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1997 Honda del Sol VTEC 5-speed manual SOLD for $9,795
This 1997 Honda del Sol VTEC 5-speed manual is being made available by its second owner, the CCC seller advises that the original owner is a Honda mechanic. Details follow, it has been very well maintained over the years by its custodians. The del Sol was released for the 1992 model year, as a two-place sports car replacing the CRX in the Honda lineup. Power increased from the CRXs, so did functionality. This del Sol VTEC is equipped with the most powerful stock engine installed in the model, it extends the sportiness of the CRX by offering a targa-style roof. The removable roof ingeniously fits into the trunk, with remaining cargo space underneath even when the roof is stowed. Like the CRX, the del Sol was a common modification target for the young racer set. This del Sol is rare for many reasons, most notably the fact that it remains in stock form other than a cold air intake and red valve cover, which really dress up the engine compartment. As well, it originates from the final model year of del Sol production – Honda has not produced a front-drive 2-seater for the North American market since.
The exterior’s black paint retains a nice shine and is complemented by a rear spoiler. Another item that makes this del Sol a rarity, at least in terms of where the majority of the Canadian population is located, is the absence of rust – corrosion is what eliminated this era of Honda from Canadian roads east of Alberta, save for the very few that were not used in winter. This car was sold new in British Columbia and has remained registered in the Greater Vancouver area since new. Fourteen-inch Honda alloys with wheel locks remain in place, skinned in Hankook Kinergy ST tires measuring 195/60, we note 2018 date codes. While presentable, wheels do show scuffs, photos of all four are included in the gallery. Even the single chrome exhaust tip remains in place. The gallery photos show off the condition of the exterior, which has been refinished in places, the glass and light lenses are free from cracking. The car qualifies for British Columbia Collector plates – for those interested, criteria can be reviewed with the licensing authority.
The black and grey interior remains in wonderful condition. Instrumentation is the all-business set-up reflective of Honda state-of-the-art of the era. Large tachometer and speedometer gauges are flanked warning lights to the left then fuel and temperature gauges to the right. Both seats are free of tears and their soft-touch fabric retains its colour. Door card and dash surfaces remain shiny and uncracked, this car is clean. The four-spoke steering wheel houses an airbag, there is also one on the passenger side. This del Sol is equipped with three power windows (that includes the rear), power locks, cruise control and air conditioning. Behind a retractable panel, when closed, hides a Pioneer DEH S5010BT MIXTRAX head unit with USB input and Bluetooth functionality. Black carpets are protected by matching OEM del Sol floor mats showing little wear. Console is also shown in the gallery – the cupholders, ashtray and lighter areas show little wear or evidence of use. There is no passenger space aft of the seats, of course, but there are two closing compartments for small valuables beyond those stowed in the glove box and console. At the driver’s lower left are found remote releases for fuel door and trunk.
This Honda is equipped with the highest offering of engine for a del Sol: a B16a2 DOHC VTEC engine good for 160 horsepower. From the factory, peak power was generated at 7600 RPM while 111 lb.-ft. of torque could be had at 6500 RPM The VTEC model was fitted with stiffer suspension than the lower trim levels and the VTEC itself was complemented by a 5-speed manual transmission which sends the power to the front wheels. This del Sol has been treated to ongoing extensive maintenance over its 259,000 km service life. Timing belts are a notable wear item for its engine, this car’s was changed at 255,625 km – a sticker to corroborate appears in the engine bay photos and adds that expected life is 100,000 km. Other recent maintenance includes a valve timing adjustment, brakes all around, bushings, fuel filter, new radiator and new starter – owner indicates that there are no leaks. Service records dating back to 2009 will be included with the car. A glance at the Carfax shows that much of the maintenance has been performed by Honda and Acura dealerships in BC’s Lower Mainland. The car features anti-lock brakes – one item needing attention is a sensor in the right rear. When the seller submitted the vehicle to us, it was mentioned that it was due for an oil change and that this will be done before it goes to its new owner, to maintain the 5,000 km cycles this car has experienced. A Carfax is included in the gallery – it evidences use in a province with a government-run insurance system, with several claims for well under $1,000. The highest-valued claim is $1,626, indicating that there has been no structural damage.
This 1997 Honda del Sol VTEC 5-speed manual is available in New Westminster, BC from the second owner with owner’s manual, two sets of keys and two remote fobs.
