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1975 Civic 1200 (early model) CIVIC (1973 - 1979)The Civic was the first ‘conventional’ Honda car following the s800 sports cars and the micro N and Z series mini cars. The Civic launched Honda to success in many world markets because it contained the right ingredients to be a big seller. Announced in late 1972 (but not introduced in to the UK until 1973) the car was a good looking conventional hatchback with an all alloy 4-cylinder water cooled engine and independent suspension. The key to the success lay in competent design and intelligent use of conventional engineering. Initially the Civic was offered with an 1169cc engine - the '1200' Civic. Two model variants were available; a 2-door version with a small boot and the more popular 3-door hatchback. Both were available either with a 4-speed manual gearbox or a 2-speed Hondamatic transmission. In 1973 a Deluxe specification was introduced with an AM radio, heated rear window and radial tyres. In October 1974 a '1500' 4-door car supplemented the range. This was created by extending the wheelbase by 4 inches and adding rear doors whilst retaining small boot of the original 2-door model. The mechanical specification was similar apart from increasing the engine capacity to 1488cc. Manual and Hondamatic transmissions were offered. To allow room for the larger engine the length of the front wings and bonnet were extended in front of the axle line (as non-UK market CVCC models). The '1500' model trim was similar to the Deluxe specification of the smaller models with the exception of the instruments; a tachometer replaced the fuel/temperature gauge unit in the binnacle. These items were re-located within a unique console on the wood effect strip on the dashboard and a three spoke steering wheel was fitted.
1977 Civic 1500 4-door For 1977 the range was consolidated and the opportunity taken to facelift the appearance of the cars. The '1200' engine was enlarged to create a 1238cc (the '1250') unit and the '1500' was discontinued. However the 4-door body was re-engineered to incorporate a true 5-door hatchback door which was available alongside the 3 door. The 2-door was discontinued. At the same time as the mechanical changes were taking place some detail changes to bumpers and bonnet vents were made. Whilst there were no changes to the main mouldings, the interior trim and carpets were available in a new range of colours and the seats featured a tricot fabric insert.
1979 Civic 3 door (later model) The Civic was available on several overseas markets. Whilst the body shell remained the same, equipment and specification differed to suit - for example a 5-speed gearbox was offered in some territories. Where required the CVCC cylinder head was fitted to the engine with other emissions equipment to suit local regulations. The very last cars were fitted with an intermittent wash wipe and modified door mirrors before the range was discontinued in 1979 when the completely revised MkII Civic was announced.
1978 Civic 5 door (later model) Today The Civic is probably the most widely available Honda car from the 70’s period, and a surprising number of low mileage, tidy cars still exist. Availability is helped by the fact that Civics often served a ‘second car’ role and tended to cover short distances and were well looked after by their owners. Because Civics are older than other cars featured here and carry more chrome brightwork they may be more readily accepted as ‘classics’. Indeed 'Classic Cars' magazine featured a Civic in a road test on 1970's hatchbacks in October 2002. However interest overall is still low and falls some way behind the Prelude - which is reflected in relative values. Parts supply is at best variable and as an everyday vehicle the uncertainty of parts pricing and availability would make for uncomfortable motoring. In general it would be uneconomic to restore a Civic because of high parts prices and availability problems. See the Read here page for more general information and advice. Please email for assistance with valuations.
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