From sporty roadsters to innovative electric vehicles, Honda has consistently pushed the boundaries of automotive design and technology. However, some of their most intriguing creations have remained relatively obscure, produced in limited quantities or reserved for specific markets. This piece delves into rare Honda models that showcase unique features, offering a glimpse into the lesser-known side of one of the world’s most versatile automakers.
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Honda Stream RSZ
The Stream RSZ was a sportier version of Honda’s compact MPV, equipped with a more powerful engine and a sport-tuned suspension. It also featured distinctive styling updates like body skirts and sports seats, making it stand out from the regular Stream models. This version was aimed at providing a more dynamic driving experience without sacrificing the practicality expected from a family vehicle.
Honda Civic Type R (EK9)
The EK9 was the first Civic to wear the iconic Type R badge, a distinction that marked it as a standout in performance and design. Introduced in 1997, it was exclusively available in Japan and featured a high-revving B16B engine, a lightweight chassis, and a bespoke suspension setup optimized for racing. The EK9’s combination of everyday usability and track-ready features has made it a legend in the tuning community, but its limited availability keeps it a rare sight.
Honda N Box
The Honda N Box is part of Honda’s kei car lineup, designed with an emphasis on maximizing interior space while keeping the exterior dimensions compact, adhering to Japan’s kei car regulations. Its boxy design is not only a statement in style but also in functionality, providing ample space inside for passengers and cargo. The N Box also features customizable options, including different trim levels and interior layouts, which are rare in vehicles of this size.
1992 Honda NSX-R
This model was Honda’s hardcore version of the already impressive NSX, focusing on reducing weight and enhancing performance. With production limited to 483 units, the 1992 NSX-R stripped out many of the comforts of the standard car, including sound deadening and some amenities, to save weight. It also received a tuned engine and suspension for sharper handling. The NSX-R’s focus on purity and performance makes it a legend in automotive circles.
Honda Crosstour
The Crosstour was a unique crossover based on the Accord, featuring a fastback-style body that offered more cargo space and versatility. Despite its practicality and the inclusion of all-wheel drive in some models, the Crosstour never gained significant traction in the market, leading to its discontinuation. Its unique design and limited production run make it a rare model in Honda’s lineup.
Honda Fit Aria
The Fit Aria was a sedan version of the popular Fit hatchback, known as the Honda City in some markets. It offered the compact size and efficiency of the Fit but with a traditional sedan body style. Produced primarily for Asian markets, its rarity in the Western world adds an allure to its practical and efficient design.
Honda Prelude Type S
The Prelude Type S was a performance-focused version of Honda’s popular coupe, available only in the Japanese market. It was equipped with a powerful 2.2-liter VTEC engine that was exclusive to this model, along with a sport-tuned suspension and enhanced brakes. The car also featured subtle aesthetic modifications that differentiated it from the base models. Its rarity and performance-oriented features make it a sought-after model for collectors.
Honda 1300 Coupe 9
The 1300 Coupe 9 was a performance-oriented version of Honda’s 1300 series, featuring an air-cooled, four-cylinder engine that was quite advanced for its time. Introduced in the early 1970s, it was aimed at the enthusiast market with its unique engine and stylish coupe design. However, its high price and niche appeal limited its popularity, making it a rare and coveted model among classic Honda collectors.
Honda S800M Coupe
The Honda S800M Coupe, an evolution of the S600 and S800 roadsters, was introduced as a more practical yet sporty option. It featured a high-revving 0.8-liter engine capable of reaching speeds of up to 100 mph, a remarkable feat for its size. Its production was limited, particularly in the coupe form, making it a prized possession for collectors who admire its blend of classic Honda engineering and compact sports car aesthetics.
Honda Accord Euro R (CL7)
The Euro R was a sporty variant of the Accord, exclusive to the Japanese and European markets. It featured a 2.0-liter K20A engine, known for its high output and revving capability. The car also had a sport-tuned suspension, reinforced chassis, and exclusive styling elements like Recaro seats and a body kit. Its combination of luxury and performance makes it a rare and desirable model among Honda aficionados. (Note that a Honda Accord Euro R is pictured above).
Honda Element SC
The Element SC was a unique take on Honda’s boxy, utility-focused model, offering a sportier aesthetic and performance tweaks. It stood out with a lower ride height, a more aggressive suspension setup, custom 18-inch wheels, and exclusive interior and exterior styling elements that included a painted bumper and carpet instead of the standard rubber flooring. The Element SC targeted urban buyers looking for a versatile vehicle with a distinctive style, making it a rare and interesting model in Honda’s lineup.
Honda EV Plus
As Honda’s first foray into the electric vehicle market in the late 1990s, the EV Plus was notable for its use of nickel-metal hydride batteries, a rarity at the time. With a range that was impressive for its era and a spacious interior due to the under-floor battery placement, the EV Plus was a pioneer in electric mobility. However, it was produced in very limited numbers as part of a lease-only program and was never widely sold, making surviving examples particularly rare today.
Honda Insight ZE1 (First Generation)
Introduced as one of the first hybrid vehicles in the market, the original Honda Insight was designed with a focus on maximum fuel efficiency. Its distinctive, aerodynamic teardrop shape and aluminum construction to save weight were groundbreaking at the time. The Insight also featured an innovative Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system that combined a gasoline engine with an electric motor. Produced in limited numbers from 1999 to 2006, its pioneering technology and unique design make it a collector’s favorite.
Honda S600
As Honda’s first mass-marketed car, the S600 was a critical step for Honda in the automotive world. Available both as a roadster and a coupe, it featured a tiny yet powerful 600cc engine that revved up to 9500 rpm, showcasing Honda’s motorcycle engineering roots. The S600 was also notable for its chain-driven rear wheels, a unique feature that was later abandoned in favor of more conventional drive systems. This model’s rarity and historical significance make it highly prized among classic car enthusiasts.
Honda FCX Clarity
A pioneer in hydrogen fuel cell technology, the Honda FCX Clarity was introduced as a limited lease-only option in 2008. Its zero-emissions technology, which only emitted water vapor, represented a significant leap forward in clean energy vehicles. The FCX Clarity featured a sleek, futuristic design and a luxurious interior, attributes that were rare for environmentally friendly vehicles at the time. Its limited production and advanced technology make it a rare piece of Honda’s commitment to sustainability.
Honda Z600
This microcar was the coupe version of the N600 and was one of the first Honda models sold in the U.S. during the early 1970s. Its compact dimensions housed a 598cc engine, making it capable of surprisingly brisk acceleration for its size. The Z600’s distinctive, rounded design and the novelty of its small size in the American market have turned it into a cult classic among vintage car collectors.
Honda Acty Truck
As part of Honda’s kei truck lineup, the Acty Truck is known for its reliability and practicality in urban settings. Its compact size and maneuverability, combined with a robust build, make it ideal for navigating narrow streets. While common in Japan, its limited export makes it a rare sight elsewhere, especially in markets dominated by larger utility vehicles.
Honda City Turbo II
The Honda City Turbo II was an amped-up version of the popular City model, equipped with a turbocharged 1.2-liter engine that provided an exceptional power-to-weight ratio. It also featured a “bulldog” stance, wider tires, and a distinctive body kit that included flared fenders and a hood scoop. Its quirky addition of a foldable scooter in the trunk, known as the “Motocompo,” added to its appeal as a versatile urban vehicle.
Honda Integra Type R (DC2)
The DC2 Integra Type R is often celebrated as one of the best front-wheel-drive sports cars ever made. It featured a high-revving B18C engine, a lightweight body, a limited-slip differential, and a finely tuned suspension. The focus was on delivering pure driving pleasure, with enhancements that included a seam-welded chassis for increased rigidity and weight reduction measures like thinner glass. This model’s blend of performance and rarity makes it a sought-after gem in the automotive world.
Honda EV-Ster Concept
The EV-Ster, introduced at the Tokyo Motor Show, was an electric sports car concept that showcased Honda’s vision for the future of lightweight, efficient sports cars. Featuring a convertible design, rear-wheel drive, and an all-electric powertrain, the EV-Ster was well-received for its innovative features and dynamic design. However, as a concept, it never entered production, making any appearances of the model exceedingly rare and highly valued as a symbol of potential future directions for Honda.
This article originally appeared on MyCarMakesNoise.
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