Looking Back at the 1995 Honda SSM Concept

Pre-S2000

When we're tracing the history behind the existence of the S2000, we obviously look to the car's spiritual predecessors like the S600. But our first look at what Honda had up its sleeve came in the form of the SSM (Sport Study Model) concept, which debuted at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show.

Photos Courtesy of Motor1. 

Functional Design

The SSM featured styling derived by legendary design house Pininfarina, but it wasn't purely a styling exercise. The rear-drive roadster was also underpinned by a high X-bone frame that Honda claimed improved the car's rigidity and crash safety.

Photos Courtesy of Motor1. 

>>Join the conversation about the 1995 SSM Concept right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!

Pure Roadster

We can look back and see the many obvious styling cues that carried over to the S2000, including the long hood and basic overall shape. But unlike the S2000, the SSM was designed with no roof as a pure roadster.

Photos Courtesy of Motor1.

>>Join the conversation about the 1995 SSM Concept right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!

Fighter Jet

The interior was also quite interesting, with a cockpit-like design separating the driver from the passenger. The wraparound dash is very reminiscent of a fighter jet and obviously didn't have a chance of making it to production.

Photos Courtesy of Motor1. 

>>Join the conversation about the 1995 SSM Concept right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!

Slight Differences

Interestingly enough, the SSM also featured a high-revving, naturally-aspirated engine under the hood. But in this case, it was an inline-five cylinder, backed up by an NSX-derived 5-speed automatic transmission in lieu of the S2000's 6-speed manual.

Photos Courtesy of Motor1. 

>>Join the conversation about the 1995 SSM Concept right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!

Unique Features

The NSX also lent its aluminum wishbone suspension to the SSM. Other interesting features on the concept included steel monocoque construction, aluminum body panels, rollover hoops for driver and passenger, and a bar in between the two to increase the car's stiffness.

Photos Courtesy of Motor1. 

>>Join the conversation about the 1995 SSM Concept right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!

Giving Birth to a Legend

Most concept cars go on to live rather fleeting lives, spending a brief amount of time on the car show circuit before disappearing forever. But the SSM can take pride in the fact that it single-handedly helped give birth to one of the most legendary car models ever produced. And that's certainly something worth remembering.

Photos Courtesy of Motor1

>>Join the conversation about the 1995 SSM Concept right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!

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