VTEC Targa: 1995 Honda del Sol – SOLD!

February 24, 2022 Update – We confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “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.

The Honda CRX continues to hover over the 1980s collector car marketplace despite being dead and gone for decades. It remains one of the hottest entries right now into “rad”-era royalty, as it checks multiple boxes: it’s a great performer out of the box; it’s cheap to run; there’s a huge aftermarket; and values are seemingly set to keep rising for the foreseeable future. Why, then, do we continue to ignore its spiritual successor, the Honda del Sol? This 1995 example was originally listed in January 2022 on Craigslist in Charlotte, North Carolina with the optional and desirable B16 VTEC engine under the hood. The seller is asking $8,500 and comparing this price against the NADA Price Guide confirms this he’s above the current valuation of this model, as it calls for a price of $3,725 in the “High” category.

I wouldn’t worry too much about the price discrepancy as resources like NADA haven’t caught up to the fact that you can’t really judge cars like these solely on the antiquated model of mileage and condition. Sure, a low mileage anything will go for good money, but when looking for a very specific car with higher-end options and a limited following, beggars can’t be choosers and are usually willing to pay a fair price. The del Sol was intended to bridge the gap from the iconic CRX to its next-generation corner carver and fuel sipper, but consumers didn’t exactly fall in love with the little Honda that had a removable roof panel. The soul of the original was lost, and the del Sol didn’t feel nearly as sharp and as poised as its forbear. That’s not to say it was a bad car; hardly. It just fell short of expectations for a successor to the iconic hot hatch.

The MotorWeek Retro Review Channel features their test of the 1994 VTEC Del Sol:

The seller’s car checks a few different boxes, the first of which is that it has the optional engine upgrade, that being the B16 with VTEC. This engine helps to transform the cute coupe into more of a screamer in the tradition of the CRX, and you don’t see many of these del Sols with this engine still attached today. The B16 is a desirable engine among Honda fans who perform engine swaps like they’re eating a bowl of Cheerios – oh, and the car thieves like these engines, too. Combining this feature with the overall cleanliness of the del Sol and no apparent modifications may make it one of the best ones left. The seller notes the timing belt and water pump have been replaced, and that VTEC engages as it should. You don’t see these for sale very often in condition like this and with the preferred equipment, so I’d move quickly to strike a deal if you’ve been hunting for one.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“Very clean, nearly original Honda del Sol in the hard-to-find VTEC trim with the factory engine. Clean North Carolina title in seller’s name.

Paint and clear coat are in great condition. No rust over or under. Factory seats are still firm with no rips. Car is garaged.

Manual Transmission! Runs and shifts great, VTEC kicks in properly. Valve cover has been wrinkle-coated red, but is original.

Timing belt and water pump replaced in 2014 at 104,000 miles.

Lots of new and refreshed parts, including tires, rear rotors/pads, and sway bar bushings.

6-disc Alpine CD changer and factory radio. Cold A/C and hot heat. Cruise control works. Power steering works and does not leak.

Power locks (with remote) and ignition kill. Includes a Jordan Distributors push-to-start kit with leather fobs (brand new, but never installed)

Link to video of cold start:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TkbQtWbDsU-Qohu1c38HczabHhxwSh7F/view?usp=drivesdk

Link to video walk-around:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UnCWWMxQL1bAO3dunzTOFG5JaGeBITv6/view?usp=drivesdk

Serious inquiries only. No trades. I’m willing to negotiate price, based on terms.

Dealers, please don’t waste time with offers to sell my car for me. I can do that myself.”

Do you have a Honda del Sol story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!