Rusty But Trusty

You can still spot older Civics every so often in the dry states – since rust doesn’t kill them, and the mechanical bits seem to have great longevity, these cars can easily live to be 30 or 40 years old, especially as secondary transportation. The second-generation Civic started the growth trajectory that has left today’s Civic dwarfing the first Accords – they became bigger, more boxy, and got a larger engine. 1982 saw the addition of updates including square sealed beam headlights, which was a far cry from the flying cars we were led to expect by then. The following year brought the S model, which, beyond some extra badging, blacked-out trim, and sport upholstery, also had firmer suspension, a rear anti-roll bar, and Michelin tires. North American Civic S (esses?) received the 1500 engine with a brutal (wait for it) 67hp. You can find this 1983 Honda Civic 1500 S for sale in Shoreline, WA (just north of Seattle, for $3500, or if you’re patient, with bidding at $2010 and just under 2 days left to go.

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