1989 Honda Civic

Basic Information and History

Here we have a Swedish-sold 1989 Honda Civic with 219,605 km on the odometer. The car has had five owners, but only two primary users. It was originally purchased new by an elderly lady from Förenade Bil in Malmö in 1989 as a 50th birthday present to herself. She drove the car until 2019, when at the age of 80, she decided to stop driving. The car was then sold to two friends who alternated ownership but never used it beyond keeping it in top condition, having it inspected, and eventually selling it to the current owner.

The car has undergone several upgrades, including an engine and transmission swap to a B16A1 engine delivering 160 hp. The 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine revs impressively to 8500 rpm. The front and rear bumpers have been replaced with parts from a Civic EE9, the European version of the legendary EF9 sold in Japan. It is equipped with EE9 spindle arms, complemented by calipers from a Prelude and 282 mm brake discs. The front brakes have been recently overhauled, with both pads and discs being new. At the rear, the car has trailing arms with disc brakes, where the discs and pads are in good condition, and the handbrake cables are new.

The car is fitted with genuine SSR Type-X wheels in size 15x7 ET35, which were manufactured in Japan in the early '90s and are iconic for this body style. These rare wheels have an estimated value of approximately 15,000 SEK. To enhance driving performance, the car is equipped with BC Racing coilovers, adjustable camber arms front and rear, and anti-roll bars.

Inside, you’ll find a Nardi Deep Corn steering wheel and an authentic wing from Japanese company Chargespeed. Additionally, the car features factory-installed heated seats and fog lights in the rear bumper.

Condition

The condition of the body is very good, though not entirely perfect. The car was repainted by Kalmar Billackering in March 2024, and the door jambs and engine bay have retained their original color. All external parts, including the front bumper, hood, front lights, turn signals, position lights, front lip, and rear lip, are OEM Honda. The body is free from door dings and scratches, but there is some waviness just above the door handle on the driver’s side door, visible only from certain angles and light.

The sills and rear fenders were previously repaired by the first owner. Holes for badges front and rear, as well as for the rear wiper motor/arm, have been covered. Repairs to the sills and rear fenders were done in 2019, and a receipt is available. There is a small hole, about 5x5 cm, behind the left front inner fender. Otherwise, the car is said to be free from rust.

The paint is very nice with no orange peel, runs, or "islands" from sanding. The car was treated with three layers of Gtechniq EXO V4 ceramic paint protection right after the full repaint in March 2024. All glass is treated with Aquapel and is in very good condition. Original glass remains, except for the windshield, which is new and tinted, made by Shatterprufe. Other glass is by Asahi (AGC). The headlight glass is very good, but the turn signal on the driver's side has two cracks and is somewhat "hazy." The turn signals and position lights are orange-tinted, but clear underneath the film. There are also marks from improper tire mounting, but the wheels are straight and in good condition.

The rear tires have 3000 km of use, and the front tires about 500 km. The tires are Toyo R888R and are in very good condition.

The interior is overall in good condition. The driver's seat fabric is slightly damaged at the side support but has not yet developed a hole. The passenger side door panel has bubbles in the upper gray vinyl section. The stereo and door speakers have been replaced and work well.

The engine has been upgraded to a B16A1 with 160 hp. The exhaust system has been upgraded to a Skunk2 MegaPower, and the tailpipe comes from the Japanese workshop Zerofighter in Osaka. The transmission and drivetrain are in very good condition and function without issue.

Service History

The original Honda oil filter and motor oil were changed in March 2024. The rear brake discs and pads were replaced in the winter of 2021, and the front calipers, pads, and discs were replaced in July 2024. There are inspection reports from the early 2000s, along with several receipts. The service book is stamped up to 2006. The latest approved inspection was on May 3, 2024, and the car has never failed an inspection.

Summary

A well-maintained and carefully modified Honda Civic in exceptionally fine condition. The car has undergone a series of upgrades that not only enhance its performance but also give it a unique and stylish appearance. These upgrades include high-quality aftermarket parts, such as a sport exhaust system, improved suspension components, and an upgraded engine that provides increased power and responsiveness. The exterior is adorned with elegant wheels and aerodynamic details that truly highlight the car’s character. This Honda Civic is perfect for those seeking a car with both style and substance, ready to impress both on the road and at car meets.