Honda Prelude 1st Gen
Honda's first sporty personal coupe, the first-gen Prelude mixes classic '80s Japanese design with a fun, lightweight chassis. It's an affordable entry point for vintage Honda collectors, but finding a rust-free example is the primary challenge.
Find one with Spotter →Typical sold price of a Honda Prelude 1st Gen ranges from $1,720 to $24,777, based on 65 sales tracked on Hypercars. 29 currently for sale.
The first-generation Honda Prelude (SN) debuted in 1978 as a sporty two-door coupe based on the Accord platform. It was Honda's attempt to build a more personal, upscale car, and every US-market Prelude came standard with a power glass moonroof, a feature that was quite advanced for its time. Power came from a 1.8-liter SOHC CVCC inline-4, initially producing 72 hp, paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 2-speed 'Hondamatic' automatic transmission.
Collectors are drawn to the first-gen Prelude for its clean, uncluttered styling and its significance as the start of a legendary nameplate. Its unique interior, featuring a concentric speedometer and tachometer, adds to its '80s charm. While it wasn't a powerhouse, its fully independent suspension gave it a fun-to-drive character that hinted at the performance models Honda would later produce.
The market for these cars is small but growing, as enthusiasts seek out well-preserved examples of '80s Japanese classics. With an average sale price around $7,000, they represent an accessible entry point. The main challenge is finding cars without significant rust or deferred maintenance, as clean, original examples are becoming increasingly difficult to locate.
Buying Tips
- Rust is the biggest issue. Thoroughly inspect the rear wheel arches, rocker panels, floor pans, and the area around the sunroof seal.
- The CVCC engine's complex vacuum hose system can be a headache. Look for signs of perished hoses and check for smooth idling and acceleration, as carburetor problems are common.
- Interior parts are very hard to find. Pay close attention to the condition of the dashboard, which is prone to cracking, and ensure the unique concentric speedometer/tachometer works correctly.
- Check for signs of a failing head gasket, such as milky oil or a sweet smell from the exhaust. It's a known weak point on the EK1 engine.
- Suspension components, particularly bushings, are likely worn after 40+ years. Listen for clunks and rattles during the test drive.
Based on recent sales, prices range from approximately $2,850 for project cars to over $13,000 for top-tier examples.
65 Honda Prelude 1st Gen vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 29 currently live. Sold prices range from $1,200 to $123,456.
Data sourced from Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, eBay Motors, PCarMarket, and Collecting Cars. Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Honda Prelude 1st Gen cost?
Based on 65 sales tracked on Hypercars, Honda Prelude 1st Gen prices typically range from $1,720 to $24,777. There are 29 currently for sale.
How many Honda Prelude 1st Gen listings are for sale right now?
There are 29 Honda Prelude 1st Gen listings currently live across auctions, dealers, and marketplaces tracked by Hypercars.