Crazy Custom: 1980 Honda Gold Wing Coach
Some custom builds are so crazy and left-field that they almost defy description. Such is the case with this 1980 Honda Gold Wing. It started life as a comfortable open-road touring motorcycle that could carry two people. However, it has been transformed into something entirely different, reminiscent of the days when stagecoaches plied their way across the land. It is an ideal alternative for someone considering starting a business with a stretched limousine, although someone wishing to stand out could find it irresistible. The Honda is listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Geneva, Ohio. You could ride this custom home once you’ve handed the seller $35,000.
Honda’s Second Generation Gold Wing hit the market in 1980. The biggest news was an increase in engine capacity and power as the company sought to combat new models from Suzuki and Kawasaki. Custom trike builder Norman L. Steele Snr produced this Coach. While it is listed as a Gold Wing, a careful search reveals little of the donor motorcycle left below the surface. The vehicle sits on a custom steel tube frame, with the body constructed of ply over timber using traditional coachbuilding techniques. The work quality is first-rate, with excellent fit and finish. What powers this classic is a mystery, with my research suggesting Honda’s original 1,085cc four-cylinder engine and five-speed transmission are ancient history. I believe the entire front clip of an unknown front-wheel drive passenger car may occupy the area behind the passenger compartment, with the driver’s controls suggesting that a four-cylinder fuel-injected motor feeds its power to the road via an automatic transaxle. This is good news because, with only 81hp and 65 ft/lbs of torque, the Honda powerplant would have struggled to move this custom beyond walking pace. I believe the Coach was only recently completed, but there is no information on how it runs or drives.
The original Honda Gold Wing would have accommodated its rider and one person who was daring enough to climb on behind. This Coach will seat four people within its passenger compartment, with the seating configuration taken from a traditional stagecoach. The seats feature cloth covers, with the sides and roof finished in brocade cloth. Brown carpet covers the floor, complemented by a removable Persian-style rug. Stage coaches were not renowned for superior comfort, but this custom addresses those shortcomings. Occupants receive air conditioning, a heater, a radio/CD player, and a driver intercom. The recent completion means there has been no time for the interior to become worn or dirty. Those searching for an alternative to a traditional limousine-for-hire may find this Coach a viable and eye-catching alternative.
I acknowledge that this 1980 Honda Gold Wing Coach won’t appeal to everybody, but it is undeniably different. It can’t help but draw attention and crowds, which appears to be the builder’s goal. Placing a value on this type of vehicle is almost impossible because they are only worth what someone is willing to pay. The seller indicates it has been appraised at $55,000, which sounds plausible. Is this a classic you would pursue further, or is it too left-field for you?
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Comments
I saw this Harley Hearse at the Staab Funeral home in
Springfield,Illinois when we went to see a recreation of the
Lincoln hearse that we saw being built in Eureka,CA at the
Blue Ox Millworks when we lived there.
somewhere, someone is looking for something unique, and will want this. When I was a young lad, I always wanted a tricked out VW trike, but not quite this tricked out. The builder did a great job from what the pictures show, but it is a bit of a low rider for sure. Watch out for those speed bumps….
OK, it’s weird and it’s funky, but it’s still more appealing than the Tesla Pickup. And probably more useful.
Is this still available?
Hi Howie, I don’t think that’s going to be an issue for a while.
That is what most sellers on FB put in their ad, they will not respond to anybody that asks that.
Sarcasm – or as Robin Williams would say – ” Arr Arr Arr”
Set up barricades, cordon it off, take pics and go door-to-door in search of witnesses…..hopefully this is an isolated case. And keep the press away……dont want to risk copy-cat offenders.
Well, the VW custom was one thing, this is pure foolishness. I wouldn’t offer this to anyone. Stretched 3 wheelers, such as there, are inherently unstable, poor steering, and I bet very low miles. You know, as much as I rip on someones creation, have to give some credit, I suppose.”only one like it in the world”,,mm-hmm, for a reason, and somebody spent a lot of time and money on this abomination, builders remorse is high, I bet. I wonder how the missus felt seeing this instead of her new bathroom,,,
I feel like this is 90% there but missing a key component. Picture a white horse head and reaching front legs and the flowing main of a magnificent stallion on the front end with the headlamp in its mouth. That would take this build to a fantastic final product.
Now that Eddie Munster is a grandfather, he can create fun stuff like this to rival his own Grandpa.
To me different is cool. And I bet you could get a ton of this generations brides/grooms who would want to ride in this after getting married. BUT how much would you have to charge to recoup your investment AND how long before someone messes up that interio.
Sensible transportation in Las Vegas.
More like a classy rickshaw for the rich and famous,,,,in Hong Kong.
Wasn’t this supposed to be on here on April 1?
Takes the cake as the biggest POS I’ve seen so far this month. Just my opinion…
I have always knew there was something I don’t like, don’t need, don’t want and never want to see again. Alas,you have published it.
A truly auspicious POS. Well done!
Lends new meaning to the term “ug-uh-lee!”
The coach interior looks like the builder spent a lot of time on it but it’s truly bizarre in exterior appearance. It looks like hitting a pebble on the road will scrape the bottom of the coach with that extremely low clearance. Imagine hitting a pothole causing the front to dip and then dragging the coach and going into a roll. I can’t imagine anyone ponying up 35K for this. Maybe 3,500 for the parts.
The driver’s seat looks about as comfortable as sitting on the floor and leaning back against the wall.
I can think of a LOT of better vehicle choices for $35K
Just a guess here, but I assume the first person to ride in this thing will promptly throw up, thus the removable “Persian-style” rug on the floor.