Here’s something we’ve never seen – Honda’s first “large” car, made for only a few years and with a high price tag. This is a gray market, RHD car, which is the case with any you’ll find in the US. The ad text below sums it up nicely.
Really, though, what’s not the love? Weirdness and Hondaness combined into one is a winning recipe! With no reserve and a classic combination of rarity and extremely low awareness, it will be interesting to see how high this one goes. The seller initially had a BIN price of $15,900…
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Akron, OH
$2,330 with 8 bids and no reserve
07/15/2013 update: SOLD for $11,000 with 25 bids. Seems decent for both parties, depending on what the seller had invested. This may be so rare as to be unheard of, but the buyer has something unique.
Ad text:
The Honda 1300 was a pivotal vehicle in the company’s automotive history. Not only was it their first mainstream large car, it would be the last vehicle on which Dr. Honda would lead the engineering. As a result, it was packed with technological breakthroughs and became Honda’s true “Halo” car.
The central part to this very special model is its engine. Dr. Honda was a major proponent of air-cooled engines and insisted that this model have a high-tech air-cooled powerplant which was as quiet and more powerful than similar sized water-cooled engines from Toyota and Nissan. The result was Duo Dyna Air Cooling, an in-line, dry sump aluminum engine with internal cooling veins and two fans. The four carb engine on the Coupe 9 develops an amazing (for the time) 115 horsepower from its 1300cc displacement. Dr. Honda had accomplished his goal.
Another pioneering feature for the time was front wheel drive with its transversely mounted engine. Rack and pinion steering and McPherson strut front suspension are two more features that were seldom seen on cars of this era. The independent rear suspension is a unique full width swing axle design.
These cars were only available in limited numbers between 1969 and 1972. They were never imported to Europe or the United States, with most examples being sold in Japan and a smaller number in Australia. This car was imported from Australia approximately six years ago. It was purchased through an estate there and is largely original. The upholstery is good except for a tear due to sun-drying at the top of the rear seat. There is no visible rust on the body though the doglegs show some bubbling paint. The paint on the rest of the car is generally dull and horizontal surfaces are sun faded. All gauges function as they should and the transmission shifts crisply with no grinding. The clutch also works well but the brake master cylinder needs work or replacement. The engine runs perfectly, does not smoke or leak and creates a symphony for the ears like no other car I’ve owned. If you listen closely, you can hear hints of Honda’s Formula One engines of the period.
I am selling this car to make room for another JDM acquisition. I’ll be happy to answer any questions you have and welcome personal inspection. The car is sold as-is with no warranties expressed or implied, other than the fact that you won’t find a cooler Honda automobile in the States for your collection and enjoyment. Full payment must be made within seven days of the auction’s end. I can provide indoor storage for up to thirty days after the auction. Shipping is the buyer’s responsibility but I will happily assist with coordination. Have fun and thanks for your interest!