It was just a few short years ago that two low-mileage EM1 Honda Civic Si coupes sold for a just under $25,000. Turns out, that was an excellent investment because their values have just jumped up quite a bit. Today, another one sold for $50,000, and in fact, when you add on the auction fees, it actually adds up to $52,500.
Back in 2018, a Milano Red example with 10,439 miles sold for $22,750, shocking many corners of the internet and eliciting cries of incredulity in others. A month later, an Electron Blue Pearl example with 12,190 miles sold for $24,000, proving the first one wasn’t a fluke.
Now, two years later, another Electron Blue Pearl example has sold for $50,000, albeit one with just 5,600 miles on the odometer. Firstly, we can’t believe a privately owned Si with such low mileage actually exists. The two known owners’ willpowers must have been monumental to resist driving such an insanely fun car.
While this example’s mileage may be half that of the ones that sold in 2018, we don’t think that’s the sole reason this car went for double. The car is simply museum quality, with and engine bay and undercarriage that look like they came out of the showroom yesterday. Paints, coatings, and even factory markings show no sign of aging other than the occasional cobweb.
Its gray with oh-so-90s splashes of color upholstery looks practically unused. The only modifications from stock are a a Pioneer head unit, DC Sports rear lower tie bar, and optional foglights (which would have required applying a hole saw to the front bumper).
Other than those changes, it’s as mint as can be. And, as if it needed to be said, it is one of the very, very few in the world that wasn’t overly modified, wrecked, or stolen.
It also comes with the original windows sticker and partial documentation, showing that it cost $17,985 when new in 2000. That’s a 292 percent profit in twenty years, and it hasn’t even crossed the 25-year threshold to become an official classic yet, which means it’s not even eligible for historic plates in most states, or for classic car insurance.
Personally, I’d rather have the one that sold in 2018. It would have to be the one in Electron Blue Pearl one though, as that was the only one of the three Si colors exclusive to the trim, and highly coveted back then. Even though the mileage is higher, it’s just slightly more stock. And technically, this 5,600-mile example isn’t the lowest-mileage one in existence. Back in 2018, we also drove a 200-mile specimen that belongs to Honda, and were instantly reminded of just how thrilling this machine is to drive, right out of the box, unencumbered by questionable mods and modern “by wire” technologies.
Regular readers won’t need to ask why a Honda Civic is worth so much. For the newcomers, this car was represented that glorious time in car culture when “import tuning” was at fever pitch in the US. Hondas were king. When the auction ended I messaged an old friend who bought one new in 1999, remarking on its astounding value. She reminded me of something I said back then, “I remember you were saying it would be like the Chevy Bel Air of our time.” I’d forgotten I’d said that, but I guess I always knew it would become a valuable classic. I just didn’t expect it to be so soon.
Wow looks like it just came out of Honda assembly line, never seen rain. Credit to Honda quality
It a credit to a couple of owners who never used it, and kept it indoors all it’s life, and missed the joy of actually using it. An AMC Pacer kept in a similar manner would be in equally unused condition, though certainly not able to sell at that kind of price.
Those “aftermarket foglights” look a lot like factory optional items.
You’re right. When I helped my friend install them back in ’99 we had them painted Electron Blue first, which I had completely forgot about!
It was one of the more entertaining BaT auctions to watch. View counter could barely keep up in the last hour and one guy asked people to slow down with the comments as he couldn’t read them. They were scrolling too fast.
I don’t suppose your friend is the “she” who started the Facebook group that turned into the ClubSi web site. And that comparison to a 57 Chevy also sounds vaguely familiar.
BTW, Flamenco BLACK, not red. The red ones were Milano Red. I know. I bought one new in ’99. Heavily modified, including a JR supercharger and plenty of Mugen goodies, but after I returned it to stock to trade it in (and sell off the goodies), I was reminded of just how good it was and how much fun it was to drive right out of the box. Well…except for those seats.
No, my friend was forcibly retired from Si ownership when someone stole her car out of a mall parking lot. Sadly, that was the fate that befell many of these cars. You are correct about Milano Red. I used to know about these cars better than facts about my own father. It’s surprising how quickly you forget after 20 years.
Can’t believe it!
I remember these coming out like yesterday!!
Sounds fishy when someone spends $50k on a Civic Si irregardless of it’s condition.
IRS should follow JNC and check up on these things.
I can never understanding buying a brand new car and only using it a few miles at a time.
Everyone that I knew that bought an Si, showed it off. I think within my “race” team, we had 5 Si’s.
They were cool, but damn were Honda’s targets back then. That really ruined it for me. My 2K EK fell to theft and I’m still traumatized to this day. No mainstream cars.