Grey imports were big business in the 1990s and early 2000s, with independent specialists around the UK bringing used cars over from Japan and selling them to eager British buyers.
And even now there are companies offering the same service, hence the influx of Figaros in recent years. Here we take a look at ten of the most popular grey imports of the past 25 years, with sports and retro cars being complemented by coupes and the odd 4x4.
Nissan Figaro
Love it or loathe it, we can’t discuss Japanese grey imports without including the Nissan Figaro, the 1950s-inspired Nissan Micra-based coupe launched by Nissan in 1991 and now one of the most prolific ‘greys’ on British roads. With its cutesy styling, two-tone paintwork and retro-look interior, the Nissan Figaro is still being imported by UK specialists who renovate and respray the cars, replace the flaking chrome and flog them for anything from £5000 upwards. There’s a thriving owners’ club, such is the Figaro’s British following – which isn’t bad for a Japanese-spec car with a short life and a production run of just 20,000 units.
Eunos Roadster
There was a time when one of the most popular grey imports was the Japanese-spec version of the Mazda MX-5, better known in its homeland as the Eunos Roadster and usually badged as such. There are probably more ‘grey’ early cars in the UK than there are British-spec early MX-5 cars so you shouldn’t be afraid of choosing an import if you find the right example. Sound, MoT’d cars can be picked up for as little as £1500 (or a tatty example for even less), while around £3000 is enough to secure a smarter-looking survivor – though the best cars will go for substantially more.
Honda Beat
If you like the idea of a compact, two-seater roadster but you find the Eunos Roadster way too common, how about the 1991-96 Honda Beat? Tiny, fun to drive and economical to run, this mid-engined 656cc sportster is a great choice for fans of Japan’s ‘kei’ car concept. The Honda Beat was never officially sold in the UK (such a shame), but some of the 33,600 cars built by Honda have found their way over here in recent years. They're rare though and don't expect to get one for a bargain price.
Nissan Pao
Predating the Figaro was the Nissan Pao of 1989, another Nissan Micra-based model but this time featuring a deliberately utilitarian, 1960s-influenced look (hence its ribbed side panels, external door hinges and flip-up rear side windows), although its driving style was modern thanks to rack and pinion steering, all-round independent suspension and front disc brakes. In just two years Nissan produced 51,657 Nissan Paos and it’s now a popular grey import in Britain. It might not be fast (with just 51bhp from its 1.0-litre engine), but it offers head-turning looks coupled with practicality.
Toyota WiLL
The WiLL concept was a joint venture between Japanese firms like Toyota, Panasonic and Asahi Breweries. The idea was to create a new brand of products aimed at trendy young go-getters, hence from 1999 onwards the launch of the WiLL Desktop PC, WiLL Collapsible Bike and WiLL Sweet Brown Beer. Then there was Toyota’s WiLL Vi, based on a Toyota Yaris floorpan and running gear but with a bizarre-looking bodyshell featuring a reverse-rake back window and ribbed-look doors. The WiLL Vi wasn’t a huge seller and lasted just two years, but is popular now among grey importers looking for something... erm... different.
Mitsubishi Pajero
The first two generations of Mitsubishi Pajero enjoyed successful careers, with the MkI lasting nine years from its launch in 1982 and its MkII successor of ’91 enjoying the same longevity. Both were available new in the UK – albeit badged as the Shogun – but soaring demand for used examples saw large numbers of secondhand Mitsubishi Pajeros imported to the UK in the 1990s. Choose from 3.0-litre V6 petrol or 2.5-litre and 2.8-litre turbo-diesel power and enjoy one of the most reliable 4x4s of its generation. Rust is an enemy of Japanese-spec Pajeros, however, so be vigilant when buying.
Nissan 300 ZX
If most of the grey imports featured here simply aren’t powerful enough for you, maybe you should consider the Nissan 300 ZX of 1989-2000. It was officially sold in the UK in turbocharged guise (pushing out 263bhp), though a less powerful normally-aspirated version was available in Japan – and it proved a popular buy. Many grey imports arrived here in the 1990s, but be sure you know which version you’re buying. Non-turbo models are generally a lot cheaper, making them the ideal choice for the bargain hunter.
Mazda Bongo Friendee
If we were awarding points for the most ridiculously named grey import, this particular Mazda would be near the top of the pile. But don’t let that put you off, as the Mazda Bongo Friendee – launched in Japan in 1995 – is one of the most versatile vehicles of its era. With a choice of petrol or turbo-diesel power, the Bongo is available with four-wheel drive and the option of an elevating roof. You can also choose from eight-seater MPV or five-seater semi-camper spec, making the Bongo Friendee the ideal weekend getaway vehicle.
Mitsubishi FTO
This rather good-looking, front-wheel drive coupe was originally launched in 1994, albeit not in the UK. For a number of years Mitsubishi refused to offer the Mitsubishi FTO to British buyers, which explains why so many survivors were brought here as grey imports. The car proved to be such a hit amongst coupe fans, however, that Mitsubishi eventually gave in, selling the FTO here as a cut-price cousin to the 3000GT flagship. And the good news now is that the Mitsubishi FTO still offers great value, with this 2.0-litre V6-engined model being available from just £1000-£3000 depending on its overall condition, history and mileage.
Mitsuoka Viewt
We can’t think of another grey import that’s attracted as much controversy as the Viewt from Mitsuoka, a Japanese company that specialises in fully-built ‘tributes’ to British classics. This one’s based around the Nissan Micra but features a retro-style front end, added boot, traditional chrome and an all-leather interior in homage to the Jaguar Mk2. Plenty of Mitsuoka Viewts have been imported to the UK (too many, as far as critics are concerned), which means they’re readily available from around £4000. It might horrify members of the Jaguar Drivers’ Club, but at least the Viewt knows how to stand out from the crowd...
