One to Buy: 5000 mile Berlina Black 2002 Honda S2000
During its early days as an auto manufacturer, Honda focused on the production of two small displacement models: the T360 mini truck and S500 Roadster.
Unfortunately, the S500 and its successors, the S600 and S800 (that latter of which was also offered in Coupe trim) proved commercially disappointing and Honda elected to switch focus to economy cars like the Civic that ultimately saved its car building division.
However, company founder Soichiro Honda was an avid motor racing fan and, with his auto making firm now a sound financial footing, more and more performance models began to emerge following the dawn of the 1980s.
Initially, Honda’s sporting revival was centred around some spirited Hot Hatches that very much captured the mood of the era. The revolutionary Ferrari and Porsche-rivalling NSX then followed in 1989 along with the open top 700cc Beat in 1991.
Tellingly, to celebrate its 50th anniversary as a car builder, Honda elected to revisit its roots and created the firm’s most successful two-seat Roadster of all: the S2000. Production ran from 1999 until 2009 by which time a little over 110,000 units had been completed.
Set to go under the hammer at Mecum’s Indy sale on May 15th is a super example of the S2000 breed: chassis ‘8886’ Configured in arguably the best colour scheme for one of these cars, Berlina Black with matching upholstery, this best of breed machine from 2002 has covered just 5000 miles from new.
Reprinted below is Mecum’s description:
VIN JHMAP11482T008886
Berlina Black with matching Black interior and convertible top
Odometer reads 5,007 miles
2.0L/240 HP inline 4-cylinder engine
6-speed manual transmission
4-wheel disc brakes
Cruise control
Factory 5-spoke alloy wheels with Bridgestone tires
Presented in Berlina Black with a matching black convertible top and interior, this 2002 Honda S2000 shows a mere 5,007 miles on the odometer at the time of writing.
Nicely equipped, the car features power windows, power locks, power mirrors, pushbutton start and more. Drivers will appreciate the spirited 2.0L/240 HP inline 4-cylinder engine and 6-speed manual transmission, the 4-wheel disc brakes, cruise control, digital instrumentation with a 9,000 RPM redline, and the bucket seats, all of which help to create a unique driving experience.
Honda introduced the Sport Study Model at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show as a design study blending styling and engineering nuances from the 1963 Honda RA270 Formula 1 prototype and the Caterham Seven. The front-mid engine, rear-wheel drive, two-seat concept roadster used a 2.0L inline 4-cylinder engine and a chassis with a high X-bone frame, which was said to offer exceptional rigidity and collision safety.
Spanning 10 years of production, the S2000 was launched on April 15, 1999, in part to celebrate Honda’s 50 years of business. Named for its 2000cc engine, the “S” stood for “sports” and kept tradition with the company’s S500, S600 and S800 vehicles from the 1960s.
In developing the S2000, Honda performed extensive real-world testing, first in Hokkaido, Japan, and then around Europe, logging an average of 450 miles per day at high speeds. While the idea was to build a quick and fast car, the broader philosophy was to focus on overall driving feel, creating a car that was exciting and enjoyable to drive but not unruly or excessive.
