This is a Custom 1973 Honda Civic Hatchback. Designed by Hiroshi Kizawa and Shinya Iwakura, the Civic was first introduced in 1972 as a 1973 model year model. The Civic was Honda's first genuine market success, ditching the expensive engineering solutions used by the Honda 1300 and larger than the N360 and N600; it is considered to have laid down the foundations which Honda have followed since in terms of automotive design.
Powered initially by a 1.2L EB1 inline-4 making 50 BHP, the Civic was built on what was essentially a new platform created by lengthening, widening and heightening the wheelbase of the N600. Standard features on the 1973 Civic included power front disc brakes, vinyl bucket seating, reclining front bucket seats and a woodgrain-accented dashboard. Two transmission options were made available: a 4-speed manual or a 2-speed Hondamatic automatic. Other options included air conditioning, radial tires and a rear wiper for hatchback models.
Introduced in most markets in 1972, the Civic's small size allowed it to outperform its competitors; its compact size, economical engine and competitive pricing would prove to be beneficial for Honda in the long run, with more buyers turning to cheaper cars in the aftermath of the 1973 oil crisis, and as a result sales of the Civic boomed. In 1974, the Civic 1200 RS was introduced, the first sporting model of the Civic, and in 1975, the CVCC engine was introduced to meet changing emission standards. Production ended in 1979.
Now this casting was designed by Fraser Campbell and introduced in 2023 in the HW J-Imports segment of the mainline. This casting has seen three known releases, the last being this one in the Compact Kings segment of the 2024 mainline.
