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The
Honda CRX is celebrated as an entertaining sporty compact, standing out as
one of the most exceptional in its category during the 1980s. This achievement led to the creation of an incredibly scarce convertible model. Presently, one such instance is available for purchase in Colorado, and it would greatly benefit from finding
a caring
owner.
The vehicle in question is a Honda CRX Straman, reportedly originating from 1987 as per the seller. Shared through
Obscure Cars for Sale, it is currently listed
on Facebook Marketplace for a reasonable price of $5,800. It features a custom soft-top conversion created by the renowned custom workshop
Straman Coachworks, recognized in the 1980s for their customized
Camaro convertibles. The outcome is a visually
stunning, angular convertible that stands out distinctively among contemporary vehicles. Rumor has it that roughly
310 units were produced in that era, with only a limited number managing to survive to this day.
The seller mentions a critical flaw in the Straman CRXs. While the core engineering is deemed satisfactory, the additional reinforcing elements integrated into the structure to compensate for the roof removal are susceptible to corrosion. This specific unit exhibits substantial degradation below the surface, necessitating immediate intervention.
Nevertheless, this doesn’t diminish the car’s value. To begin with, it is an
incredibly rare automobile that boasts an appealing appearance. This particular example features an attractive blue-over-grey two-tone finish and is adorned with stylish Honda alloy wheels. The soft top complements the body color beautifully and appears to be intact, complete with a clear rear window. While it sits slightly higher, lowering it would
likely be a relatively simple task if desired.
The seller notes that the car is equipped with a carbureted engine. Based on the listing photos, it suggests that the vehicle houses Honda’s 1.5-liter EW1 powerplant. Although the powertrain may not align with Honda’s offerings in 1987, it is conceivable that Straman marketed the CRX post an extensive conversion process, likely utilizing an older model as the base.
The twelve-valve, single-overhead-cam engine wasn’t particularly cutting-edge at the time, providing a modest 76 horsepower. Nevertheless, the CRX’s key advantage was its sub-1,900-pound curb weight. While the convertible variant may add some additional heft, it remains significantly lighter compared to present-day vehicles. The unassuming engine is coupled with a five-speed manual transmission for an engaging driving experience.
The car’s interior remains well-preserved. The interior color scheme combines shades of blue and gray, coordinating with the exterior color palette. Most of the interior components are in commendable condition, except for a dirty floor mat on the driver’s side. The retro orange-hued gauge cluster displays a mileage of 113,000 miles. Remarkably, there are no significant cracks on the dashboard, a rarity for a convertible. Additionally, the stereo system complements the interior aesthetics.
Restoring this vehicle to roadworthy condition poses challenges, but the investment would yield a standout Radwood contender. The images provided by the seller depict the sun setting on this scarce Honda classic, but there is potential for revival. Transport the convertible to Colorado Springs and revive it for a summer spin. Your efforts will be applauded by enthusiasts.
Have a suggestion? Contact the writer at lewin@thedrive.com
