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 bumpers have the over rides. Those were a factory/dealer installed option. I had them on my ‘79 LX
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.
The huge bumpers too.
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.
It appears this Accord has some sort of covering or trim strip on the doors where the original door-mounted mirrors existed, perhaps to cover the mounting holes.
Also, my recollection is that fender-mounted mirrors themselves are not prohibited by US federal motor vehicle regs. However, the regs specify that visibility of the reflection shown in the outside rear view mirrors shall not be obscured by the portion of the windshield that is not covered by the wipers. And, the driver’s side mirror must be adjustable from the driver’s seat. Between possible snow/mud/road spray build up on the left edge of the windshield (next to the A-pillar) and the challenge of a reliable remote linkage to the mirror (before power mirrors became so common), it would seem the door-mounted mirrors just made more sense.
This was still the first generation Accord, the car that put “we make it simple” Honda squarely on the automobile map by proving it wasn’t a one trick (Civic) pony. It was an inexpensive car that didn’t feel cheap, and had a well-thought out interior. They sold like hotcakes, and the rest is history.
Laughed out loud wondering if my old eyes could focus on those silly tiny mirrors 4 feet from my face. The answer is NO, certainly not in the split second necessary for safety. Plus, they look positively ridiculous.
Neat old Honda though, might be the most game changing car of the era. Still remember how impressed I was w/ first drive back in the day.
Hmmm, I’ve owned an English car and a Holland car, both with wing/fender mount mirrors and they worked quite well in dense traffic. It moves the blind spot forward, so if someone is in the “typical” blind spot, they can be seen easily.
Those bumper handles would be great for skitching!
Geez, deduct about $2500 for those “JDM” mirrors and another $1500 for what is probably an aftermarket Weber carb and the broom handle hood support.
Otherwise, a truly beauty of a car and rare too.
My sister had this same exact car
The power steering may be inop but IIRC these were the first cars offered in the US with variable assist (effort) power steering. Lighter feel at low speeds and increased feel at road speed. We did have variable ratio that would increase the turn in as you steered, but wouldn’t see this until the 90s. I don’t ever hear of it today.
Change the timing chain before you drive it.