CIVIC (1973 - 1979)
CIVIC (1973 - 1979)
CIVIC (1973 - 1979) The Civic was the first ‘conventional’ Honda car following the s800 sports cars and the 'N' and 'Z' series mini-cars. The Civic launched Honda to success in many world markets because it contained the right ingredients to be a big seller. Announced in late 1972 (but not introduced in to the UK until 1973) the car was a good looking conventional hatchback with an all alloy 4-cylinder water cooled engine and independent suspension. The key to the success lay in competent design and intelligent use of conventional engineering.
Initially the Civic was offered with an 1169cc engine - the '1200' Civic. Two model variants were available; a 2-door version with a small lift-down boot and the more popular 3-door hatchback. Both were available either with a 4-speed manual gearbox or a 2-speed Hondamatic transmission. In 1973 a Deluxe specification was introduced with an AM radio, heated rear window and radial tyres.
In October 1974 a '1500' 4-door car supplemented the range. This was created by extending the wheelbase by 4 inches and adding rear doors whilst retaining the small boot of the original 2-door model. The mechanical specification was similar apart from increasing the engine capacity to 1488cc. Manual and Hondamatic transmissions were offered. To allow room for the larger engine the length of the front wings and bonnet were extended in front of the axle line (as non-UK market CVCC models). The '1500' model trim was similar to the Deluxe specification of the smaller models with the exception of the instruments; a tachometer replaced the fuel/temperature gauge unit in the binnacle. These items were re-located within a unique console in the centre of the dashboard and a three spoke steering wheel was fitted.
Initially the Civic was offered with an 1169cc engine - the '1200' Civic. Two model variants were available; a 2-door version with a small lift-down boot and the more popular 3-door hatchback. Both were available either with a 4-speed manual gearbox or a 2-speed Hondamatic transmission. In 1973 a Deluxe specification was introduced with an AM radio, heated rear window and radial tyres.
In October 1974 a '1500' 4-door car supplemented the range. This was created by extending the wheelbase by 4 inches and adding rear doors whilst retaining the small boot of the original 2-door model. The mechanical specification was similar apart from increasing the engine capacity to 1488cc. Manual and Hondamatic transmissions were offered. To allow room for the larger engine the length of the front wings and bonnet were extended in front of the axle line (as non-UK market CVCC models). The '1500' model trim was similar to the Deluxe specification of the smaller models with the exception of the instruments; a tachometer replaced the fuel/temperature gauge unit in the binnacle. These items were re-located within a unique console in the centre of the dashboard and a three spoke steering wheel was fitted.
For 1977 the range was consolidated and the opportunity taken to facelift the appearance of the cars. The '1200' engine was enlarged to create a 1238cc (the '1250') unit and the '1500' was discontinued. The opportunity was taken to change spring and damper settings to address criticism that earlier cars that a hard ride.
The 4-door body was re-engineered to incorporate a true 5-door hatchback which was available alongside the existing 3 door. The 2-door car was discontinued. At the same time some detail changes were made to the to the bumpers; the indicators were incorporated into the ends and they were now fitted with plastic end-caps. The bonnet pressing was also revised with the side vents replaced by a central intake. Whilst there were no changes to the main interior mouldings, the seat trim now featured fabric inserts and a range of colours introduced to complement the car exterior colour. Carpets were also colour coded to match the seat trim.
The 4-door body was re-engineered to incorporate a true 5-door hatchback which was available alongside the existing 3 door. The 2-door car was discontinued. At the same time some detail changes were made to the to the bumpers; the indicators were incorporated into the ends and they were now fitted with plastic end-caps. The bonnet pressing was also revised with the side vents replaced by a central intake. Whilst there were no changes to the main interior mouldings, the seat trim now featured fabric inserts and a range of colours introduced to complement the car exterior colour. Carpets were also colour coded to match the seat trim.
The Civic was available on several overseas markets. Whilst the body remained the same, equipment and specification were altered to suit local markets. For example a 5-speed gearbox was offered in some territories and where required the CVCC cylinder head was fitted to the engine with other emissions equipment to suit local regulations.
The very last cars were fitted with an intermittent wash wipe and modified door mirrors before the range was discontinued in 1979 when the completely revised second generation Civic was announced.
The very last cars were fitted with an intermittent wash wipe and modified door mirrors before the range was discontinued in 1979 when the completely revised second generation Civic was announced.
The second generation maintained the family resemblance and in non-UK markets was available as a 4 door saloon called the Ballade and 3 and 5 Civic door hatchback. In the UK the Ballade was built by British Leyland with some local content and sold successfully as the Triumph Acclaim.
Selling your Honda Classic Car. Need advice or information? email [email protected]
Copyright © 2002 - 2012 Honda Classic Cars