Acura Legend 1st Gen
The first-generation Acura Legend was the flagship that launched Honda's luxury brand, offering a refined V6 and Japanese reliability. It remains an accessible classic, with well-preserved coupes representing the top of the market.
Find one with Spotter →Acura Legend 1st Gen sold for a median of $6,300 over the last 12 months, based on 7 auction sales; the middle 50% sold between $5,192 and $8,858. 40 currently for sale.
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The Acura Legend debuted in 1986 as the flagship for Honda's new luxury division. Developed in partnership with Britain's Rover Group, the Legend introduced a new level of refinement and reliability to the segment. It was initially offered with a 2.5L SOHC V6, which was upgraded to a 2.7L version in 1988, and came in both sedan and a stylish coupe body style introduced for 1987.
Collectors appreciate the first-generation Legend for its historical significance and its blend of 1980s design with durable Honda engineering. It successfully challenged established European luxury marques and proved that a Japanese brand could compete at the highest level. The two-door coupe, especially when equipped with the 5-speed manual transmission, is the most desirable configuration for enthusiasts.
The market for these cars is still developing, making them an accessible entry into modern classics. While the average sale price hovers around $10,500, there's a huge gap between worn-out daily drivers and pristine, low-mileage survivors. The best examples, particularly coupes, have seen prices climb as nostalgia for the era grows.
Buying Tips
- Check for rust in the rear wheel arches, rocker panels, and around the sunroof and windshield seals.
- The C-series V6 engine is robust, but watch for oil leaks from valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and main seals.
- Test all interior electronics. Digital climate control screens are known to fail, and power antenna masts often break.
- Automatic transmissions can develop issues with shifting. Ensure fluid is clean and shifts are smooth.
- Original alloy wheels are prone to clear coat failure; refinishing them can be costly.
Prices range from around $500 for project cars to $29,000 for pristine, low-mileage examples.
115 Acura Legend 1st Gen vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 40 currently live.
Data sourced from Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, eBay Motors, PCarMarket, and Collecting Cars. Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Acura Legend 1st Gen cost?
Over the last 12 months, Acura Legend 1st Gen sold for a median of $6,300 across 7 auction sales tracked on Hypercars; the middle 50% sold between $5,192 and $8,858. There are 40 currently for sale.
How many Acura Legend 1st Gen listings are for sale right now?
There are 40 Acura Legend 1st Gen listings currently live across auctions, dealers, and marketplaces tracked by Hypercars.