Is this 1991 Prelude Si a collectible car or a used Honda? That’s the question a potential next owner must ask before he or she plunks down in excess of $15,000, which is the suggested opening bid and yet does not meet reserve. The car can be viewed here on ebay or in person where you will pick it up if you win it, which is in Princeton, NJ. But that’s only after you figure out how to categorize it, because that makes all the difference in what you’d be willing to part with to make it yours.
The seller certainly tries hard to make the case for collectability. The car is claimed as low miles, though 75,000 is hardly fresh off the trailer. He also enthuses a number of times that the car won the Liberty Hill Auto Show, complete with multiple exclamation marks. I guess that’s important, though in trying to look this up online, it’s hard to figure out what show is being referred to. It’s not like the Japanese Classic Car Show held in Long Beach, a hallmark of the enthusiast’s calendar for 20 years.
On the other hand, the car is usable. The AC is upgraded to modern standards, for one thing, and there’s a new stereo with fresh wiring to make sure all’s well, but please note before you bid that there are other cars in this age and price category currently also listed on ebay, including a 1987 model that I’ve always thought had the best body style of the bunch amongst the Preludes, a series that started in 1979 and went through five generations until 2001. It has returned in a sixth generation in 2026 and, boy, is that a handsome car. You might want to remember this for future collectability reference. Anyway, the 1991 model is the last of the third generation (1988-91). You’ve got to decide, too, whether you like the white-out treatment of the trim and wheels. This wasn’t the only car of the era to feature such. There was a Mustang with white wheels and trim back then (and now again, the 2026 FX), and, if I recall, an Oldsmobile. Maybe you can name others.
The question is, outside of people at a show for Japanese classics, is this car going to resonate with those who see you driving it? Will people go, “Oh, I remember these?” That moment of revery that comes when you see something that resembles an image otherwise buried deep in your brain—that’s what collectors often seek. Maybe it doesn’t have to be, “Oh, my grandmother had that car” that you’d get if your trophy car were a 1960s Buick, but then again, that’s a matter of time and perspective. Let’s assume that the person who bought this car off the showroom floor was 25 at the time. That’s 35 years ago, making the original owner comfortably fit into the grandparent phase of life at now sixty years old. Yup, time’s gone by, and some of us (me first of all) need to update our “collectability clock,” that imaginary calendar that allows us to label something a “classic.” So how do you see this car? Is it a fun used car that certainly has some 90s character baked in? (Check out those velour seats). Or is it a used Honda that will be a useful driver but not the attention-getter most of us want in our hobby car?
Brian, I’m going to say this car fits right in the middle of your “Is it a Classic or a Driver?” question.
Without a doubt, this version of the Prelude was a nifty little car. It’s pretty, understated and follows Honda’s design language. The interior was comfortable and, as far as I know, reasonably durable. And best of all, it had a sweet, high-revving engine attached to a slick-shifting transmission and was very light on its feet (except for the 4WS version, which had a couple of mild handling quirks).
I wouldn’t spend 15 Large on it, but wouldn’t kick a more reasonably priced example out of my garage. People will look at it, make nice comments, and even perhaps dredge up a memory or two of a Honda they once owned. And it will be a pleasure to drive.
If the winner decides to drive it, it would be a service to the world as I for one enjoy seeing cars of this era on the road over the generic rolling computers of today.
As for the white out treatment, Chrysler/Dodge offered the Caravan, Spirit and Shadow also decked out in this way.
This car would fit right in up here on the west coast of Canada, the greater Victoria area, as the 2 door Japanese cars, Honda, Toyota, Subaru, Acura etc are a hot item. Lowered, loud exhaust, nice aftermarket wheels & well looked after. They are now after the off shore pick-ups as the 2 doors are getting bough up.
Lovely looking car. Although I was too young at the time to drive a car, I remember seeing cars like the Honda Prelude. My mother would jokingly refer to it as the “Squanda” (Squander) Quaalude. I thought it was Honda’s best looking car.
This car looks from these pics in nice shape….but how is it mechanically for over $15k??? I bought a new 1987 Acura Integra LS. When went to Honda dealer to check out cars…..I was insulted. When I asked how much their car was that was similar to the Integra he reply back with asking what color I wanted. I said I want know price. He then reply asking how much I want to pay a month. I said I want know price of car before I buy. He said Honda customers come in and just pick their color. I thanked him and walked out. When Acura started, it was to be performance with some luxury compared to Honda. Sure Acura had supposedly more performance with DOHC. But in reality its just a glorified Honda. Same as Lincoln is to Ford….Lexus and Infinity are same to their parent company. Does this car’s spoiler slapped on the trunk make it a sporty car??? Sure at glance it looks like a nice car for someone wanting this kind….But I think 15K is way over priced.
Definitely what they call a “chick car” five speed is nice though.
I would rather pay 15 large on this car, then a rolling Pyle of software that cost you 1 large every time you roll in for repairs. The guys down at the garage told me your better of with a much older car…all they do is work on software issues with the new cars, plus you can still work on the old ones..
Brian K, here is a matching wheels car featured here earlier this week. https://barnfinds.com/color-matched-convertible-1989-chrysler-lebaron/
These are headed for collectibles status, as are many performance oriented later models. The prices/value, amenities and overall drivability will likely keep them on the road as occasional driver more so than parked in garages like many older collectible cars tend to be.
The market tends to follow what people wanted, or had, when they were young. That’s not going to change, cars like this Prelude have become desirable, it’s just not evident to everyone, yet.
Steve R
RNM @ $16,350….. looks like winning the prestigious Liberty Hill Auto Show carries more value than the bidders realized 🤣