Honda Prelude Is a Textbook Time Capsule
Likely one of the cleanest examples of a fourth-generation Honda Prelude went up for auction, and it’s got all the bells and whistles!
The Honda Prelude felt like somewhat of an under-appreciated champion until fairly recently. However, it’s hard to imagine why. This is especially true when it comes to the fourth-generation models. With iconic and memorable styling, fabulous handling characteristics, and the option of having a growling VTEC engine under the hood, it’s hard not to love. However, clean examples are getting harder and harder to come by. That being the case, we may have stumbled upon one of the nicest ones left. The best part? It’s for sale.
Listed on Cars and Bids, this 1995 Honda Prelude VTEC with a manual transmission is a true gem. Across the trim level offerings, the VTEC model was the highest for the fourth generation. So, this truly is the magnum opus of fourth-gen offerings. It’s got everything the hunter of a top-level fourth-generation Prelude could want. Furthermore, it only has 99,000 original miles. However, these glorious details undoubtedly come at a price.
VTEC Trim Offers Extra Power and Comfort
Opening the doors to this Prelude is like stepping back in time. Put yourself in the shoes of someone who wanted a Honda but didn’t want to settle on an everyman civic with cloth interior. This is right where you’ll land.
The VTEC trim comes equipped with gorgeous leather seats and upholstery. Adding to the creature comforts are both power windows and power door locks.
Of course, the most significant selling point of the VTEC trim level is what’s under the hood. The legendary Honda H22 dual-overhead-camshaft four-cylinder parked in the engine bay of this Prelude makes 190 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. Additionally, it’s equipped with Honda’s legendary variable valve timing system known as VTEC, as the trim level name would lead you to believe.
The Perfect Drivable Prelude
The only modifications made to this gorgeous example are a Viper alarm system (which should really barely be considered a modification, considering the massive amount of 90s Hondas that have them installed), a Kenwood head unit with accompanying Pioneer Speakers, and window tint.
The listing does include some known flaws. However, they are all relatively minor. Perhaps the worst is a surface rust bubble in the sunroof panel; most is typical wear and tear stuff like a faded DOHC VTEC sticker mild corrosion on suspension and exhaust components. It is, after all, a 26-year-old car. So that and the minor scratches in the bodywork and lighting advertised are to be expected.
Ultimately, if you’re in the market for a pristine fourth-generation Prelude that you can still drive, we can’t imagine a better candidate. We’ll definitely be watching this auction closely. Unfortunately, we’ll be kicking ourselves for not having the funds to partake in the bidding. The chances of another one like this coming up are slim to none. We’re just going to have to learn to live with that.
Photos: Cars and Bids
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