The first-generation Honda CRX Si remains the one car I would like to add to my modest collection of iconic 80s vehicles. I actually do know of where one is that I could see picking up some day when the time is right, but it’s no where nearly as nice as this stock survivor that is on eBay with a current bid of $7K. The CRX is one of those cars that is available all day long for short money in tired condition, but good ones are commanding a premium more often than not. The CRX is the preferred Si trim with more power and features than lesser models. Find it here on eBay and located in (where else) Seattle, Washington.
The Si featured a fuel-injected four-cylinder that may have put out a modest amount of horsepower on paper but made the most of it and its low curb weight to deliver invigorating performance. The Si package also got you a power sunroof, rear spoiler, alloy wheels, and some subtle aero enhancements as well. This example also has the exceedingly rare OEM rear window louvers, and one made specifically for the Si as it accounts for the Si-only rear wiper. All badges and lenses appear to be in fine condition, and the car retains its stock dual outlet muffler – no signs of a cheesy aftermarket exhaust here.
The Si also specific upholstery on the door panels and seats, which is unique to the earlier Si’s. It all appears to be in outstanding condition, indicative of the care the seller claims the long-time original owners lavished on the Honda. The carpets show no sign of soiling and the same goes for the upholstery; dash cracking is rarely a problem for Hondas of this era, and it looks great here along with a factory high-power cassette deck. The seller notes he purchased the car from the original owners who ran a vehicle repair shop and kept extremely detailed records of the CRX’s regular maintenance.
Those records will likely show evidence of a timing belt job, as these are interference engines and it’s highly advisable to replace the belt even if the recommended mileage interval hasn’t been surpassed. Regardless, this is the kind of CRX that should leave very few questions in the minds of potential buyers given the condition and volume of records on display here. The early models aren’t always the preferred choice as engine swaps are a bit more of a headache, but that’s also why you can still find one in original condition like this one – many of the later models have been excessively customized. Seeing this one, I just want to drag the CRX I know about out the woods even more.
WOW! This one is a beauty, ticks all of the right boxes….but it’s too far away (Thankfully!), LOL!! GLWTA! :-)
Too far away? I’m close enough to probably walk to this guy’s house and drive it home. Tempted, so tempted…
One of the few Vintage Asian cars I like and appreciate. A good friend of mine had a pair of bent connecting rods from his trying to cross water. If you are reading this Dwight, cheers mate!
Those rear window louvers are a bit a travesty, but that’s a magnificent car. I flipped one at over a hundred miles per hour about thirty-two years ago and walked away. It was like a spaceship compared to other economy cars right up until the Hurst shifter my friend had installed came off in my hand in a decreasing radius turn in the rain, leaving me in neutral when I really wanted to be near the top of fourth gear. Then we were inverted and airborne. The car probably could have still been driven but it came to a rest on its roof. Less than a week earlier, I’d been riding with another friend in an identical car when he ran into the side of a bridge during an evasion. That one just needed a bra to hide the damage. I miss the ’80s and teenaged indestructability.
I wanted one bad back in the day.
You could get them in 2 colors, red or blue. Then they came out with the special black model. Drool.
My white ’84 will do 147. Built by Racing Beat for Car & Driver and on their cover twice. 2 stock 1830cc Accord 3 valvers, Mugen cladding, KONIs, Recaros, 2 automatics, 7X15 rims, 2,700#. Very quick off the line and sounds like a fast freight…inside, at higher speeds. Only 50K miles. Had it for 24 yrs., but it may be time……
Very nice, this is one of the many cars I wanted but couldn’t afford back then.
Many people say that the 80’s were the worst decade for cars, I disagree. Go back 10 years to 1976 and find a car this reliable, fun, and frugal.
The 80’s were a decade of ascendancy, everything was getting better. The 70’s, by contrast, things were getting worse. Few car models were better in 1979 than they were in 1969.
These things absolutely stormed in SCCA IT class when they became eligible.