Lot 22: Honda CRX

Launched in 1984, the Honda CRX won praise for its performance, fine road manners and excellent fuel economy. Sparkling performance from the 100bhp, three-valve-per cylinder 1488cc engine was allied to the possibility of a consistent 50mpg, and a kerb weight of just 800kg paid off in nimble handling. In America, an important market for Honda's new sports hatch, Motor Trend named it 1984 Import Car of the Year. Car and Driver called it 'the definitive entry-level sports car', and it made Road & Track magazine's 'Ten Best Cars in the World' list repeatedly during its production. In the US, the diminutive coupe was supplied as a two-seater, but for Europe it was configured as a 2+2, allowing space for children to ride in the back. This early CRX was delivered to Steels Honda in Hereford in May 1984 and used by the garage for the first year of its life. In June 1985 it was sold to its first owner, who used it until 2001, then sold it back to Steels. In 2005, it underwent a professional restoration which involved replacing the sills and fitting new bumpers, sunroof, carpets and exhaust. It has hardly been used since. "This car is a collector's dream", says the vendor, "With just 52,000 miles and a Honda restoration, it drives and looks like new". The car comes with original sales brochure and service book, and the MOT runs until May 2008. These early CRX Hondas are becoming increasingly scarce, and this is the chance to buy an almost 'as-new' example.