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Hot Hatch Carport Find: 1992 Honda Civic Si

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.

Comments

  1. Avatar MattR

    My first new car was a 1991 Honda Civic Si when I was young. It was punchy and handled nice. I prefer the more squared lines of mine to this model but I sure would have loved the 13% increase in horsepower of this one here.

    Like 4
  2. Avatar CJinSD

    Can a car be a hot hatch when it has a tailgate instead of a hatchback? I’d love to have one, but too many other people feel the same way, making even well used examples quite valuable.

    Like 2
    • Avatar Scott

      I thought that was a tailgate as well but then look at golf GTi of same era not a hatch any longer but still called hot “hatch”

      Like 0
      • Avatar Steve

        GTI has always had a hatch, all day, every day. Civic had the odd clamshell for a few years

        Like 0
  3. Avatar Natec

    Not an SI.

    Like 1
    • Avatar Skorzeny

      If you check the VIN online, assuming it’s correct, it decides as an Si. Surprisingly, even with 14” steel wheels and wheel covers. Without seeing it, it seems like a great deal for the price. Amazingly fun cars.

      Like 3
    • Avatar Dayle Gray

      its 100% Si, ..do your research better

      Like 3
  4. Avatar chrlsful

    motor no matter, if interested, put in anything U want.
    I’d want it for the 5th gen Civic body. Good for DD even if wanting the
    slightly larger (~106 inch WB) american wagons.

    Like 0
  5. Avatar gaspumpchas

    I had a 94 cx, bought new , taught both of my teenage daughters how to drive stick on it. the usual stuff, blew the head gasket at 200 k. I sold it to a local kid, never saw it again. 257 k with original clutch and struts, and it got 52 MPH. Wish I could buy a new one. This will be great but you would have to work the bugs out from sitting. Stick on it was $9700. Excellence and reliability.
    Cheers
    GPC

    Like 1
    • Avatar Dayle Gray

      its a running driving car as is….Ive been driving it to work twice a week for the last 2 months.
      It could use some rear hatch glass struts, but thats about it right now.

      Like 2
  6. Avatar PRA4SNW

    My sister bought one of these new and I laughed at it until I got behind the wheel.
    Amazing pickup and handling. It was fun winding around traffic on the Interstate.

    Like 1
  7. Avatar t-bone BOB

    Item location:
    Tucson, Arizona

    Like 1
  8. Avatar TCOPPS Member

    I don’t see you making any suggestions to the writers.

    Thanks for the write up & feature on this one Jeff! Happy to support you guys.

    Like 0
  9. Avatar t-bone bob

    Ended:
    Aug 01, 2021 , 6:45PM
    Winning bid:
    US $9,600.00
    [ 41 bids

    Like 0

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