Who doesn’t love a sports car with an 8,900-rpm redline? Cars with engines that rev that high are usually only seen at the racetrack, but in 1999 Honda gave enthusiasts a car that they had been begging for since the introduction of the Miata in 1990: A true open-top sports car with a completely modern and high-tech suspension and drivetrain. Honda delivered that in the form of the S2000. Our Pick of the Day is a 2002 Honda S2000 listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Cadillac, Michigan.
This S2000 is from the middle of the AP1 era, which means that it has that 8,900-rpm redline, something that was reduced in the later AP2 version. This example is finished in my all-time favorite S200 color, Nürburgring Blue Metallic over a blue leather interior. The seller states that the paint and interior are completely original. More importantly, this is a completely stock example with no modifications of any kind — something that can be difficult to find with an S2000, as there are countless modifications available for these cars.
This example appears to be in excellent condition, with no visible exterior flaws. The factory wheels look great, plus the car has had a new blue convertible top installed. According to the dealer, it has 80,000 miles on the odometer.
The blue leather interior also looks to be in exceptional condition, with only the slightest amount of bolster wear on the driver’s seat. It even still has its hidden factory stereo. The interior looks more like that of a 10,000-mile car than an 80,000-mile car. Yes, it looks that good.
Under the hood (and mounted well behind the front axle) is the naturally aspirated Honda 2.0-liter F20C inline-four. This engine is mythical due to its ability to develop 240 horsepower from only two liters of displacement — without the aid of forced induction. To add to the fun, this engine reaches max horsepower at a staggering 8,300 rpm, making it the very definition of “rev-happy.” Drive an S2000 as it was intended (launching from 8,000 rpm) and you will see 0-60 times of 5.8 seconds and a 147-mph top speed. Try doing that in a stock Miata!
The amazing engine is only part of the magic; the chassis is where the car really shines. Thanks to its double wishbone front suspension, razor sharp steering, and enough tire to give the 2,780-pound car plenty of grip, you have a sports car literally designed for when the roads get twisty. Despite being a roadster, there is no cowl shake from the S2000, something that was not banished from the Miata.
This truly looks like an excellent example of a first-generation S2000, in a great color, and in fantastic cosmetic condition. As far as its mechanical condition, the seller states this is a well-cared-for example that includes service records. The most recent service included a replacement of the clutch master cylinder.
This 2002 Honda S2000 is one of those vehicles that was practically a collector car from the start. The world was blown away when Honda became the manufacturer to actually deliver to true sports car drivers. They were either put away as a future collectibles (covering almost no miles) or heavily modified and raced daily during the heyday of Hot Import Nights. This car sits somewhere in the middle: Owned new by an older driver and lovingly driven and cared for over the years. The asking price of $27,995 is lower than it was when new and, in my opinion, looks to be a bargain.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
