First-Generation Prelude's Phoenix Rebirth: The Classic Resurfaces with a Modern Twist 🚗🔥

Published on February 17, 2025

Have you ever watched videos of car enthusiasts restoring old cars? You know, where they take a seemingly forgotten vehicle and bring it back to life? Watching these transformations is often filled with nostalgia. Lately, this old-car culture has caught on in China too, with some enthusiasts calling their projects "nostalgic cars." 🛠️ The idea of buying an old car to refurbish is great, and I believe it shows respect for car culture. Personally, I love many classic car models, but I wouldn’t buy one myself. It’s not because of financial or legal reasons, but because I know just how much time, effort, and energy it takes to bring an old car back to life. It’s not simply about changing the oil and water; the process is much more involved! 💪

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That being said, let’s take a look at an amazing story I came across recently: a first-generation Honda Prelude (SN) was given a second life. But before diving into that, let’s review the iconic first-generation Prelude. Released in 1978, the Prelude was born out of the success of Honda’s 145 Coupe. The company developed the Prelude as a two-door coupe based on the Accord platform, and it quickly became a hit. The original Prelude was equipped with a 1.75L 4-cylinder engine, producing only 90 horsepower. Even with later tweaks, the power remained modest at best, reaching only 97 horsepower. Back then, this was decent, but it was far from the performance figures seen in later models.

But what truly made the Prelude famous came with the fourth-generation model. The 4th-gen Prelude featured the powerful H22A engine, making over 200 horsepower, and it was also the first to offer four-wheel steering. The 5th generation further improved performance, adding ATTS drive distribution and LSD to enhance handling.

Now, why focus on the first-generation Prelude if it’s not the most exciting version? Well, this restoration project is worth sharing because the owner’s commitment to the car is remarkable! Not only did they restore the car, but they also gave it a more aggressive look with new design elements like the "bulging fender flares," adding a touch of sportiness. 🏁

On top of that, the car was fitted with an H22A engine—a black-topped version, no less! This engine, originally producing 220 horsepower, has been modified to deliver a thrilling 240 horsepower. Imagine this: a car weighing only 900kg with an engine that powerful! 🚀

After the engine swap, the car’s transmission was upgraded too. A 5-speed gearbox with an LSD was added, and the gear ratios were recalibrated. The combination of these upgrades turned this once-aging Prelude into a fire-breathing rocket! It’s a testament to the owner's dedication to pushing the limits of a classic. The owner, Rich Voaden, spent 17 months on the restoration, with plans for further enhancements down the road. ⏳

This story highlights the time and energy that goes into such a restoration. As I mentioned earlier, restoring an old car requires a lot of dedication, and it’s not just about following trends—it’s about a true passion for the vehicle. If you’re restoring an old car, it’s essential to respect the effort and love put into it. ❤️