With some cars, you can’t help but grin when you’re behind the wheel. Others make you smile just to look at them. The 1991 Honda Beat now available on eBay does both.
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The tiny Beat is an example of what is known in Japan as a kei car. The category was created by the Japanese government, limiting vehicle size and engine displacement. And tiny it is. With an overall length of just under 11 feet and weighing less than 1,700 pounds, the Beat is about two feet shorter and 700 pounds lighter than a Mazda MX-5 Miata - opens in new window or tab.. Like the Miata, it is a two-seat roadster that’s a joy to drive. But that’s where the similarities end.
Spritely Performance
Power comes from a well-intentioned if not exactly neck-snapping 656cc, three-cylinder engine driving the rear wheels, located behind the seats and good for 63 horsepower at a lively 8,100 rpm. Paired with a five-speed manual transmission, the Beat moves quickly enough to be fun. It serves up terrific fuel economy along with quick reflexes and precise handling.
Designed by Italian firm Pininfarina - opens in new window or tab., the Beat is the last car Soichiro Honda approved before his death in 1991. It represents the end of an era epitomizing the small, fun, and efficient designs the company founder embraced.
Like other Hondas of the era, the Beat came well-equipped, with a nicely appointed cockpit and creature comforts including power windows, an AM/FM stereo with CD player, alloy wheels - opens in new window or tab., and factory air conditioning - opens in new window or tab..
Why Didn’t They Drive It?
The Beat now on offer is a particularly intriguing low-mileage example from the first year of production. Showing just 18,000 km (11,000 miles), this Beat appears virtually new in photos and has been in the hands of the current owner for the last five years.
Recent work includes a new timing belt - opens in new window or tab.. Upgrades include a Mugen steering wheel - opens in new window or tab., shifter, exhaust, and suspension. The original red paint gleams like new, while tiger-striped seats and floor mats add a distinctive look. The convertible top - opens in new window or tab. is in excellent condition, along with all glass and trim.
Like all Beats produced over a five-year run, this one is right-hand drive - opens in new window or tab.. That’s because production was limited to the home market. This one was privately imported once the federal 25-year rule had passed.
With a Buy-It-Now price of $13,500, this Beat represents a rare opportunity to own a seldom-seen and enjoyable modern classic. Best of all, it comes with all the reliability and fuel efficiency expected of a Honda, just in a smaller package.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.