One of the more challenging decisions as a car enthusiast is weighing whether you should sell a vehicle that is somewhat unrepeatable but also one that you do not use enough to justify keeping. I’ve had a few cars over the years that were very cool machines, but I struggled with justifying their continued presence in my garage because they were not being used or because of dwindling parts support (and my dwindling desire to search for obscure components.) The seller of this 1978 Honda Accord CVCC is having the same challenge but has decided it’s time to let this survivor coupe go, listing it here on craigslist for $10,000 in Vancouver.
Now, what’s interesting about this car right out of the gate is the fender-mounted mirrors. That was typically only done overseas, and while it’s possible that they were later retrofitted, it seems unlikely – especially since it would require drilling through the fenders to properly mount. Is this a Japanese-market model? The bumpers certainly look like typical North American-spec appendages, but I don’t think there was much differentiation between bumper assemblies between Japan and the U.S., unlike certain models of European cars. The wheels and chrome extensions on both bumpers also look like accessory items – the wheels especially since most U.S.-market Accords had basic steel rims.
Of course, this could all be hogwash and those fender mirrors are glued on – who knows. What is apparent is that this Accord is a survivor that remains in excellent condition and has just under 75,000 original miles. The dashboard appears to be crack-free and thankfully, it has the much-preferred manual transmission. The clean, simple gauge cluster and skinny-spoked steering wheel are both refreshing reminders of how clutter-free interiors used to be, especially Honda products. The seller the power steering has failed so it’s manually engaged at the moment, but that’s hardly a big deal on a small, light car such as this. Still, the seller is including a spare pump and a rack and pinion with the sale.
The ’78 Accord CVCC is powered by a 1.6L inline-4 cylinder, good for 68 b.h.p. and 85 lb.-ft. of torque, with all that power channeled through the front wheels. The CVCC-equipped mill is still quite clever from an engineering standpoint, and allowed Honda to run this car in the states without adding catalytic converters, an air injection pump, or fuel injection. Today, finding one of these early Accords isn’t exactly easy, and especially in condition like this one. The seller does disclose a few lingering electrical issues, but it sounds like he’s less and less involved with the car so it’s time for someone else to sort it out. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Curvette for the tip.
People can accessorize their cars too much. Case in point: Those mirrors. And the bumpers. And the roof rack. Etc.
The mirrors may say “JDM,” but the left-hook steering wheel, speedometer calibrated in MPH and, maybe, the side marker lights, say “U.S. Model.”
A little steepish price-wise, but a nice little car.
I don’t get why people add those type of mirrors,as I
think it clutters up the front of a car/truck,& another place
for rust to start.
Chrome carb air cover not OEM…& jet black air filter too!! New filter good for + 10 bhp.
Properly adjusted wing-mounted mirrors eliminate blind spots. I believe it was when Joan Claybrook was running the NHTSA it was decided fender-mounted mirrors were a hazard for pedestrians who didn’t get out of the way. A new owner should ask their insurance company about possible liabilities.