The history of this 1986 Honda CRX is unclear, although the seller claims it has spent years in storage. They don’t specify when or for how long, but its condition suggests nobody has tried to wear out this Japanese classic. It presents well for a vehicle of this type and age and is ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel. The Honda is listed here on eBay in Reynolds, Illinois. Bidding sits at $6,500, which is below the reserve.

Honda released the First Generation CRX in 1983, with cars remaining in showrooms until 1987. It followed the prevailing industry hot-hatch trend, producing a vehicle with modest exterior dimensions and a peppy little four-cylinder engine under the hood. The seller initially believed this was the Si version because of the badge on the back, but since it lacks the distinctive rear spoiler and other fine details, it is apparent it is the company’s mid-range offering. That gives the driver more power than the HF variant but less than the Si. They say it spent years hibernating, and its overall condition suggests the storage environment must have been ideal. The Victoria Red paint shines impressively, with no signs of deterioration or dull spots. The panels are straight, and there is no evidence of surface corrosion that might hint at deeper issues. Plastic from this era is prone to deterioration, but there are no such problems here. The trim is in good order, and the glass is crystal clear.

If Hondas from the 1970s and 1980s had a genuine weakness, it was the susceptibility of interior trim to deterioration. Cloth seatcovers would wear, and plastic often suffered due to UV exposure. This CRX has avoided those pitfalls, with its condition consistent with the odometer reading of 77,000 miles. There is slight wear on the outer edge of the driver’s seat, which is a common development. It hasn’t worn through, and a set of nice slipcovers would prevent further deterioration. The dash plastic is uncracked, and the wheel looks excellent. There is nothing justifying criticism, and although it isn’t lavishly equipped by modern standards, the new owner receives a factory tachometer, an AM/FM radio/cassette player, and a rear cargo net.

Lifting the hood reveals the truth about this CRX, confirming the Si badge on the back is only window-dressing. The engine bay should house a fuel-injected powerplant if it were the real deal. However, this is the less potent 1.5-liter carbureted unit producing 76hp and 84 ft/lbs of torque. Shifting duties fall to a five-speed manual transmission, and while the combination doesn’t sound like a recipe for excitement, the curb weight of 1,814 lbs means the CRX can spring a surprise. As previously stated, it is unclear how long this Honda spent hibernating, but the listing indicates an odometer reading of 77,000 miles. The seller fitted new tires as part of its revival, stating that the car runs and drives. They don’t elaborate on how well it performs either feat, but the visual indications are positive.

This 1986 Honda CRX isn’t the desirable Si version but a wonderful little survivor. Hot hatches don’t appeal to everyone, but they reward drivers willing to put in some effort behind the wheel. Some may argue that it isn’t a genuine hot hatch. However, its engine provides better-than-average performance, although it would play second fiddle to some of the more potent vehicles from that genre. This is a tidy classic that would be ideal for weekend fun. It is also a vehicle that sips its fuel delicately, making it a viable daily driver. It has generated plenty of interest since hitting the market, but are you tempted to make a play for this survivor?