Some classics are cool because they are achingly beautiful, while others achieve that status via mind-bending performance. This 1992 Honda Beat is cool simply because it isn’t asking to be taken seriously. It laughs in the face of life’s stresses, allowing its owner to wear a mile-wide smile. This beauty is a JDM import that presents well for its age. It has no pressing issues beyond needing a new home. Therefore, the seller has listed it here on Craigslist in Conroe, Texas. It could be yours for $6,500, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder PRA4SNW for spotting a seriously cool Japanese classic.

Honda introduced the Beat in 1991, with the car remaining in Japanese domestic production until 1996. It is historically significant because it was the last model approved by company founder Soichiro Honda before his passing in 1991. It features the tiny dimensions expected from any Kei Car, and this one is a private import. It is anything but subtle, with its panels sporting dazzling Yellow paint that guarantees that although it is small, it will stand out in a crowd. Its overall condition and presentation are good, with no significant panel or paint issues. There is no visible rust, and the seller doesn’t mention problems in their listing. The condition of the Black soft-top is unknown, but since it probably doesn’t get much of a workout in the current location, I would expect it to be in respectable shape. The plastic and other trim items are in good order. The luggage rack is practical since one medium-sized suitcase will fill the car’s minuscule trunk. The alloy wheels would benefit from a polish, and at least one center cap is missing. Overall, this Honda makes a positive first impression.

Many Kei Cars from this era featured tiny engines boosted by a turbocharger, but Honda’s successful history with technology like variable valve timing saw it decide to pursue the normally aspirated path with the Beat. Its mid-mounted 656cc three-cylinder engine benefits from Multi Throttle Responsive Engine Control (MTREC) technology to produce a respectable 63hp and 44 ft/lbs of torque. This feeds to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transaxle, with the company (thankfully) not offering an automatic option. The Beat will hardly leave muscle cars trembling in their boots, but with only 1,675 lbs to shift, that sweet little engine can launch this classic through the ¼-mile in 18.9 seconds. Relatively short gearing means these cars work hard at freeway speeds, but the seller has made changes that should make a positive difference. They replaced the original cogs for fourth and fifth gear with different ratios. This gives the car longer legs, relieving engine strain as speeds climb. The car also recently received a new clutch kit, a slave cylinder, belts and hoses, a timing belt and gears, and new spark plugs. They don’t indicate how well this Honda runs or drives, but the indications are positive.

The first thing most readers will notice about this Beat’s interior is that this classic is right-hand drive. Honda produced the Beat for the Japanese domestic market, and no LHD version was made. However, adapting to the wheel on the “wrong” side is not difficult, and most enthusiasts will find it becomes second nature after a short drive. If the Beat’s exterior is extroverted, its interior serves up more of the same. It is trimmed in Gray, Black, and White. The seats feature zebra stripe patterned cloth that will divide opinion, with matching floor mats to complete the look. The remaining surfaces wear Gray plastic, which was typical Japanese fare from the era. The driver’s seat has wear and slight damage, and the new owner may need to fit slipcovers if they can’t locate replacement upholstery. Some plastic items are scuffed and marked, but I can’t spot any cracked or broken components. The driver’s view is dominated by a white-faced tach with a redline set at 8,100rpm, while occupants benefit from air conditioning, power windows, and an AM/FM stereo radio/cassette player with optional dash-mounted speakers.

This 1992 Honda Beat won’t appeal to everyone, but that is true of any classic. However, with Kei Cars enjoying a solid following, it is guaranteed we will have Barn Finds readers who view it as an automotive “must-have.” It has no urgent needs and appears to be a turnkey proposition that is undeniably affordable. Recent sales results indicate the price of this classic is highly competitive. If a classic guaranteed to plaster a mile-wide smile on your face is on your Wish List, this Beat deserves a close look.