1985 Honda CRX Si - A Japanese Classic

I have never met anyone who, after driving a CRX Si, didn't exit the car with a huge smile on his or her face. It's just a fun car.

The CRX was introduced in 1984. It was based on the Civic platform and was being advertised as a commuter car. The engine was a 1.5 liter 4. It got very good gas mileage, but with just 76 horsepower, its performance was less than spectacular.

That all changed in 1985 with the introduction of the CRX Si. The fuel injected Si engine put out 91 horsepower. That was good enough to get the lightweight CRX to 60 in the low to mid 8 second range. According to Motor Trend magazine (who got it to 60 in 8.1 seconds during their test) that made it faster than the Pontiac Fiero V6 and Toyota MR2.

Torque steer is noticeable in the CRX Si, but it's a great handling car. Even today it is a very successful autocross car.

Sadly, like so many older Japanese cars, most CRXs have been "customized" to death. This is an amazingly stock 69,000 mile car. CRXs, like so many other 1980s cars, are prone to rust, but this one is rust free.

These cars are the MGB or Triumph Spitfire of a younger generation. Many folks in their 30s and 40s remember these cars from their youth. They either owned one or wanted one. Now, with a little extra money in their pocket, they're looking to buy them so they can relive part of their youth, or finally fulfill a youthful fantasy. Like the B or the Spitfire, the prices for the CRX Si will never go through the roof like they did for big Healeys and E-Types, but they will steadily climb.

This one, in this condition, may be a bargain. Especially if you're thinking of keeping it long term.

Located in Morris, IL, click here to see the eBay listing.

A big thanks to John for sending me the link to this car!