Honda Accord LX CVCC Hatchback, Light Blue

The Accord took its engine from the Civic, a larger derivative of the CVCC four-cylinder whose combustion system Honda had developed to meet the American Clean Air Act standards for 1975 without a catalytic converter. North American Accords were rated at 68 hp at launch in 1976, and buyers could choose a five-speed manual or the two-speed Hondamatic, which gave way in North America to a three-speed automatic in 1980. This 1979 LX hatchback carries the five-speed, marked by the 5 speed badge on its tail, with CVCC lettering on the grille and on the rear panel beside the spaced Honda letters. The LX itself had joined the range in 1978 with air conditioning, a digital clock and power steering.

Finished in a pale metallic blue, it has a cream interior: cream ribbed seats, cream door panels and a cream dashboard, with the black three-spoke wheel, the black instrument binnacle and a gearlever in a black gaiter standing out against it. The slim chrome bumpers carry black rubber strips and amber indicators, a wiper sweeps the tailgate glass, and the silver slotted wheels wear Honda centre caps. It sits on an orange stitched base whose engraved plaque reads 1979 Honda Accord LX CVCC Hatchback, Limited Edition, one of 50.