2004 HONDA S2000

This Honda S2000 is a well-cared for example of the marque’s high-revving convertible sports car. Finished in a rare factory colour, it has benefitted from frequent servicing and remains in largely unmodified condition.

Under the bonnet is the sensational, naturally aspirated 2.0-litre VTEC inline-four, which produces 237bhp at a screaming 8,300rpm, before hitting its 9,000rpm limiter. This drives the rear wheels via the famously engaging six-speed manual transmission, with Evo magazine reporting that “very few, if any, of the manual cars we’ve celebrated compares to the S2000”. The odometer shows 96,245 miles from new.

First registered on 04 March 2004, this original UK-delivered ‘AP1’ facelifted S2000 is believed to be one of only seven Lime Green examples to grace our shores, of which only four are still accounted for.

The logbook lists four former keepers and the car is now being offered for sale by its current owner, who has enjoyed it for the past five years. Today, the bodywork is in very good order, with no accident damage and straight, even shut lines. Refreshed by S2000 specialists TGM Sport last year, the vibrant Lime Green metallic paintwork presents well, with a high level of gloss across the entire body, although the seller does note some stone chips on the front bumper, which is also scuffed on its lower edge.

The exterior trim is in great shape, and while there is a small area of overspray on the rubber seal between the bonnet and the windscreen this is not particularly noticeable. There is also a 2mm stone chip on the windscreen, however the current owner states that this does not impact on visibility and is very hard to spot.

This S2000’s electrically-operated convertible top was replaced in Autumn 2019 and fits tightly and securely, with no cuts or scuffs to the material. The light lenses are free of any cracks and show little evidence of hazing. The car rides on its original 17-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels. Recently refurbished and powder coated in gunmetal grey, they are free of any kerbing marks or damage, though the surface of the refinished centre caps is bubbling.

In the compact cabin, the supportive black leather seats are in very good order and with only modest signs of wear, including some creasing and discolouration of the outer bolsters, though this could be greatly reduced by a re-connolising treatment.

The seller states that the leather and dashboard plastics are in good, original condition, and while there is minor wear to the surfaces of the steering wheel and gear knob this is in line with the car’s age and mileage, as are the minor scratches to the door sill covers.

The car’s original radio/CD player is still fitted, and all of the interior buttons, switches and electrical items work as they should, including the S2000’s distinctive digital gauges. However, it is noted that the windscreen wiper motor is weak, though new wiper blades may help to speed up its operation. This S2000 has been cherished and regularly maintained by its current and previous owners.

Most recently, it was tended to by Performance Autoworks, Gloucestershire at a cost of more than £1,000. As well as refreshing the brake fluid, they also fitted new front brake discs and callipers, plus new front and rear brake pads. A new lambda sensor spacer was also installed, as were a new set of Koni shock absorbers and Honda springs, greatly improving the car’s ride quality.

Prior to this, the car was serviced on 25 July 2019 at 91,255 miles by performance Honda specialists TGM Sport of Fleet, Hampshire. This consisted of an engine oil and oil filter change, replacement of the air/pollen filter and replacement of the spark plugs, transmission and differential oils. New suspension drop links were also fitted and a valve clearance check was performed, while a Tegiwa high-flow sports catalyser was installed to replace the original unit, which had begun to crack and rattle due to age.

Largely unmolested, this S2000 does feature a carbon fibre airbox, which was installed by a previous owner, with the only other modifications being its refinished alloy wheels, upgraded catalytic converter and Koni shock absorbers, as mentioned above.

The car’s last MOT test was conducted on 1 July 2020 at 95,116 miles, where it achieved a first-time pass without a single advisory notice.

Its rear wheels are shod in Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 rear tyres, which have covered less than 300 miles since they were fitted in September 2020, while the fronts are fitted with Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 items, which are described as having 5mm of remaining tread.

Accompanying this S2000 are its original handbook and service book, which has been fully stamped from new, save for an undocumented service which was carried out in January 2018, however the seller can provide a receipt for the transaction. The current owner is also including extensive documentation and receipts for other work carried out, as well as a brace of MOT certificates.

As Honda’s last full-sized sports car, the S2000 is rapidly becoming a sought-after modern classic, thanks in no small part to its extraordinary engine which pulls all the way to 9,000rpm.

Believed to be one of only a handful of remaining Lime Green examples in the UK, this open-top Japanese legend remains almost entirely unmodified, and benefits from frequent servicing and recently refreshed paintwork. Although it is ideal for bright, clear days, its renowned Honda build quality and high-revving powertrain are sure to impress its next owner come rain or shine.