TOP＞Stock List＞1979model Honda Prelude XE early SN model
1979model
Honda Prelude XE early SN model
The first generation SN Honda Prelude XE in 1979, all painted, engine in good condition, original interior........
The detailed condition of the vehicle is described in each photo.
On the top slide you will find 50 attractive photos of the vehicle! Please click on a photo to view it with its description. Click outside the picture to return to the page.
In the late 1970s, individualization began... The first domestic specialty car...
Sadaharu Oh hit home run No. 756 and received the National Honor Award for the first time…. The Best Ten” TV music program began airing, and Candies broke up. Invader games were the rage in the city. After the second oil crisis triggered by the Iranian Revolution, Japanese people became even more demanding in their choice of products, and in the 1970s, the trend toward “differentiation, luxury, and individualization” began to be loudly called out everywhere in the marketing world.
I, who experienced that era in my impressionable youth, was thrilled and fascinated by the appearance of a new genre of unique cars called “specialty cars,” which were not bound by the conventional framework of sedans and coupes, and which were created by manufacturers who devoted their technologies and ideas to the theme of “individualization. …
The existence of nostalgic-sounding specialty cars such as Toyota’s first-generation 10 Series Soarer, Nissan’s third-generation S110 Silvia, Mazda’s first-generation Cosmo AP, and Mitsubishi’s first-generation Galant Lambda symbolize the late 1970s. The first SN Prelude was the first Japanese car with an electric sunroof as standard equipment, a two-plus-two interior with an emphasis on the front seats, and new technologies such as a centralized target meter.
It was a higher class than the first generation Civic launched in 1972 and the first generation Accord launched in 1976….
The first generation SN Honda Prelude was produced from 1978 to 1982 with the mission of being a specialty car, and was the flagship car of Honda Motor Company before the NSX was introduced, and continued to be produced for the next 5 generations….
Today, new research shows that the NSX was produced entirely in Japan at Honda’s Sayama plant, with a total of about 313,000 units produced over a four-year period. According to overseas records, 171,829 were exported to North America and 99,981 to Europe and other countries. The number of cars registered in Japan is only 41,190, which is an approximate figure, and it is interesting to see the character of the first SN Prelude as a model that was exported overseas more than 80% of the time.
Great handling with less negatives characteristic of FF cars.... The first generation SN Prelude was such a car...
The Civic and Accord at the time had a monocoque body structure with a sub-frame, but the Prelude adopted a monocoque body with an integrated sub-frame to increase body rigidity in order to suppress the understeer characteristic of FF cars…. The wide-tread proportions were reinforced with stabilizers, and a strut-type 4-wheel independent suspension was installed to suppress the negative aspects characteristic of FF cars. It was a car with outstandingly light handling characteristics among Japanese cars of the time. It had the maneuverability to drive agilely on winding roads while letting the rear end drift, while at the same time having a deep, relaxed cruising feel that was truly appealing, and it was also fuel efficient…! These well-developed features made it a big hit in North America, where people accepted its high performance and low fuel consumption, and gave it a foothold for the second and subsequent generations….
Wide and low proportions designed to look like a specialty car. The sporty styling of the long nose and short deck was somewhat reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC, which is why it was called the “Kawagoe Benz,” which brings back fond memories. The shape of the front grille, which was the identity of Honda cars at that time, is very novel to the viewer today, even though it is an old Japanese car that has been discontinued.
As mentioned above, only about 40,000 units were registered in Japan, and almost half a century has passed since its release.
Let us summarize the “characteristics of the first-generation SN Prelude as an out-of-print Japanese old car”….
No.1
The long nose and short deck with elaborate curves, and the wide and low proportions, which were novel for a domestic car at that time, are attractive…. The fixed coupe design with a sporty appearance, which was the origin of specialty cars, is still innovative today.
No.2
The first domestic car with an electric sunroof…! The “electric sunroof,” which became the first domestic car to be equipped with an electric sunroof as standard equipment, is a rare old car that shows the enthusiasm of Honda at that time.
No.3
The “centralized target meter” which became a hot topic when it was launched was a gem full of ideas as a specialty car of the time….
No.4
The instrument panel, which integrated all operations to the driver, including the rotary radio compactly stored next to the meter so that it could be operated without changing posture, was a novelty that could be talked about in the history….
No.5
The unique features of the Deluxe version of the XE…! The first speed-sensitive power steering system, which was first installed in the first generation Accord and was very popular….
And the list goes on and on…!
The first generation SN Prelude introduced this time is a nostalgic car to see and touch…! It is equipped with a semi-automatic transmission with range (Hondamatic).Hondamatic” is Honda’s original semi-automatic transmission of the time, which operates like a CVT. It has a torque converter, so it creeps like an automatic transmission and works like a normal automatic transmission….
The first generation SN Prelude of 1979 that we covered this time is equipped with the early 2-speed type (P-R-N-☆-L), which is a semi-automatic transmission with a gear ratio equivalent to a standard 4-speed “☆ range” and gives the driver a very enjoyable operation…! Of course, those with an AT-only license can also enjoy this old Japanese car…!
In the 1970s, manual transmissions were still the norm for Japanese cars. In 1976, the first generation Accord was equipped with the Hondamatic transmission, and in 1979, when the first generation SN model was launched, about half of the users chose to buy a car equipped with the Hondamatic transmission. In 1979, when the first-generation SN model introduced here was launched, about half of the users had chosen a car equipped with Hondamatic…!
Although this is an old Japanese car that appeared half a century ago, if the car is well maintained, you can enjoy the old car every day without holding anything back. Compared to modern cars, it is by far the most compact and very light with a vehicle weight of 910 kg…! The light and nimble ride with a sense of history never fades away, and has a great charm that makes everyone on the road look back…!
I feel that the “monozukuri” of those days, when people were passionate and devoted themselves to making good cars halfway by hand, is teaching us something important now that the SDGs are being called for….
Old Japanese car with a lot of charm...! Hardcore owner and his early 79 SN Honda Prelude with repainted exterior, unrestored original engine and interior! Let's take a closer look...!
The interview started at 3:00 p.m…. We were immersed in the fascination of old Japanese cars…! We talked with the owner, who is a hardcore fan of the car, and the next thing we knew, the winter sun was about to set…. I was in a hurry to start photographing, but the 44-year-old car, lit by the gentle evening sun, was truly tasteful, and its beautiful and dignified appearance moved me through the viewfinder….
In addition to this early ’79 SN Prelude, the owner also owns a very valuable first generation E10 Nissan Cherry in full original condition, and has not only participated in old car events, but has also been featured in magazines.
He has been featured in magazines as well as participating in old car events. The owner had two previous owners, but he got along well with a private individual he met at an event.
The body was made of rust-prone steel plates, which is typical of old Japanese cars of this era, and the rust was found floating on the surface at that time.
As you can see in the video, the original EK engine has been maintained with a lot of love and has been running well and has been enjoying participating in old car events from time to time.
As for the defects that have been bothering him, although the car has been completely painted, there are some rust spots and a small oil leak from the oil pan, which he noticed just before the interview. The interior has not been rebuilt.
The unrestored interior is in good condition as this is a car that was made in the era when they put all their effort into making good products. The driver’s seat and the rear seat have a few chips on the shoulders, but they are still in excellent condition, the air conditioner works fine, the dashboard has no cracks at all, and the sunroof, the first sunroof in Japan, opens and closes without any problem. The sunroof, the first sunroof in Japan, opens and closes without any problem.
Also, as you can see in the 50th and last photo, he has a spare engine, which will be included with the purchase. The car is ready to be handed over to the owner who will take good care of it for a long time.
The owner has a love for old cars everywhere…. He was planning to enjoy it for a long time, but unfortunately, due to unavoidable garage circumstances, he decided to give it up….
He said, “I want to do this here, I want to do that there, I have so many things left to do…”
This interview was filled with love for old cars, and we could clearly feel that feeling….
In the late 70’s, the early 79 SN Prelude was the pioneer of specialty cars…. We hope that the owner will keep this precious car for a long time to come….
1979 Early SN Honda Prelude XE Post interview...
The first generation SN Honda Prelude XE in 1979, all painted, engine in good condition, original interior……..
One of those precious machines that can take your basic lifestyle and suddenly turn it into a maximum intensity one...! A must-have for every enthusiast in the family...! The last Mini Cooper made by Rover, full of primitive charm, with the most fun go-kart driving, could this be the real up and coming car?
I am sure that a well-maintained car, including the owner’s “desire for the next successor,” will provide a wonderful “life with a Mini” to the “new owner” who is yet to be seen.
This is my post report.
Please come to southern Gunma Prefecture, where there is no snow at all, for an exciting visit.
The first generation SN Honda Prelude XE in 1979, all painted, engine in good condition, original interior........
This is a very rare and rarely seen at events, 1979 early SN Honda Prelude XE!
Please come to Gunma Prefecture, where there is no snow, to see an exquisite old Japanese car…
This very valuable out-of-print car, a 1979 Honda Prelude XE early SN model, is currently located in Gunma Prefecture.
Since this is a private sale, no consumption tax or other fees will be charged.
Please pay the monthly automobile tax and the recycling deposit when purchasing this vehicle.
For inquiries, please contact us…
The vehicles on this page were listed on “Estate Sale ®︎ Supremacy”, a cross-border e-commerce site for classic and collectible cars.
What is the supreme and best (Supremacy) Estate Sale….
Estate Sale ®︎ Supremacy is the Japanese version of the North American cultural estate sale that organizes goods and minds by introducing cars that are filled with the owner’s thoughts and feelings, with manuscript preparation based on interviews.
Unlike a cheap purchase where nothing is left behind, we guide and mediate the owner to honestly express his/her feelings and pass the car on to the next generation while keeping the memories in their hearts.
We conduct detailed interviews with the current owner, including past maintenance records and repair history, and cover whether or not the vehicle has been in an accident. If there is a history of major accidents, or if the current owner’s ownership history is extremely short and we do not know the details, we will decline the interview.
The content of this article was written based on an interview with the owner and materials received during a 3-hour interview starting at 3:00 p.m. on January 22, 2023.
Please be aware that this may not be a 100% accurate description of the condition of the property due to the limited time available.
The content of the original manuscripts is based on careful research in Japan and overseas, but is not backed up by any on-site inspection or other verification. Please be aware that comments on the condition of the vehicles are based on the weather and conditions at the time of the interview, as well as the author’s own subjective opinion.
If you have any questions about the listed vehicles, please contact us from the bottom of this page.
Please note that the vehicle inspection is only for customers who are considering to purchase the vehicle.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
SPEC
Length
4090mm
Width
1635mm
Height
1290mm
Wheel base
2320mm
Weight
910kg
Displacement
1751cc
Exhibit location
Japan,Gunma
FOB Tokyo price is
$11300