1991 Honda Beat - Sold $7,500 on Bring A Trailer — You missed it!
This 1991 Honda Beat is a Kei roadster that was imported to Seattle, Washington from Japan in July 2018 and purchased by the seller from a dealer in Portland, Oregon. Power is from a mid-mounted 656cc inline-triple paired with a five-speed manual transmission, and the car is finished in red with zebra-striped interior accents. Features include a black soft top, 14″ EuroSpeed Manaray Sport wheels, a Momo steering wheel, and an aftermarket audio system with Bluetooth and USB. This Beat shows 55k kilometers (~34k miles) and is offered at no reserve in California with a spare tire and jack, an importation document, a Japanese export certificate, and a clean Oregon title in the seller’s name.
The Beat was penned by Pininfarina, and this example is finished in Festival Red. The rear bumper cover and right taillight were replaced and paintwork was performed by Sterling Auto Body of Lomita, California following an accident in June 2019. A whole-body paint correction and polish were reportedly carried out at the same time.
The black fabric soft top is photographed both raised and lowered, and is said to feature a replacement rear window. Aftermarket 14″ EuroSpeed Manaray Sport wheels wear Zetro C4 tires with 2013 date codes. The seller states that the brakes are noisy.
Bucket seats are trimmed in grey vinyl and zebra-print upholstery complemented by gray carpets and floor mats. The bolsters on both seats have been reupholstered according to the seller. Amenities include power windows, an aftermarket cupholder, a chrome shift knob, and a Sony CD player with Bluetooth that is connected to an updated amplifier and speakers. Scratches are noted on the interior plastics, there is no radio antenna, and the air conditioner does not blow cold.
A wood-rimmed Momo steering wheel frames triple gauges that came in mismatched colors from the factory and include a tachometer with an 8,500-rpm redline. The six-digit odometer shows approximately 55k kilometers (~34k miles), 2k of which were added by the seller. A spare tire and a jack reside in the front trunk.
The mid-mounted 656cc triple features PGM-FI fuel injection and MTREC throttle control, and was factory-rated at 63 horsepower. Shifting is via a five-speed manual transaxle. Oil and fluid changes were performed in July 2019 along with a general inspection
The seller notes that the car will not pass California emissions testing, and states that the car’s personalized license plates are not included in the sale. Additional underside photos can be viewed in the gallery. Driving videos are provided here and here, while engine-idling and walk-around tour videos are shown below.
In keeping with the regulations for the Kei car segment in Japan power comes from its original fuel-injected 660cc three-cylinder engine that delivers 63 bhp to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox. Plenty of power and torque to make this a super fun car to drive in the twisties and still easily cruises at freeway speeds even on I5 in So Cal. With the MacPherson struts on all four corners, tight quick ratio steering and low profile tires the 1,676 pound Beat handles great, like driving a Go Kart!!
The high revving E07A 660cc three-cylinder engine produced 63bhp at 8100 rpm when new. The engine is mid-mounted and paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox, allowing the car to cruise at freeway speeds on the Interstate. Some of the engine’s features were advanced for their day, including PGM-FI programmed fuel injection and MTREC Multi Throttle Responsive Engine Control that utilized a drive-by-wire system where each cylinder had its own throttle butterfly.
The headlight lenses are clear, and all of the lights are working correctly. The glass and exterior rubber appear to be in good condition. The original manual soft top is in good condition with no tears or rips in the fabric and has recently been re-fitted and new rear window installed..
The interior features a striking zebra print that came straight from the factory. The seats have been well-cared for by past and previous owners except for a couple small wear spots on the bolster surface and split seam on drivers seat. Those pieces have been replaced on both seats with grey vinyl that matches seat backs and sides. Carpets are in good condition and are covered with a set of fitted floor mats. The simple gauge cluster features white faces on the tach and speedo, which is in KPH. All of the gauges, lights, and power windows function properly. Wood rimmed MOMO steering wheel has been added.
A small cargo area at rear of the engine compartment houses the battery and other equipment that came with the car. The front boot is almost completely filled by the original spare tire and jack, and the compartment looks tidy. Room in the rear boot for a couple small bags of groceries or a small travel pack and sleeping bag! See detailed photos!
The design of the Honda Beat was originally penned by Pininfarina who eventually sold the plans to Honda. It was said to be the last car that Soichiro Honda approved before his passing in August of 1991. Honda states the car was developed by their team of young designers all under the age of thirty, who intended the car to be marketed for a younger demographic. The powertrain was borrowed from the Honda Today, which was their production Kei-car model. It was offset to the left so that the fuel tank could occupy the right side.
Overall, this Beat has very low mileage and appears clean with some nice upgrades that would make for a spirited driving experience in a small and light-weight package.
Sold on a clean Oregon title in my name.
VIN: PP1-1001861
Top Down Drive
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgHtMQpzB-8
Top Up Drive
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkf6fH-7S84
Cold Start Walk Around Drive Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6We7_ngG4DU&feature=emb_logo
Engine Running Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=22&v=3Ex-NnxGs0U&feature=emb_logo
