2002 Honda S2000 GT - 1,179 Miles

Back in 1999, if you wanted a back-to-basics roadster that was quick, handsome and had a stiff chassis with 50/50 weight distribution, you didn’t have too many options. The MX-5 wasn’t far off, but you could hardly call that quick – and the MG F was little-better.

Before the S2000, roadsters generally came with scuttle shake – that awful vibration of the windscreen and dash when you hit a bump – and Honda’s motorsport engineers, who were tasked with making the S2000, were determined to eliminate this. Their solution? The high X-bone frame. This steel monocoque chassis and body structure gave the S2000 levels of rigidity previously unheard of in open-top cars. There hadn't been a roadster with this level of focus on the driver since the Lotus Elise.

The S2000's engine also set the Honda apart from the rest, producing 237bhp from a 2-litre block – impressive enough today, let alone back in 1999 – and it did so without forced induction. What’s more, the S2000 also revs to 9,000rpm and that four-pot is placed so far back in the engine bay, it technically made the Honda a front/mid-engine sports car. The car was available in GT-spec which included headlight washers, traction control, PAS, CD and a factory hardtop

Offered here is probably an unrepeatable S2000 GT as it has covered an incredible 1,179 miles from new and presents as such. A UK-supplied right-hand drive car finished in Nürburgring Blue Metallic with a matching hardtop, complemented by a blue convertible roof with a black leather interior. Equipment includes an electrically-operated convertible roof (with stand and cover), heated rear window, air con, radio C/D player, electric windows and electrically-adjustable door mirrors.

Despite the incredibly low mileage, the service book has been stamped a remarkable seven times and accompanying the car is the Owners Manuals, service book, tool kit, MOTs (current valid until June 2024) and service invoices.

The car has been garaged from new and this is clear to see from its spectacular condition, which needs to be seen to be appreciated. The Honda was owned for the majority of its life by the brother of the low-mileage 205 GTI that’s also in our Race Retro sale and the family were clearly fastidious in how they looked after and stored their pride and joys.

The Honda S2000 GT is becoming very collectable and quite right for such an involving sports car. This particular example will certainly be hard to repeat considering its condition, mileage and diligent history. A true 'best-of-breed' contender, we welcome and encourage your inspection at the Race Retro auction to fully appreciate the quality on offer.