In the world of hot hatches, the EH3 Honda Civic – otherwise known as the Civic Si – is one of the more desirable examples you can scoop up today in bone stock condition. The trouble is they’re near non-existent, produced in smaller batches to begin with and extremely hard to find in anything other than heavily modified condition or, sadly, stolen and stripped. This example has seemingly escaped all of that, hiding out in a carport in Arizona for a few years after its commuting days were over. Find it here on eBay with bids to $6,100 and the reserve unmet. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Dayle G. for the find. 

For the hardcore muscle car readers, I can understand if you’re not exactly blown away by this thing. It’s humble for sure, but it was also light as heck. And it’s hard to deny that anytime a manufacturer sticks a more powerful engine in a car that didn’t really need it, well – that’s just plain cool. The Si trim typically indicates a hotter setup, and I honestly can’t recall a time Honda ever used the Si nomenclature without also increasing the performance on board, either through suspension modifications, more power, and usually, both. In the case of the Si shown here, it got a healthy bump in power and four wheel disc brakes, not to mention a higher redline.

Unfortunately, the engine made the humble hatchback a huge theft target. The D16Z6 VTEC engine transformed this hatchback from fuel sipper to redline chaser, and there was a waiting list of unscrupulous hatch owners who wanted to experience the same without having to pony up and buy an Si from the dealer. Because this example has been hiding out in the desert wilderness and was apparently only used for commuting in areas with low crime or few onlookers, this Civic Si has survived unscathed. It could also be I’m a victim of my surroundings, as cars like these are quickly pillaged in urban and suburban areas near coastal cities. More remote areas have numerous benefits, including keeping desirable cars away from prying eyes.

Now, despite surviving without a theft record in its history file, the Civic isn’t perfect. It is rust-free, another major accomplishment for any Honda of this era that’s still on the road. But the desert sun did have its way with the paint, which has been redone at some point and seemingly not to a high level. The photos show a stock interior with the exception of an aftermarket radio, and really, aside from some light bolster wear on the seats, there’s nothing to report here. This is a survivor that you could feel comfortable restoring back to showroom condition, or simply using and enjoying – but make sure you have a secure garage to store it in if you don’t live in the desert.