It's barely been driven, but it sure is expensive.
To celebrate the company's 50th anniversary, Honda launched the S2000 roadster, a sportscar that, at the time, boasted the highest horsepower output per liter (124 hp) for a naturally-aspirated, mass-production car. It also had a superbly balanced chassis. Over the years, it has gained a strong following, with collectors and enthusiasts alike appreciating the rare combination of performance, reliability, and usability.
It comes as no surprise, then, that examples are swapping hands for obscene amounts of money. The most recent examples are the '09 model that was listed on eBay for $98,888 and the '07 model that sold for $62,000. But it seems one exotic car dealership in Missouri has one for sale at a far loftier price.
Priced at $149,995, this 2008 model is, essentially, a brand new car. With just 822 miles on the clock, it presents as if it just rolled off the production line. Painted in New Formula Red, the low-mileage S2000 features a black leather interior that appears never to have been touched, let alone sat in.
The one-owner specimen features a six-speed manual transmission which, says the dealer, shifts cleanly and crisply. 2008 was the second-last year Honda made these glorious roadsters. The range received a facelift in 2004, giving it a more athletic look and a larger engine, now measuring 2.2-liters. Power remained unchanged but torque saw an increase, sitting at 162 lb-ft.
While larger-engined S2000s were more refined and usable, the nominal torque boost did see the Honda lose some of its incredible rev range. Earlier models were capable of screaming all the way up to 8,800 rpm, with updated models managing to muster a still-impressive 8,000 rpm.
A featherweight mass of 2,864 pounds made it a joy to throw around – making it all the more intriguing that the first owner decided to tuck the S2000 away in the garage, instead of reveling in the driving experience.
The seller says this ultra low-mileage example boasts a tear-free soft top and interior, noting it's never been smoked in either. The steering wheel and gear lever present as new, with no wear or shine on the hide-trimmed items. While there's no denying Honda's S2000 is fast becoming a desirable modern classic, $150,000 is a big price to swallow for a car that, when new, was mass-produced. To put it into perspective, it's not priced that far off from a new Acura NSX Type S, at $169,500.
Somewhere, a Honda aficionado with deep pockets is drooling over this extremely special example. But at this price, the value of this S2000 is mostly down to its condition and low mileage, leading us to wonder whether this example should be relegated to a museum or driven the way it should be (which would wipe away the inherent value). Either way, it's cool to see a modern classic preserved so well and we can only hope it goes to someone who keeps it pristine but still enjoys it.
Keyword: Immaculate Honda S2000 Selling For Same Price As Acura NSX