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Some Honda enthusiasts consider the Prelude one of the brand’s hidden gems. Despite its heavy curb weight (compared to the Civic) and front-drive configuration, the Prelude brought a dose of sportiness to the car brand’s lineup during the 80s and 90s. Most car enthusiasts prefer the fourth and fifth-generation Prelude for its sleek looks, but some appreciate the second and third generation’s boxy design.

For the latter half of fans, a 1987 Honda Prelude (second gen) is currently up for auction on Bring A Trailer. As you might expect, it’s as clean as a 1980s whistle.

A brief history of the Honda Prelude

A side view of the 1987 Honda Prelude
1987 Honda Prelude | Bring a Trailer

The Prelude was meant to be Honda’s flagship sports coupe when it debuted in 1978. It had the brakes, engine, and suspension from the Accord at the time but donned a sleeker look. By the second generation, which started in 1983, the Prelude was given an even sleeker and more angular look than its predecessor.

This iteration of the Prelude was also made more powerful with its 100-hp, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. However, the 1986 and 1987 models were outfitted with a larger 110-hp, 2.0-liter engine. Honda also revised its suspension with a double-wishbone setup in front and a MacPherson setup in the rear.

This 1987 Honda Prelude barely has any miles on the odometer

An engine view of the 1987 Honda Prelude
1987 Honda Prelude | Bring a Trailer

As for this particular Phoenix Red Prelude up for auction, it’s completely stock like it came from the factory. There are 13-inch wheels beneath the fender wells, a power sunroof, a rear spoiler, and all the power amenities you need. The car even has a working air conditioning system, but of course, you would expect that from a car that only has 4,200 miles on the odometer.

You read that right; this Honda Prelude has insanely low miles for its age. According to the listing on Bring A Trailer, “This 1987 Honda Prelude 2.0 Si was initially delivered to Honda Woodstock in Woodstock, Vermont, and remained with the family of its original owner until the selling dealer’s acquisition in April 2023.”

Basically, it was a garage/dealer showroom queen.

As you can imagine, this Prelude 2.0 Si has an ultra-clean interior

A front view of the used Honda Prelude's interior
1987 Honda Prelude | Bring a Trailer

Inside this 1987 Honda Prelude, its black interior looks as clean as its exterior. The cloth seats look like they have barely seen a human’s backside. The plastics, door panels, and dashboard are also factory mint. The Prelude does have a five-speed manual transmission, as it should, in addition to a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel and tape deck.

The listing says the battery was recently replaced, so there should be no issues starting and running the car. Fortunately, the ad has a video of the car being driven. Be sure to check that out before placing a bid. As of this writing, two days are left until the auction ends, and the bidding price is $25,250.

That’s a far cry from the Prelude’s original MSRP of $15,154, but classics like this don’t come around too often. If you’re a Honda fan or a Prelude enthusiast, be sure to bid on this hidden gem.