We’ve had quite a bit of discussion over the last year or two about the Prelude, and we’ve covered several of the car’s five (soon to be six!) generations.
Earlier in 2024 I acquired a 1993 Si from the fourth generation, and in 2022, the AutoHunter team put together a video about my 1989 Si from the third generation. We’re now waiting for details on the soon-to-be-launched Honda Prelude from the sixth generation. But we haven’t yet given any love to the second generation cars from 1983 through 1987. That is, until now.
The Pick of the Day is a 1983 Honda Prelude listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Edmonton, Alberta. (Click the link to view the listing)
“The second-generation Prelude was first released in Japan on November 25, 1982, then distributed worldwide in the spring of 1983,” the listing begins. “This is one of the originals to the North American market.”
Designed by Masahito Nakano and manufactured in Sayama, Japan, the 1983 Prelude retained relatively few exterior characteristics from the previous 1979-through-1982 models. One feature that did stick around was the unique front-hinged hood. The new exterior design was more aerodynamic than before and the Prelude adopted pop-up headlights for the first time.
According to the listing, this charcoal metallic Prelude is with its second owner. It was originally purchased and owned in British Columbia and now resides in Alberta. The seller says that the car has been parked indoors in an insulated garage throughout life. The wheels, shift knob, and stereo have been changed, but everything else is reportedly original to the car’s build date over 40 years ago.
Honda tried hard to convey the Prelude’s sporty driving dynamics. One magazine advertisement said, “Throw it a curve. Take the Prelude on a winding road. Accelerate. Feel it turn through a series of curves with precision. It’s an impressive performance.” One of the features that contributed the car’s handling capability was its double-wishbone front suspension.
Power originates with a carbureted 1.8-liter inline-four paired with a five-speed manual transmission. The car has 233,000 kilometers (145,000 miles) on it, but the seller says that maintenance records are available, and the exhaust system was replaced in 2022. “Everything works, runs fantastic,” the ad says.
It remains to be seen if the Prelude owners and enthusiasts of yesteryear will adopt the upcoming version in 2025 or 2026. Honda says the new car will be a hybrid, and according to the latest reports, it will be offered only with an automatic transmission. If old-school is more your flavor, here’s your ticket.
The asking price is $18,500 or best offer.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, swing over to Pick of the Day.
Source: www.classiccars.com