Description
The Honda Beat is a rear wheel drive, mid-engined two-seat roadster produced from May 1991 until February 1996. The original design was by Pininfarina and then transferred to Honda where it became the last car to be approved by Soichiro Honda before he died in 1991. The Honda Beat’s diminutive size and engine capacity was designed to take advantage of Japan’s tax efficient Kei class of vehicles.
The 656 cc engine is fitted with the MTREC (Multi Throttle Responsive Engine Control) system, with individual throttle bodies for each of the three cylinders, to produce 64 PS (63 bhp) at 8100 rpm and a red line of 8500rpm, great fun in a car that only weighs 760kg. It’s a lovely revy power unit that really sings. In fact the whole car is an absolute blast to drive feeling nippy, agile and responsive.
Never officially imported into the UK, this RHD Beat, manufactured in 1992 and supplied new in Japan was imported into the UK in 1992 and has had 6 owners since that time. Stored since 2009 it has just been re-commissioned as a “lock down” project and a fresh MOT obtained.
Unfortunately, during the process the timing belt failed at low rpm causing relatively minor damage. However, a replacement engine was installed that was reported to have completed 58796kms. A new Honda timing belt set imported from Japan was fitted and the distributer was checked for free movement as a stiff distributer can sometimes cause the timing belt to fail. The original engine is included in the sale and could be re-built and re-fitted to return the car to matching numbers status.
The body and soft top are in great condition and the car is very original and runs well. The original optional “Gathers “ Stereo works and the funky zebra pattern seats and carpets present really well with only minor wear on the driver’s seat bolster having been repaired.
A really fun car in excellent condition that can be hustled along with a great sound track and nimble handling at speeds that won’t get you into trouble. Perfect!!
