Hondas and Toyotas from the 1980s and early 1990s are becoming increasingly popular among collectors. These cars, once considered mundane and uninteresting, suddenly became stylish and collectible.
Honda’s Civic CRX from the 1980s is an excellent example of this trend. This small, lightweight car was once dismissed as a “commuter car” but is now highly sought-after by collectors. The Toyota Celica from the same era is another example of a once-unpopular car now coveted by collectors.
01. Acura Legend
The first Honda Legend was introduced in 1985, and on the US market debuted as the Acura Legend. It was a luxurious car that featured the latest technology, including power windows, power seats, and cruise control. The Legend was also one of the first cars to offer an airbag.
The Legend was available as a sedan and a coupe, and just like you would expect from its name, it was legendary at the time. The American market did not see this coming! Luxury, incredible comfort, good performance at a resealable price!
Those who decided to go for the coupe received the 2.7 liter v6, developing more BHP, compared to the 2.5 liter v6 on the sedan. Some low-mileage cars have sold for as high as $32,000.
02. Honda Civic CRX
The Honda Civic CRX was introduced in 1984. It was a small, lightweight car that was designed to be fuel-efficient. The CRX quickly became a hit with young drivers looking for a stylish and affordable vehicle.
In the early 1990s, the CRX’s popularity began to decline. This was partly due to the introduction of newer, more stylish Honda models such as the Civic del Sol. However, the CRX has made a comeback in recent years and is now considered a collectible car.
It is not unheard of for good CRX models to sell for over 40k.
03. Acura NSX
The Honda NSX, sold in the US as the Acura NSX, was introduced in 1990. It was a high-performance sports car with a V6 engine and all-wheel drive. The NSX was designed to compete with the Porsche 911 and the Ferrari 348.
Some of the better models sold earlier this year for as much as $69,420 on online auction sites like bringatrailer.com.
04. Toyota Celica
The Toyota Celica was first introduced in 1971. It was a small, sporty car that was popular with young drivers. The Celica was available in both a coupe and convertible body style.
Celica was never intended to sell in high volume, as Toyota developed this model as an alternative to the Ford Mustang. The public so loved the car that in 1974, 1976, and 1977 Toyota Celica won Motor Trend “Import Car of the Year.”
Models in good condition can easily sell for over 20k in auctions, and the prices seem to keep rising.
05. Toyota Supra
I can’t leave out the almighty Toyota Supra! This car was one of the most loved cars in the 90s. Launched in 1978, the car only managed to get its own identity after three generations. The first generation was known as Celica Supra, as it shared a lot with the Toyota Celica.
The second generation did not change too much regarding mechanics, but it improved on appearance.
The third generation is the model everyone associates the name Toyota Supra with. And it was a hit! Real-wheel drive, a 3l inline-six cylinder engine with over 200BHP, followed by a turbo-charged version shortly after.
It is not unheard of for Supras with genuine parts to sell for over 100k!
What fuels this phenomenon?
The trend toward collecting these older Hondas and Toyotas is likely due to a combination of factors.
First, many of these cars are now seen as stylish and cool. They have a retro look that is becoming increasingly popular.
Second, these cars are becoming more rare as they age, just like a good wine. As they become harder to find, their value increases.
Finally, many people who grew up driving these cars are now entering their 30s and 40s and looking for a way to reconnect with their youth. For them, collecting these cars is a way to do that.
Now is a great time to start if you’re considering collecting Honda or Toyota cars from the 1980s and early 1990s. The market for these cars is still relatively small, so you should be able to find some great deals.
Every since I was a little boy, I can remember spending the afternoons in my dad’s repair shop. I got my first car at 16 and it was the best feeling ever!
I have contributed to various automotive publications but decided it’s finally time to settle for something constant.
