BaT Backout? 1979 Honda Civic CVCC Hatchback – $7,500

November 29, 2021 Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

A twenty horsepower and twenty-six foot-pound of torque increase. That might not sound like a lot but in a small hatchback with a curb weight of just over 1,700 pounds, the power-to-weight ratio improvement is enough for a driver to feel.  That’s likely the motivation for the seller of this 1979 Honda Civic CVCC Hatchback originally listed in October 2021 on Craigslist in Phoenix, Arizona when they switched out this little hatchback’s original 1.5L “ED” engine for a 1.8L “EK” mill from a 1981 Accord. As is the case with many western dry state sourced cars, the seller reports this Civic features its original body panels and paint while benefitting from a reupholstered interior.  One interesting touch is a Porsche branded shift knob hidden among other small details.

Currently offered at an optimistic $7,900, a check of the NADA Guides Classic Car Online Valuation Tool confirms this private seller has their Civic priced well above current “Low”, “Average”, and “High” retail value range of $1,450, $2,175, and $3,525, respectively. Ironically, a check of Bring A Trailer for similar values revealed this very car is reported to have been sold this past July at no reserve for six thousand dollars.  Click here to see the listing as proof.

Consequently, one of two things is going on here.  Is the winning bidder from July is hoping to score a fast three-month flip profit of early two thousand dollars trying to get more dollars using a Craigslist ad? We doubt it. The seller’s detailed description outlining what they have done to the car combined with “In no hurry to sell” and two mentions of “Serious buyers only” have us hypothesizing the winning bidder reneged on the deal.  We’re reaching out to the seller to learn more and will provide an update as soon as we learn more. Stay tuned!

Honda introduced its first-generation Honda Civic 1972 as a 1973 model. It was originally equipped with a 1.2L four-cylinder water-cooled engine and featured front power disc brakes, reclining vinyl bucket seats, simulated wood trim on the dashboard, as well as optional air conditioning and an AM/FM radio. The Civic was available as a two- or four-door fastback sedan, three- and a five-door hatchback, as well as a five-door station wagon. Because of the 1973 oil crisis, consumer demand for fuel-efficient vehicles was high, and because of the engine being able to run on either leaded or unleaded fuel, it gave drivers fuel choice flexibility over other vehicles. The CVCC engine debuted in December 1973, with a head design that allowed for more efficient combustion, and as a benefit, the CVCC system did not require a catalytic converter or unleaded fuel to meet 1975 Environmental Protection Agency emissions standards for hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide.

The Classic Cars Today Online YouTube Channel features this 1979 Honda Civic commercial that was one of several that year from the company’s “Make it Simple” campaign:

Regardless of who is trying to sell this upgraded Civic right now, it appears to be a solid and subtlety upgraded car that will likely illicit “I/my…had one of these…” conversations everywhere you drive it.  When you connect, please remember to mention you saw their first-generation Civic featured here on GuysWithRides.com. Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“In no rush to sell. Seriously buyers only, please.

Here’s my 79’ Honda Civic CVCC. In great conditions. Original paint and panels.
Has a swapped 1.8L EK1 from an 81’ Honda Accord paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.
Gives me 33+ miles to the gallon. Super fun to drive!
The true mileage of the engine is unknown but the chassis has 105k miles on it.
Runs amazing, strong, and smooth.
The upholstery was redone on the seats and new carpets.
Bluetooth stereo with aftermarket speakers on the rear.
Turns heads every time I drive it! Lots of thumbs up and smiles every time I drive it.
Serious buyers only, please. Open to offers.
I have classic insurance through Hagerty with a $10,000 evaluation from them.
Clean title in hand“

Show or go: what would you do with this 1979 Honda Civic CVCC Hatchback?  Comment below and let us know!