 are roadworthy globally. That makes producing replacement parts a logistical challenge — especially parts as complex as the roof seal.
In 2022, The Figaro Shop set out to remanufacture this seal after market supplies had dried up and existing aftermarket options failed to meet our standards. We knew this wasn’t going to be simple — or cheap. But we also knew it was essential.
We approached eight manufacturers across the UK, Europe, and Asia. Most told us the same thing:
“Too complex. Not worth the effort.”
Only two suppliers were willing to take it on. Their quotes for the tooling required to produce the moulds?
£45,000
£27,000
And that’s just to create the tooling.
Not a single unit produced. No rubber extruded. No packaging. No freight.
Just the tool needed to begin.
The Engineering Challenge
So, why was it so expensive?
The Nissan Figaro roof seal requires seven separate tools to replicate the intricate geometry of the original. It’s not a flat piece. It curves and tucks, varies in thickness, and must marry seamlessly to the roof structure. Any deviation risks wind noise, water leaks, or compromised fitting.
After six months of vetting suppliers, we chose the most suitable. Then began the prototyping phase — another six months.
First prototype: rejected.
Second prototype: too stiff, rejected again.
Third prototype: passed — finally.
Only then could we begin actual production. Add to that import duties, packaging, storage costs, and distribution — all before a single unit goes out to a customer.
And since we knew demand would be low, we based the cost over a first batch of 50 units. That’s £27,000 divided by 50 — an upfront cost of £540 per unit before a single part is made.
We’ve worked hard to bring that figure down to £494, but that’s the reality of low-volume, high-precision classic car part production.
Why We Did It Anyway
We didn’t do this because it’s profitable. We did it because it’s necessary.
When we build bespoke Nissan Figaros or deliver our Restored & Remastered cars for clients, they often invest between £5,000 and £20,000 in a custom leather interior. They choose the colours, the stitch detailing, the feel of the seats, and the finish of the trims.
Sending a car out with a substandard roof seal would be unthinkable. We cannot — and will not — allow that kind of craftsmanship to be undone by a slow leak or a poor seal. It would only take a winter or two for that beautiful interior to become damp, musty, or even destroyed.
This seal is not a luxury add-on. It’s a core component in preserving the value, integrity, and comfort of the Nissan Figaro.
Commitment to Preservation
At The Figaro Shop, we’ve made it our mission to keep the Figaro alive. That means investing where others won’t. It means fighting to reproduce small parts, with big engineering demands, for a community of passionate owners who want to preserve their cars the right way.
It also means pricing based on the reality of production, not the perception of value. We won’t cut corners — because if we do, your Figaro suffers. And for us, that’s never an option.
🔗 Explore the Figaro Roof Seal and other parts we’ve invested in here.
📦 We ship worldwide.
🛠️ Want to learn more about restoring your Figaro or commissioning a bespoke build? Get in touch with Maz by emailing [email protected]