1983 Civic 1500 S / Sport

After watching wheeler dealers earlier today (Nice Pugeot 205 GTI) I went browsing around on craigslist like any sane person would. I ran across an 83' Civic Sport and while it may not be the best candidate for me (nonrunner, sitting for 10 years) I am still curious about them. It sounds like honda's first attempt at a sportier civic model. Neat cars? Rare? Worth anything?

Can't answer your questions but I like it. Craigslist link for details? No, not going to buy but just curious.

That picture above is just a nice example of one I found.

http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/2138112845.html

I asked a while back about an '81 civic, and there were a few responses in the thread. Oddly enough, that very same picture was posted in it....

Here you go:

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/learn-me-on-81-civic-2-door-hatch-cvcc15l/29086/page1/

You are correct in your assessment that this was Honda's 1st attempt at a "sportier" Civic. I rode in one of these (owned by a co-worker) when it was nearly new. While comparable to any other Civic for driving and performance, they do have a tach, if I'm not mistaken, and may even have a few other "special" features. They do NOT however, have any kind of engine upgrade ala the later Civic Si.

I should state that I am a bit prejudiced about Civics as I've owned 3 and also owned an Integra. I've also driven a few of the generations of Civic that I didn't own. (Nothing newer than 2000, tho.)

With decent tires, these are fun little cars, tho I still prefer the Ford Fiesta that I owned before any of the Civics.

For LESS than a grand, this is a screaming bargain...even if you have to do an engine-transmission transplant.

Rare? Kind of.

Worth anything? Not really.

But if you want it, act quickly or it will disappear.

Almost bought one like that in the photo as my first car back on 89. Ended up with a plain 83 1200 with automatic. That is until I blew the engine and got a 79 1200 4 speed. Fun little cars all.

I'm old enough to have driven one -- and I don't remember being either overwhelmed or underwhlemed by it -- just whelmed, I guess. A GTI is a better car all around from a performance standpoint. But, if the price is right, and it checks out, I think you'd enjoy it. They are pretty light and simple.

The "sport" part is a tach, exterior trim, and different seats,if I recall correctly. $750 makes it pretty desirable.

The S was only available in Black or Red.

Woody wrote: The S was only available in Black or Red.

I don't remember the red ones. Saw a couple of black ones around here.

I like them, less for the quality or performance of the car, more for it being the first step on a fairly cool ladder.

It was a dark red, almost maroon. I think I have the original Honda dealer sales training info on them.

Woody wrote: It was a dark red, almost maroon. I think I have the original Honda dealer sales training info on them.

It wouldn't be almost maroon. It will be more of a fire engine red. I had an 83 maroon Civic back in 1987. The Civic S models weren't rare then as they are now. Of course most of the 2nd gen Civics you don't see much now.

I'd definitely pick it up if I could.

I know the DX maroon as well, as a neighbor still has one. I guess that dark red would be a better description.

A co-worker had a red one, and that's how I knew that an "S" had a tach...wasn't completely sure about the different seat covering material (I sort of remember a check or houndstooth pattern). I think, but am not sure, that the wheels may be 1/2 inch wider, to accomodate a lower profile tire. I think Civics of this vintage had a 155X75 tire, while the "S" had a 165X70 tire. i can't remember much else as far as "special features".

Due to the rarity of 2nd gen Civics, this is a bargain at $750...even if it doesn't run.

There's this to wet your whistle:

http://www.history.com/shows/top-gear/videos/rutledges-project-car#rutledges-project-car

i worked in the used car dept of the local honda dealer when these cars were only a couple years old. by the standards of the day, they were fun to drive. today, they win style points and probably still kick a$$ in fuel economy, but in all other measurables they will suck compared to just about anything on four wheels.

they're pretty bulletproof. i'd drain and refill the gas, do a stomp test on the brake pedal, and put a battery in it. then hook up a tow rope to the front and drag it at about 10 mph in first gear with the ignition on until it started. ( i used to have to do that with my '53 chevy if it sat longer than a few months, because the starter was weak.)

I know two people that had these. They were pretty quick (they were light), had a 3bbl carb, slick 5 speed and a nicer interior than pedestrian Civics. It was quicker than my Fiesta, but not by a lot. Both of the ones I knew went 200,000. The cam failed on one due to lackluster maintenance. I haven't seen one in forever.

Is there any kinda of performance parts available for the older Civics?

love those old civics.