1972 Honda 1300 Coupe

Netherlands-based John Kuiper has owned the Honda for almost three years, “I imported the car from Japan and it still has a Japanese title, but all relevant import duties have been paid. It’s covered 78,787km from new.”

Like most Japanese market cars there’s no history with the vehicle so it’s one that you’ll buy on condition, which here is solid and in the main, original. “I haven’t driven the car very much as it’s right-hand drive and, alongside reducing the collection, that’s also my principal reason for selling”.

John changed the fuel pump when the Honda first arrived, but hasn’t had to do much else to it. “It’s a very near looking car. The bodywork does have some small dents and the colour is original. It runs and drives very good; the air-cooled engine really sounds great.”

So there you have it, a cheeky little Japanese import in very nice condition.

The simple econobox lines of the Sixties N360 and N600, were replaced by altogether more confident ones in the new generation of Honda; just look at that scowling front end – it looks like a brooding Samurai just about to strike.

It’s a well resolved design from any angle; the six-light rear end is simple and well conceived, while the fastback styling looks mighty swift from the rear three-quarter view – we love it.

All panels align nicely and the Blue paintwork has a nice even finish and presents in nice condition; it has a really good level of depth too, and undoubtedly suits the 1300’s lines. As you’d expect there’re one or two small age-related blemishes, such as the stone chips around the bonnet ‘H’ badge and the odd dent and tiny blister here and there.

Bright work is generally good and in keeping with the car’s nice condition, with just a touch of age related pitting here and there, and a very minor scuff or two on the front bumper.

Star-shaped alloys finish the picture and are shod in Dunlop Enasave E203 rubber that looks fresh enough but, as with any classic, we recommend checking the date stamps before use.

As it remains in original condition some of the body and glass rubbers are no doubt showing their age; this includes the chrome roof moulding surrounds, which are pretty cracked. However, these simply add to the car’s patina and so we’d definitely leave them as is.

On popping the driver’s door the first thing that greets you is supremely zingy seat centre bolster material – well, hello there. I’m fairly sure I once saw that design on the side of Ziggy Stardust’s face on an album cover…

One thing’s for sure, entering this cabin is only ever going to be a pleasure.

The colour on those seats, including the rears, has naturally faded slightly over the years (what must they have been like when new?) but they’re in good condition and, most importantly, free from any tares or abrasions. The front seats have a nice sporty design with the side bolsters providing excellent lateral support.

The large steering wheel is man manly size “I doubt whether it’s original,” states John. And he’s right, it should have a much thinner rimmed, three-metal spoke period item. The next owner may wish to try and source one, as the current item looks decidedly out of place.

The dashboard plastics look to be relatively mark free and it’s a design both of its time, and full of character. A pioneer radio cassette, an early indicator of highly-specced Japanese cabins, sits proudly ensconced in the centre column.

Best of all is the rev counter’s redline, which sits at 7000rpm and hints at Honda engines’ famed high revolution happiness…

Everything about this car lends the impression that it’s going to be fun to chuck around (surely any Coupe model’s raison d’être), and John confirms that it’s a hoot to drive.

The engine bay presents reasonably well, but could perhaps benefit from a good clean and detailing. A variety of original Japanese stickers remain in place and the Honda engineers have packaged the little engine neatly within it.

It’s definitely worth getting down on your knees and having a look underneath this car, because the underside shows the benefit of Japanese market vehicles – it looks nice and solid in all the right places.

This is going to be a concise section; one that’s reflective of this small but perfectly formed car. Quite simply it’s a vehicle that will be bought on condition and for rarity.

You’ll find an original New Honda Coupe advert/handbook and a Japanese document in the car’s history file. And that as they say in the classic car business, is that.

Please visit the documents section of the gallery of this listing where you will find photos of the paperwork to support our claim that this car has been maintained to a very good standard.

First things, first: that snazztastic Seventies interior is surely worth the admission price alone. Wouldn’t you agree? It really endows the cabin with an eye popping, zingy and joyous aesthetic.

Second things, well, second: the originality (save for that later steering wheel!) of this car stands out; from the faded window stickers, ‘Honda Aircon’ and ‘OK Honda’, to the star-shaped alloy wheels and original Pioneer radio tape deck. Did we mention the interior?

As such we think this charming little Coupe will sell for somewhere between €17,000 and €29,000. For that the next owner will receive a rare, purposeful little Japanese rarity that’s very solid, quite original and is a properly buzzy performer to boot.

Factor in its then state-of-the-art technology and it’s a real Japanese techno-wizard.

Inspection is always encouraged, and this particular car is located at the owner’s home in Gorinchem, Netherlands; to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.