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| | | | | |||||
| | | |
| Lot number | 164 |
|---|---|
| Hammer value | £2,600 |
| Description | Honda Beat |
| Registration | H404 FHG |
| Year | 1991 |
| Colour | Red |
| Engine size | 660 cc |
| Chassis No. | PP1-1004911 |
Launched in 1991, the cute little Honda Beat convertible was designed to comply with tough Japanese restrictions relating to the size and power of cars that could be used in urban areas without incurring punitive tax, insurance and parking charges (compliant vehicles being classed as ‘kei’ cars).
The last model to be approved by the legendary Soichiro Honda before he died in 1991, the Beat was powered by a three-cylinder 660cc engine that produced 64bhp. In typical Honda fashion it was a high-revving unit (redlined at 8,500rpm) that eschewed turbo charging in favour of a clever MTREC (multi throttle responsive engine control) system with individual throttle bodies for each of the cylinders.
Allied to a 5-speed manual gearbox and a kerb weight of just 760kg, this gave the car an electronically limited top speed of 84mph with the 0-60 dash being completed in just 9 seconds and 50+mpg economy. Although this performance was quite adequate for most users, what really impressed road testers of the time was the go-kart like handling which meant you could hustle the car along twisty lanes without ever needing to hit the brake pedal.
Only 33,600 Beats were made in total before production came to an end in 1996, of which just 61 are currently road registered in the UK making this a rare little beastie indeed.
Dating from January 1991, this Beat is one of the earliest cars produced and comes with the desirable options of a stainless steel luggage rack on the boot and lightweight SSR alloy wheels. Most unusually for an import, it also comes with a full Japanese service history comprising eight service stamps up to 63,000km (39,000 miles) in 2009 when it was brought to the UK.
Regularly maintained since then and with a recent cambelt service, it has now covered some 96,000km (59,500 miles) and is said to drive beautifully. Due to have a fresh MOT and six months’ tax before the sale, it comes with the aforementioned Japanese service history, an original owner’s handbook and a current V5C showing just two UK owners since it was imported.