Despite the craze for mildly inflated sedans sitting on lifted suspensions and posing as SUVs, the concept of a spacious vehicle that remained easy to drive is nothing new. The Honda Wagovan was one of the foremost pioneers of this concept in the 1980s, going so far as to incorporate four-wheel drive on some models – truly a harbinger of what was to come. Find this incredibly well-preserved 1985 model here on craigslist for $2,500. 

Thanks to Barn Finds reader Patrick S. for the find. These unusual Civic variants have all but disappeared from the roads in my neck of the woods, but they remain incredibly popular in places like the Pacific Northwest. This one is in Florida, no doubt having belonged to a grandmotherly-type at one point in time. Window tint is appropriate in Florida, keeping the cabin cool and protecting sensitive plastics.

The interior is in excellent condition, and I can’t recall the last time I saw a Civic from this era with a red dash and instrument binnacle. The carpets and door panels are red, too. The Wagovan sports the preferred manual transmission, a necessity to make the most out of the meager power output. The Wagonvan is said to run well and has been retrofitted with an updated A/C system to keep occupants cool.

The lesser-seen 4WD version with its trick six-speed manual transmission is the Wagovan variant most enthusiasts pine for, and there’s one hiding out in the large Georgia collection we’ve listed as a Barn Finds Exclusive. This one is an Arizona car, and while it’s paint isn’t as pretty as the one in Florida, it is just as rust-free. No matter which one you choose, these cars are getting near impossible to find in good shape, so grab one while you can.