I know that it has been a long while since I posted on the blog (and Instagram to a lesser extent). Being caught up with work (which has been hectic as of late), as well as general ennui turns out to be pretty disruptive. While I can't promise that content will return to the regularity of 2022, I will still do my best to introduce classic cars in Singapore for as long as I am able to (which should be quite long since I will always have a soft spot for them)! I saw this 2001 Honda Accord CL1 Euro R in 2020, back when Covid was gathering in force. The fact that I only started to write about it does show something, isn't it?
The 6th-generation Accord was released in 1997 and interestingly, it was released for 3 different markets (Japanese, North America and Europe) with some differences among them. Model codes CF and CL (JDM models) had smaller headlights, tailights, grilles and front bumpers compared to NA/Asia/Oceania (CG). A coupe version was also sold in Europe and the US but not in Japan. However, Japan received the Accord station wagon (which was a fair enough trade-off). The European models (with CG and CH codes as well) featured a more pointed grille compared to the other markets. A sister model known as the Torneo was also announced (of which we have just one remaining)!
Different versions of the Accord: Japanese, Asia and Europe, along with the pretty interesting coupe
In 2000, the sports-grade Euro R (CL1) was unveiled: while you could be forgiven for viewing the Euro R as a Type R for Accords, the Euro R was more comfort-oriented and could fit 4 adults comfortably. Interestingly, Accord Type Rs exist for the Euro market. The CL1 Euro R was fitted with a exclusive H22A engine, Recaro bucket seats, Momo steering wheel and an aluminum shift knob. A unique specification called the Euro RX featured a special body colour, a rear spoiler and privacy glass among other add-ons.
The CL1 Euro R was powered by a 2156 cc H22A inline-4 engine, allowing it to reach a top speed of 243 km/h with an acceleration of 7.1 seconds [0-100 km/h]. Its dimensions of 4680 x 1695 x 1405 mm puts it firmly in the mid-size category. Despite weighing in at 1330 kg, its fuel consumption of 8.6 litres/100 km was still respectable.
Production of the 6th-generation Accord ended in 2002 where it was succeeded by the more popular CL7 series. This Euro R (chassis CL1-110866) is the last one remaining here as the other 20 cars have been exported out. It was a single-owner car before it was acquired by a dealer, and was sold 1 week later with an asking price of S$168,000 (although it was likely sold at a lower price)! It is easy to overlook it as unremarkable (even by classic car standards), but do not be fooled by its nondescript appearance. Hopefully, this has given some insights on the variety of old cars on our roads and I hope you will be able to spot this unlikely classic one day!
