Prelude (1979-1983)
The Prelude was introduced to the UK in May 1979 and was in reallity a variant of the Accord, using a platform shortened by 2.2 inches, with 2-door coupe styling. The ‘Prelude’ name derives from automotive features Honda felt would become common in future years.
UK cars were delivered to a luxurious specification that included alloy wheels, quartz clock and AM radio incorporated in the instrument console, as befitted the then ‘top of the range’ Honda car. A UK 'first' was the glass electric sunroof and an unusual feature was the ‘target meter’ speedometer and tachometer with the tachometer sweep within the speedometer. The car was always fitted with a 1602cc OHC engine producing 80bhp and was initially available with either a 5-speed manual or 2-speed Hondamatic gearbox. The car was available with a single trim level at a launch price of £4,950.
Road testers praised the exceptional level of trim and comfort offered by the interior, the light progressive brakes. Whilst performance wasn't class leading and the car was always criticised for poor rear legroom, reviews agreed that the car would appeal because of it's refinement, reliability and high quality.
In 1980 the Hondamatic version received a third forward overdrive ratio and a number of trim modifications. In this period Honda were very receptive to consumer and road test comments and several of these were incorporated in the facelift; restyled door trims with a door pocket on the drivers side, electric radio aerial, air re-circulation control for the heater. Externally the bumpers received chrome trim and a rear wash wipe was fitted. The front badges were revised with a central 'H' logo on the grille (as with other contemporary Hondas) and the ‘Honda’ wordmark removed from the fuel filler cover. The opportunity was also taken to revise interior/exterior colour combinations with more harmonious contrasts; some of the earlier interiors were rather garish.
In 1981 the Executive (EX) model was offered for the first time, adding power steering and leather seats to the standard car. In all other respects the specification was exactly the same as the standard model.
Both variants were available until 1983 when the model was replaced by the all-new 1800cc generation 2 model, after over 8,000 had been sold in the UK.
UK cars were delivered to a luxurious specification that included alloy wheels, quartz clock and AM radio incorporated in the instrument console, as befitted the then ‘top of the range’ Honda car. A UK 'first' was the glass electric sunroof and an unusual feature was the ‘target meter’ speedometer and tachometer with the tachometer sweep within the speedometer. The car was always fitted with a 1602cc OHC engine producing 80bhp and was initially available with either a 5-speed manual or 2-speed Hondamatic gearbox. The car was available with a single trim level at a launch price of £4,950.
Road testers praised the exceptional level of trim and comfort offered by the interior, the light progressive brakes. Whilst performance wasn't class leading and the car was always criticised for poor rear legroom, reviews agreed that the car would appeal because of it's refinement, reliability and high quality.
In 1980 the Hondamatic version received a third forward overdrive ratio and a number of trim modifications. In this period Honda were very receptive to consumer and road test comments and several of these were incorporated in the facelift; restyled door trims with a door pocket on the drivers side, electric radio aerial, air re-circulation control for the heater. Externally the bumpers received chrome trim and a rear wash wipe was fitted. The front badges were revised with a central 'H' logo on the grille (as with other contemporary Hondas) and the ‘Honda’ wordmark removed from the fuel filler cover. The opportunity was also taken to revise interior/exterior colour combinations with more harmonious contrasts; some of the earlier interiors were rather garish.
In 1981 the Executive (EX) model was offered for the first time, adding power steering and leather seats to the standard car. In all other respects the specification was exactly the same as the standard model.
Both variants were available until 1983 when the model was replaced by the all-new 1800cc generation 2 model, after over 8,000 had been sold in the UK.
Prelude was available on several overseas markets and whilst the body shell remained the same, equipment and specification differed to suit. Where required the CVCC cylinder head was fitted to the engine with other emissions equipment. For the North American market a fully automatic gearbox was available. US cars were also fitted with impact absorbing bumpers and other features. For the Japanese home market a 1750cc (90bhp) engine was available, along with a wider range of trim options. Most non-UK market cars rode on steel wheels.
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