Honda CRX VTEC | 290K HKD "FIRM"

THIS MOTOR CAR

How far would you go to satisfy the need for nostalgia? For some, the memory of their first car is priceless. The car we are offering today is a perfect example of a "no‑expense‑spared" re‑creation of a like‑new Honda CRX. Some may call this silly—after all, this could well be the most expensive CRX in the world. But at Classic Insider, we pay the utmost respect to sellers who know exactly what they want and go to any length to achieve it.

This is a genuine, factory‑original Honda CRX VTEC fitted with the legendary B16A1 engine—a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder producing 158 bhp, revving enthusiastically to 8,000 rpm, and widely regarded as one of the greatest front‑drive powertrains ever built. First registered in the United Kingdom on 12 September 1990, the car was subsequently imported to Hong Kong, where it was first registered on 6 July 2017. Since then, it has been cherished by a single Hong Kong owner who has invested an extraordinary amount in its restoration, preservation, and mechanical refreshment.

The odometer reads in miles (as per the original UK instrument cluster) and has not been tampered with. From the first detailed Hong Kong invoice in 2018 at 44,637 miles to the most recent service in 2025 at 48,853 miles, the car has covered only 4,216 miles in seven years—an average of just over 600 miles per year. This confirms its status as a cherished classic, not a daily driver.

The total documented investment by the seller from 2017 to 2025 (not counting the price of the car and import tax paid) exceeds HKD 404,000, covering a bare‑metal respray, full air‑conditioning rebuild, complete suspension overhaul, major engine oil‑leak repair, high‑performance brake and exhaust upgrades, and meticulous annual servicing. For the true collector who understands that authenticity and condition command a premium, this CRX presents an unmatched proposition.

Year: 1990

Body: Coupe

Exterior: White

Interior: Black

Driver's Sider: RHD

Transmission: Manual

Indicated Mileage: 48,928 Miles (At time of photography)

First Delivery Location: United Kingdom (1990)

Registration: Hong Kong Registered with 0 previous owners (2017)

Current Ownership: Since 2017

IN SHORT:

A genuine 1990 Honda CRX VTEC, UK-delivered and subsequently imported to Hong Kong where it has been cherished by a single owner. The subject of a documented, no‑expense‑spared restoration and mechanical refresh totalling over HKD 404,000, this example presents in near‑new condition and is offered by a seller who pursued perfection without compromise.

EXTERIOR & INTERIOR:

A Bare‑Metal Resurrection: The exterior has been treated to a full bare‑metal respray in factory white, a process that addresses every panel and eliminates any hidden corrosion. The result is a finish of exceptional depth and uniformity. Paintwork is near‑perfect, fender gaps are precise, and all plastic trims and lighting are like‑new. The original alloy wheels have been professionally refurbished, and the car sits on fresh tyres. You will not find another CRX in better cosmetic condition.

A Cabin of Unexpected Luxury: The interior has been sympathetically refreshed. The seats and door cards have been retrimmed in Nappa leather—a decidedly upmarket upgrade from the original cloth, but one that adds a layer of daily usability and sophistication without compromising the car's spirit. The original cassette radio remains in place, and all instruments function correctly, including the digital clock. The air‑conditioning has been completely rebuilt and blows ice‑cold. The trunk is exceptionally clean, and the original owner's pack, spare wheel, and jack are all present.

MECHANICALLY SORTED & ENTHUSIAST‑MAINTAINED

This CRX has been maintained regardless of cost. Every major system has been addressed, and the documentation tells a compelling story of proactive care.

Engine & Drivetrain: The legendary B16A1 VTEC engine was the subject of a major oil‑leak repair in 2021, including replacement of the water pump, valve cover gasket, cam seals, oil pan gasket, and engine belts. The transmission fluid has been changed, and the car runs on iridium spark plugs with high‑quality NSK wires. The engine bay, while not concours‑level, is honest and mechanically sound.

Suspension & Handling: The car rides on a full set of Neomax coilover suspension (fitted in 2021), offering improved poise and adjustability. Front upper arms, tie rod ends, steering rack ends, ball joints, and lower arm bushes have all been replaced. Multiple computer wheel alignments have been performed.

Brakes & Exhaust: The braking system has been comprehensively overhauled with new discs, pads (Project Mu performance pads on later service), refurbished calipers, and braided‑style hoses. The exhaust features an FGK rear muffler and rear pipe, providing a period‑correct sporty note without being intrusive.

Air Conditioning: Perhaps the most detailed aspect of the restoration. The entire A/C system—compressor, condenser, hoses, valves, fan motor—has been rebuilt or replaced, with multiple re‑gas services documented. This is a working, effective system, a rarity in many 1990s Japanese classics.

THE CLASSIC INSIDER ASSESSMENT

We quantify condition where others merely describe. Our score of 91/100 reflects a car that has been restored to a very high standard and meticulously maintained, with only minor opportunities for further enhancement noted.

• Exterior (95/100): Near‑perfect condition. The bare‑metal respray and recent cosmetic attention have yielded an excellent paint finish. All panels align correctly, trim and lighting are like‑new, and the wheels are flawless. This is arguably the best‑presented CRX available anywhere.

• Interior (95/100): Nicely restored to an almost new‑car condition. Everything works, including the digital clock. The original cassette radio is present, and the ice‑cold air conditioning is a welcome feature. The black leather retrim, while not factory original, is a tasteful and high‑quality upgrade. The trunk is exceptionally clean.

• Mechanical (85/100): Documented comprehensive mechanical refurbishment. The car drives with the sharpness and enthusiasm expected of a well‑sorted VTEC. The engine bay is not concours‑looking; it could be cleaner, and some plastic trim pieces could be further enhanced. However, nothing detracts from the car's mechanical integrity.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Genuine UK‑delivered Honda CRX VTEC with the legendary B16A1 engine

• Single Hong Kong owner since import in 2017

• Documented investment exceeding HKD 404,000 in restoration, parts, and labour

• Full bare‑metal respray to factory white

• Complete air‑conditioning system rebuild—ice‑cold and fully functional

• Suspension: Neomax coilovers with new arms, bushes, and ends

• Engine: Major oil‑leak repair, new water pump, gaskets, belts

• Brakes: Project Mu pads, refurbished calipers, new hoses and discs

• Exhaust: FGK rear muffler and pipe

• Interior retrimmed in Bentley Nappa leather

• Annual servicing documented from 2018 to 2025

• Only 4,216 miles covered in seven years under current ownership

• Original owner's pack, spare wheel, and jack included

• Classic Insider Condition Score: 91/100

Available Exclusively at Classic Insider. For more info, please contact:

Kenneth Wong

Email: Kenneth@classicinsider.com

Telephone Or Whatsapp: +852 9013 2536

SERVICE HISTORY:

Detailed Service Timeline & Major Investments

UNITED KINGDOM

First Delivered - United Kingdom - 1 September 1990

EDDY GRIMSTEAD MOTOR CO. LTD 

- 1687 Miles, Service in 1991

- 3266 Miles Service in 1991

- 7573 Miles Service in 1993

Whichford Honda 

- 42765 Miles Service in 1996

JRC AUTO 

- 43,706 Miles Full service + timing Belt, Brake pads, Front Rotors  in 2014

HONG KONG

2017 – Early Maintenance (Pre‑Full Restoration)

• 17 May 2017: SMD – Replace radiator and water coolant, overhaul electrical generator (replace motor), replace battery. HKD 19,000

2018 – Ground‑Up Restoration & Full Respray (Complete Invoice Details)

This was the single largest investment, transforming the car cosmetically and mechanically.

• 8 Jun 2018 (44,637 miles): SMD – Complete restoration including:

• Total investment for this invoice: HKD 188,900 (includes all above items)	• Amount (HKD)
• Full bare‑metal respray to white	• 65,000
• Complete A/C system overhaul (compressor, condenser, hoses, valve, pressure switch, fan, etc.)	• 60,000
• Remove & install A/C system components (labour)	• 2,000
• Brake system: front & rear discs, pads, rear caliper gaskets, brake fluid	• ~23,000
• Refill & respray both front & rear brake calipers	• 6,000
• Transmission fluid change	• 1,500
• Iridium spark plugs (x4)	• 1,200
• NSK spark plug wires (1 set)	• 1,800
• Overhaul both front leather seats (Bentley Nappa leather)	• 7,200
• Refurbish alloy wheels (x4)	• 3,900
• Replace Dunlop tyres (x4) with balancing	• 3,800
• Replace Pioneer speakers (2 pairs)	• 400
• Gasoline	• 3,500
• Annual car test with labour	• 3,000
• Engine oil & filter service, air filter, clean throttle, wiper blades	• 3,000
• Clean, steam & sterilize A/C system	• 1,600
• Overhaul & clean LH front headlight	• 2,500
• Replace battery	• 2,000
• Computer alignment (toe in & toe out)	• 2,500

2019 – Post‑Restoration Enhancement

• 23 Apr 2019 (45,626 miles): SMD – Annual car test, engine oil service with K&N high‑performance air filter, Project Mu front & rear brake pads, full deep crystal wax polish, interior and A/C system cleaning. HKD 19,300

2020 – Suspension & Steering Refresh

• 21 Jul 2020 (46,759 miles): SMD – Annual test, oil service. Replaced sunroof cover (refill & respray). Repaired RH door lock. Replaced both front upper arms, tie rod ends, steering rack ends, and ball joints. Computer wheel alignment. Cleaned A/C condenser and re‑gassed. HKD 36,400

2021 – Major Engine Oil Leak Repair & Exhaust Upgrade

• 18 May 2021 (~47,200 miles): SMD – Annual test, oil service. Major engine work to repair oil leaks: replaced water pump, valve cover gasket, spark plug gasket, thermostat, oil pan gasket, cam seals, engine belts (x2), and VTi gasket; replaced coolant. Cleaned A/C condenser, repaired A/C system, replaced A/C valve and re‑gassed. Replaced FGK rear muffler, rear pipe, and exhaust gasket. Refinished front bonnet (respray) and replaced front emblem. HKD 56,500

• 25 Aug 2021 (47,531 miles): SMD – Replaced both front and rear Neomax coilover suspension, computer alignment, replaced A/C fan motor and re‑gassed. HKD 18,900

2022 – Routine Annual Service

• 19 May 2022 (48,037 miles): SMD – Annual test, oil service (Kennol 5W‑40). Cleaned A/C condenser, re‑gassed, and steam sterilized A/C system. HKD 10,500

2023 – Fluids, Battery & Cosmetic Touch‑Up

• 12 May 2023 (48,375 miles): SMD – Annual test, oil service. Replaced battery, brake fluid, transmission fluid. Refinished RH front bumper (respray). Cleaned A/C system. HKD 18,800

2024 – Suspension Bushes & Brake Hoses

• 27 May 2024 (48,541 miles): SMD – Annual test, oil service. Replaced both front lower arm bushes (x4). Replaced both front & rear brake hoses, connectors, and brake fluid. Cleaned A/C system. HKD 21,300

2025 – Tyres & Battery (Most Recent)

• 27 Jun 2025 (48,756 miles): SMD – Annual test, oil service. Replaced both front and rear tyres. HKD 12,200

• 20 Aug 2025 (48,853 miles): SMD – Replaced Panasonic battery. HKD 2,500

Summary of Major Investments (2017–2025)

Category	Description	Approx. Investment (HKD)
Body & Paint	Full bare‑metal respray to white, sunroof cover, front bonnet, RH front bumper, brake calipers, alloy wheel refurbishment	80,000+
Air Conditioning	Complete system overhaul (compressor, condenser, hoses, valves, fan motor, re‑gas multiple times)	70,000+
Engine & Drivetrain	Major oil leak repair (water pump, gaskets, seals, belts), transmission fluid, spark plugs, plug wires	45,000+
Suspension & Steering	Neomax coilovers (full set), front upper arms, tie rod ends, steering rack ends, ball joints, lower arm bushes, wheel alignments	45,000+
Brakes	Discs, pads (Project Mu), caliper gaskets, hoses, fluid, caliper respray	38,000+
Exhaust	FGK rear muffler, rear pipe, gasket	13,000
Interior & Electronics	Bentley Nappa leather seat covers, Pioneer speakers, generator overhaul, batteries (multiple), headlight overhaul	20,000+
Routine Maintenance	Annual tests (2018–2025), oil services, filters, K&N air filter, crystal wax, inspections	45,000+
Tyres	Dunlop (2018) and replacement tyres (2025)	7,600+
****	TOTAL DOCUMENTED INVESTMENT	HKD 404,000+

Summary for Buyers

This CRX VTEC is not just another 90s Honda. It is a documented, no‑expense‑spared restorated example that has been maintained regardless of cost. The new owner can drive away with absolute confidence, knowing that every expensive job – from the bare‑metal respray to the complete A/C rebuild, from the engine oil‑leak repair to the full suspension upgrade – has already been completed by a specialist workshop. This is a true collector‑grade example of a rising classic.

DISCLAIMER

The information provided on this website has been compiled by Classic Insider with the utmost care. The information contained within this advert is provided ‘as-is’, without warranties as to its accuracy whether expressed or implied and is intended for informational purposes only. Classic Insider is not liable for any errors or mistakes.