Option — Shōwa Car Tuning & Buyers Guide (2000 Edition)

The “Showa-era cars” currently attracting attention are sporty models from the 1980s. They may sound very old, but remember that the S13, FD, and 70-series Supra are Showa-era cars too; that makes the period feel much closer, as readers of this issue will understand. These models are now more than ten years old. Prices are low, but many cars are correspondingly worn. Sporty models were often driven hard, so this case study uses a rare, stock Ballade Sports CR-X to explain the key inspection points for a Showa-era car.

Because these Showa-era cars are scarce, some buyers purchase them without a test drive. Even if you want a car desperately, you should still drive it first. These cars are more than ten years old, and none will be perfect. Find the best condition you can, but also learn which areas are worn and how much repairs will cost, Ehara says. The case-study car…

When buying…

“Lobby”… [section heading fragment].

Check…

…points!

Country / national… [fragment].

Higashikawaguchi, Store No. 1.

For a pristine 1980s car, condition matters more than price…

Sports… [fragment].

In particular…

Choose by condition!

Along with checking the base of the front strut, also inspect… [sentence continues].

Suspension… [heading fragment].

…tion… [heading fragment].

Mount… [fragment].

Ballade… [caption fragment].

…sports… [caption fragment].

CRDATHNCN

…mount… [fragment].

…bushing… [fragment].

and… [fragment].

One radiator point that needs attention is rust inside. You can check it by removing the radiator cap, but neglecting this can lead to overheating.

Mileage…

White… [caption fragment].

First-generation CR-X Si.

1985 model.

Two-tone.

The hatch is large and heavy for such a small body, so the supports wear out. Replace them if needed.

This too… [fragment].

Doors and roof… [fragment].

In the interior, also inspect the headliner and lining inside the luggage area; age can make them sag. Of course, repairs… [continues].

engine… [fragment].

Engine mount… [fragment].

…and similar items should also be inspected carefully. Wear in these areas can cause body flex and unstable handling while driving.

Inspection valid through July 2000 .

Price: ¥520,000 .

120,000 km.

Month… [fragment].

The first-generation CR-X’s fenders are made of FRP. Early models, especially those from before 1985, are now over 15 years old, so many have cracks. If you find one in excellent condition, remember it may have been kept in a garage or under a body cover and protected from UV, restored, or possibly involved in an accident.

…is possible.

The tail-lamp and spoiler mounting areas on a CR-X can be damaged and rust. Water can also enter the spoiler, so inspect the inside of the tail lamp; if it feels damp, check carefully.

HONDA TWINCAM

…at this point… [fragment].

…when checking… [fragment].

The front seats are supportive bucket types, but frequent entry and exit can wear the outside edge of the driver’s seat. It can be repaired, but restoring it to original condition costs nearly ¥100,000.

On hardtops or frameless-door cars more than ten years old, weather-strip rubber can harden or shrink, widening the gap around the glass. Water may then enter during a wash or rain. Replace deteriorated seals immediately.

Rear section… [fragment].

…rust in the lower section. Rust here means corrosion has progressed; replacement of this section will likely be necessary before long.

As with the rear-hatch supports, inspect the hinges. The weight can make them loose, scratched, or rusty.

…of the… [fragment].

“No matter how much you like a car, always test-drive it. Check the transmission feel, noises, vibration, suspension noises, and looseness,” advises Takaaki Ehara, a salesperson at Honda Twin Cam in Suginami, Tokyo. Because these cars are scarce… [continues].

Honda Twin Cam recommended cars.

Honda Twin Cam.

As the name suggests, this shop specializes in Honda twin-cam cars. It is a strong ally for owners of both old and new Hondas. Besides new and used-car sales, it also performs tuning. A recommended option is a ¥50,000 “feeling-up” tune for Civics (parts and labor included), intended for cars with more than 50,000 km. It includes… [continues].

Suginami, Tokyo.

2-42-20 Hon-Amanuma, Suginami-ku, Tokyo 167-0031.

Honda Twin Cam.

Hours: 10:00–20:00. Closed Thursdays.

03-3394-7001

1990 model, automatic, mileage… [listing fragment].

cr-x sir

88,000 km; inspection through December 1999; price ¥480,000; glass top; A/C; Acura emblem .

…was a 1985 model, already fifteen years old. Even though the mileage… [continues].

…it had been maintained even in places not immediately visible… [fragment].

…is… [fragment].

Even so, the seats and fenders show the car’s age. Most cars kept outdoors suffer paint and interior discoloration or fading from direct sunlight and UV. Check the points listed here carefully before buying a Showa-era car.

Inside… [fragment].

85 km… .

The service replaces the bumper packing, seals, and related items, then adjusts the tappets in a single day. The results are said to be outstanding. Whether you are looking for a used Honda or planning to tune your car, it is a shop worth visiting.

Photos: Isao Yoshida / Report: Hiroki Iwashima.

Option — Shōwa Car Tuning & Buyers Guide (2000 Edition)

About this issue

Page 156 — English draft translation