Description
7th Dec, 2024 10:00
The December 2024 Auction
1996 Honda Prelude 2. 2 Si
Recently imported and having only 27, 000 recorded miles
Estimate
£5, 000 - £6, 000
Buyer's premium: 15. 00%
Lot details
Registration: P531GPF
Chassis: BB71000637
Odometer: 44, 000 km (approx. 27, 000 miles)
Transmission: Automatic
MOT: November 2025
Low recorded mileage
Four-wheel steering
Driven 160 miles to our saleroom
Undersealed
Recent cambelt
Very original condition
The 5th generation Honda Prelude, produced from 1996 to 2001, marked the culmination of Honda’s iconic sports coupe lineage. Introduced in October 1996, this generation was designed with a focus on refined styling and advanced performance technology. The Prelude featured a sleeker, more aerodynamic design with a long hood and low stance, giving it a sophisticated yet aggressive appearance. Honda equipped the 5th generation with innovative technologies, including the ATTS (Active Torque Transfer System), a pioneering system that enhanced cornering performance in the Type SH trim. Powered by the highly regarded H22A 2. 2L DOHC VTEC engine, it delivered robust power and a thrilling driving experience. This Prelude also emphasized safety and comfort, offering features like dual airbags and improved interior ergonomics. Despite its critical acclaim, declining sales and shifting market trends led to the Prelude’s discontinuation in 2001, making this generation the final chapter of the beloved series.
We are delighted to offer this 1997 Honda Prelude 2. 2 Si 4WS in Pacific Blue Pearl with black / grey half leather / half cloth interior. Imported from Japan in 2020 by Adventure Motor Vehicles, our vendor is only the second registered keeper in the UK. The Si specification (also known as BB7) is one we didn’t get in the UK and came with a 158 bhp 16 valve 2. 2 litre engine, 4-wheel steering and air-conditioning. It was graded a 4 in the Japanese auction and received the following from AMV when it arrived:-
Full service (including cambelt fitted by Honda specialist)
New plugs
New front brake pads
Four new tyres
Machine polish and underbody wax (DYNAX)
MPH speedo and rear fog lamp
There is some service history in the service book from prior to import but our Japanese is a bit rusty so we can’t be more specific.
Outside, the Prelude presents nicely. We think the styling of this final generation has matured nicely and, particularly in this sophisticated shade of blue, it makes for a very clean and classy coupe. It’s nice to see a Prelude on its OEM wheels, as so many now sit on aftermarket alloys, the originals having corroded away in successive British winters. These rims are in lovely condition with no kerbing. Similarly, the lights are crisp and clear with no milkiness to the lenses. There is a paint chip to the roof that the new owner will want to address. The interior is definitely a highlight of this car. The half leather seats have a lovely design of cloth insert and this is set off with contrast stitching to the bolsters. The cloth is clean and free from any obvious damage and the leather is good with only some very mild patination to the driver’s seat bolster - much as you would expect for a car that has covered only 27, 000 recorded miles. The Japanese love a plush carpet mat and this car retains those fitted from its life in its homeland. Being a Honda, it comes with a high specification and all the luxuries you would expect from a 90s coupe.
Our vendor drove it to us from Harrow, some 160 miles, without issue and described it as a “mini-grand tourer”. We did note when we drove it for our video that the seatbelt light is illuminating. The car comes with V5C, current and old MOTs, some Japanese import and auction papers, original service book and leather wallet, UK sales brochure and radio instructions. There is also a letter from AMV confirming that whilst the speedometer reads in miles, the odometer still records in kms.
We love modern Japanese classics here at MPC but they don’t always enjoy our salty UK roads and the years can take their toll. That makes a Japanese import a very appealing proposition. The Japanese generally take a pride in their cars and, when you combine that with a salt-free environment, imports are often in far better condition than similar cars sold new over here. This Prelude is a case in point and we would stick our neck out to say it’s likely to be nicer than the vast majority out there and represents fantastic value.
