Honda Accord LX CVCC Hatchback, Metallic Red

The LX arrived in 1978 as the better-equipped Accord hatchback, with air conditioning, a digital clock and power steering. That last item was unusual at the time: until the Accord and the closely related Prelude, power steering had not been offered on cars under two litres. The Accord itself had been launched in May 1976 as a three-door hatchback built on a stretched Civic platform, with a CVCC engine derived from the Civic's. This one is the 1979 LX, badged on the tailgate as Accord LX beside a 5 speed script for the five-speed manual gearbox, with the CVCC name on the grille and a Honda script on each front wing.

It is painted a bright metallic red with an orange cast that shifts with the light, set off by the black rubber strips along the chrome bumpers and the black rubbing strip down each flank. Inside, the trim is tan throughout: ribbed seats, door panels with chrome handles, a full centre console and a dashboard carrying a small CVCC plate, with a black three-spoke steering wheel. Quad round headlamps, amber indicators set into the front bumper and silver slotted wheels with Honda centre caps complete the period look. The car stands on an orange stitched base with an engraved plaque naming it the 1979 Honda Accord LX CVCC Hatchback, from a limited edition.