Honda has produced many well-known models, but some rare gems have flown under the radar. These uncommon vehicles showcase unique designs and innovations that set them apart. Here are some rare Honda models you’ve probably never seen, highlighting the brand’s diverse and intriguing history.
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Honda S500
The Honda S500, produced between 1963 and 1964, was one of Honda’s first production cars and is extremely rare today. Only 1,363 units were made. This compact roadster featured a 531cc dual overhead cam engine producing 44 horsepower, a chain-driven rear axle, and a top speed of 80 mph. Its lightweight design and innovative engineering make it a significant part of Honda’s automotive history and a sought-after collector’s item.
Honda N600
The Honda N600, introduced in 1967, was Honda’s first mass-market car in the United States. It featured a 598cc air-cooled two-cylinder engine producing 45 horsepower. With a top speed of 81 mph, the N600 was a practical and economical city car. Due to its limited production run and the challenge of finding well-preserved examples, the N600 is a rare and valued model among Honda enthusiasts.
Honda Z600
The Honda Z600, also known as the “Z Coupe,” was a two-door hatchback produced between 1970 and 1972. It featured a 598cc air-cooled two-cylinder engine producing 36 horsepower. The Z600’s unique design and small size made it stand out, but its limited production numbers and relatively short lifespan contribute to its rarity today. Restored examples can fetch prices ranging from $10,000 to $20,000.
Honda Beat
The Honda Beat is a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive kei car produced between 1991 and 1996. It featured a 656cc three-cylinder engine producing 63 horsepower, with a redline of 8,500 rpm. The Beat’s playful design and spirited driving experience make it a beloved model, but only 33,600 units were produced. Import restrictions make it a rare sight outside Japan, with prices for well-preserved examples reaching up to $20,000.
Honda S360
The Honda S360 was a prototype unveiled in 1962 but never reached mass production. It featured a 360cc dual overhead cam engine producing 33 horsepower. The S360’s design laid the groundwork for future Honda roadsters, making it a rare and historically significant model. Only a few prototypes exist today, making it a highly coveted piece among collectors and Honda enthusiasts.
Honda Prelude SiR (BB1)
The Honda Prelude SiR, produced between 1991 and 1996, featured the innovative H22A engine with VTEC technology, producing 190 horsepower. This model was never officially sold in many markets, including the U.S., making it rare. Its advanced engineering, sleek design, and limited availability make the Prelude SiR a sought-after model, with prices for well-maintained examples ranging from $10,000 to $15,000.
Honda NSX-R
The Honda NSX-R, also known as the Type R, was a track-focused version of the NSX produced between 1992 and 1995, with a limited production run of only 483 units. It featured a 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 276 horsepower, extensive weight reduction, and enhanced aerodynamics. The NSX-R’s rarity, performance, and historical significance make it one of the most desirable Honda models, with prices often exceeding $200,000.
Honda S2000 CR
The Honda S2000 CR (Club Racer) was a limited-edition version of the S2000 produced between 2008 and 2009, with only 699 units made. It featured aerodynamic enhancements, reduced weight, and a stiffer suspension, powered by a 2.2-liter VTEC engine producing 237 horsepower. The S2000 CR’s focused performance and limited production make it a rare and highly prized model among enthusiasts, with prices often surpassing $50,000.
Honda City Turbo II
The Honda City Turbo II, produced between 1983 and 1984, was a high-performance version of the compact City hatchback. It featured a turbocharged 1.2-liter engine producing 108 horsepower, a significant figure for its size. The Turbo II’s unique “Bulldog” design and advanced technology for its time make it a rare and sought-after model, with prices for well-maintained examples ranging from $20,000 to $30,000.
Honda Civic Mugen RR
The Honda Civic Mugen RR, produced in 2007, was a limited-edition, high-performance version of the Civic Type R, with only 300 units made. It featured a 2.0-liter K20A engine producing 240 horsepower, along with numerous weight-saving and aerodynamic enhancements. The Mugen RR’s rarity, performance, and exclusive features make it a highly coveted model, with prices often exceeding $70,000.
Honda CRX SiR (EF8)
The Honda CRX SiR, produced between 1989 and 1991, featured the B16A engine with VTEC technology, producing 158 horsepower. This model was never officially sold in many markets, including the U.S., making it rare. Its lightweight design, advanced engine, and limited availability contribute to its desirability among collectors, with prices for well-preserved examples ranging from $10,000 to $20,000.
Honda Integra Type R (DC2)
The Honda Integra Type R, produced between 1995 and 2001, is renowned for its high-revving B18C engine producing 197 horsepower and exceptional handling. Limited production numbers and its reputation as one of the best front-wheel-drive cars ever make the Integra Type R a rare and highly sought-after model, with prices often exceeding $40,000.
Honda S800
The Honda S800, produced between 1966 and 1970, was a small sports car featuring a 791cc engine producing 70 horsepower. Its lightweight design and advanced engineering for the time made it a spirited performer. Limited production numbers and its historical significance as one of Honda’s early sports cars contribute to its rarity, with prices for well-preserved examples ranging from $30,000 to $50,000.
Honda Element SC
The Honda Element SC, produced between 2007 and 2011, was a sportier version of the versatile Element. It featured a lowered suspension, unique styling cues, and a 2.4-liter i-VTEC engine producing 166 horsepower. Limited production numbers and its unique design make the Element SC a rare and interesting model, with prices for well-maintained examples ranging from $10,000 to $20,000.
Honda Accord Euro-R (CL1)
The Honda Accord Euro-R, produced between 2000 and 2002, was a high-performance version of the Accord featuring the H22A engine with VTEC technology, producing 217 horsepower. This model was primarily sold in Japan and Europe, making it rare in other markets. Its performance, advanced engineering, and limited availability contribute to its desirability, with prices often exceeding $15,000.
Honda Civic Type R (EK9)
The Honda Civic Type R, produced between 1997 and 2000, was the first Civic to wear the Type R badge. It featured a 1.6-liter B16B engine producing 182 horsepower, along with extensive weight-saving measures and performance enhancements. Limited production numbers and its reputation for exceptional performance make the EK9 Civic Type R a rare and highly sought-after model, with prices often exceeding $30,000.
Honda Prelude Type SH
The Honda Prelude Type SH, produced between 1997 and 2001, featured Honda’s innovative Active Torque Transfer System (ATTS) and a 2.2-liter H22A engine producing 200 horsepower. Limited production numbers and its advanced technology for the time make the Prelude Type SH a rare and desirable model, with prices for well-preserved examples ranging from $10,000 to $20,000.
Honda Insight (First Generation)
The first-generation Honda Insight, produced between 1999 and 2006, was Honda’s first hybrid car and featured a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 73 horsepower. Its lightweight design and aerodynamic shape contributed to exceptional fuel efficiency. Limited production numbers and its significance as an early hybrid make the Insight a rare and interesting model, with prices for well-maintained examples ranging from $5,000 to $15,000.
Honda Stepwgn Spada
The Honda Stepwgn Spada is a rare and unique minivan primarily sold in Japan. Produced between 2001 and present, it features a boxy design, spacious interior, and a range of efficient engines. Limited availability outside Japan and its distinctive design make the Stepwgn Spada a rare and intriguing model for Honda enthusiasts, with prices for imported examples varying widely.
Honda CR-Z Mugen
The Honda CR-Z Mugen, produced in limited numbers in 2011, was a high-performance version of the hybrid CR-Z. It featured a supercharged 1.5-liter engine producing 197 horsepower, along with extensive aerodynamic and suspension upgrades. Limited production numbers and its unique combination of hybrid efficiency and performance make the CR-Z Mugen a rare and sought-after model, with prices often exceeding $20,000.
his article originally appeared on MyCarMakesNoise.
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