ON THE YARD: 1987 HONDA CRX
Debating Honda’s most iconic sportscar of all time is a time-honored tradition among purists. For this writer, the CRX ticks all the boxes: small, light, economically accessible, mechanically uncomplicated and built for the romantic enjoyment of just two. The first-generation iteration held closely to the architecture of its inspiration, the standard Honda Civic. In the United States, the car was posed as a gas-sipping commuter in a country emerging from the energy crisis. Its truncated kammback silhouette wore ’80s trends that have since come back into vogue: “sleepy-eye” pop-up headlamps, expressive alloy wheels and an all-glass rear hatch.
This particular example, spotted at Pull-A-Part of El Paso, lived a rust-free life in the American Southwest. Though its paint is faded, the panels are straight and there are many intricate details left intact. Its squared-off taillamps were quickly scavenged by a CRX owner in need. Still available in great shape: the dash clock and acrylic CRX badges in each door’s B-pillar. Suspension components can easily be rebuilt and restored, making this an ideal parts car for a classic CRX project.
This car’s successor, the second-generation CRX, is the singular expression of the elements that connected Honda’s roadgoing cars to their racing counterparts. Variable valve timing, anti-lock brakes, four-wheel double wishbone suspension and a sky-high redline made the car an instant classic. To this day, examples can be discovered at Pull-A-Part with the help of the Notify Me tool, which sends an email or text message alert as soon as one arrives on the yard. As classic OEM parts become more expensive and more difficult to source, a quality salvage vehicle from Pull-A-Part is easily the most economical option for those tasked with preserving automotive history by maintaining their modern classic.