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1 Of 50? 1982 Honda Prelude Solaire Convertible

Don’t remember a Prelude Convertible? This 1982 Honda Prelude Solaire Convertible offered here on eBay from Washington state is one of fewer than 100 made. A California company named Solaire performed the Honda-warrantied conversion. Click this link for more facts about the first-generation of Honda’s sporty Prelude.

With a classy luggage rack this drop-top Honda is ready for a weekend in wine country. Overspray on the muffler suggests the paint got a touch-up at some point. The “5 Speed” badge reminds us of a time when enthusiasts boasted about shifting their own gears.

The deep red theme continues into the interior. With 78,000 miles on the clock, this Honda is barely broken in, though the top has seen better days. Honda’s first-generation Prelude was panned by some, and dubbed the “Quaalude” in one review due to it’s yawn-inducing performance. However, not everyone needs 300 horsepower to enjoy an open-air drive. This sporty-looking yet frugal coupe that will pass many a gas station before needing a refill.

After being stored for 15 years, this sun-catcher came back to life with little effort according to the seller, though it could use a fuel system flush and a tune-up. “Classic” Japanese cars have a dedicated following. Has the time come when this one of fewer than 100 factory-supported convertibles should be painstakingly restored for a collector, or is it just a neat used car that should get a tune-up and a safety-check before being aired out on the Pacific Coast Highway?

Comments

  1. Avatar Steve

    If really factory backed or approved it should be restored to 100 point in my opinion………..if its just a hack job chop top like a lot of non factory convertibles……. then just drive it and enjoy the open air.

    Like 0
  2. Avatar Scotty Gilbertson Staff

    These things are so ridiculously rare. Nice find, Todd!

    Like 1
  3. Avatar slimwhitman

    It is very likely this was built by National Coach out of Vancouver. Sold new with this conversion, but not “factory authorized” The buyer should join the Fans of Coach Convertibles facebook group to learn more and get inspired.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Mike Franzusan

      Was National Coach in Vancouver, Canada, or Vancouver, Washington?

      Like 0
  4. Avatar Nova Scotian

    The top is a mess…drive when top is down anyway. A repaint that’s half ass with overspray, says a cover up IMO. I’d like to own this little puppy , but I’d be going over the chassis and body with a magnet and magnifying glass. Neat find.

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Bob Mac

    We had 5 of these come through the dealer I worked for in 82. The tops leaked from day one and after a few hundred miles the uni body sagged so much you couldn’t open the doors. All 5 were bought back by the dealer and later scrapped

    Like 0

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