1981 Honda Accord LX Is a First-gen Time Capsule
Four decades ago, Honda continued to gain inroads in America. This Accord represented that era perfectly, and now it can be yours!
Honda established itself as an automaker capable of building high quality vehicles long ago. Unlike the American manufacturers, Honda succeeded in developing desirable small cars in the late 70s and early 80s. Fortunately, the company never stopped doing that. As a result, they’ve kept making cars while their competitors retreated. But what if you could own a vintage model from when Honda was still a hungry, smaller upstart? This Accord could be your answer.
We’re thinking along these lines because of a certain 1981 Accord LX hatchback that recently showed up on Cars & Bids. As a form of relatively basic transportation, an Accord of this era still existing in such condition is remarkable. In fact, it could even be close to the last one left.
Early Accord History 101
While today’s Accord only comes as a sedan, Honda initially offered the first generation solely as a hatchback. Although the company quickly introduced a sedan for the 1979 model year. Either way, you couldn’t really go wrong with one. With a starting price of $3,995, they were a very good value. Honda packed the Accord with desirable features too. First generation models came with a rear window wiper/defroster, remote hatch release, and an AM/FM stereo as standard equipment. American automakers really didn’t have anything to compete with it.
This particular Accord is an LX model. As a top spec trim, it comes equipped with some amenities that make it a bit more palatable to modern sensibilities. After all, air conditioning, power steering, and intermittent wipers weren’t as commonplace as they are today. But this Accord has it. Additionally, it sports the Hampstead Green paint, and it wears it quite well. That’s probably because the previous owner had the Honda resprayed. In any event, it looks incredibly good and is bound to turn heads wherever it goes.
Green Machine
It’s fitting that this Accord is green inside and out, as these were very efficient cars. Overall, the Honda is in great shape for a car that is reaching the human equivalent of middle age. That being said, there are some imperfections that come with it. For starters, the Accord does have some rust near the windshield and on the inside portion of the passenger door. Most of these rusted away decades ago, so the fact that this particular Accord has some isn’t shocking. There are also some minor interior bits that tore over the years. The rear defroster does not work and it will need brake work in the near future.
New Heart
Perhaps the most notable feature of the Accord is the new engine. Issues with the carburetor from the original powerplant prompted the current owner to replace it with another unit from the same year. Like the old engine, the replacement is a 72 horsepower 1.8 liter OHV 4 cylinder. But the installed engine comes equipped with a Weber carburetor instead. It’s also had its emissions equipment removed, but that likely only makes the engine more powerful, which is something badly needed if the Honda is to keep up with modern traffic.
Last One Left?
Despite some flaws, it’s practically a miracle that an Accord of this vintage is still alive and thriving after all these years. The hatch is in great shape and it seems like the current owner focused on critical maintenance. Fortunately, the original engine and audio head unit are included in the sale. That should give purists some solace. Basically, any Accord enthusiast or Honda aficionado should probably consider picking this up if it strikes their fancy.
If you do plan on bidding on the hatchback, you’ve got some time, as bidding ends on September 21. There’s already been several bids, which have pushed the price up to $3,000. Considering the scarcity of these models, that’s not a bad number. We’ll be curious to see how high it goes. Either way, the Accord is going home to a new owner soon, as there is no reserve for this auction. Hopefully this Accord receives the pampering it deserves. After all, it’s quite the classic.
Photos: Cars & Bids