The Honda Accord has been a mainstay in American Honda showrooms for almost five decades, evolving through eleven generations. While the first-generation models from 1976 to 1981 have become scarce in junkyards, a 1980 hatchback recently caught the attention of car enthusiasts near Santa Cruz.
Initially, the Accord was only available as a hatchback, with the sedan version added to the lineup in 1979 for the US market. This particular 1980 Accord showcased a unique paint color called Catherine Brown. Other color options included Amall Blue, Longleet Gold, Saint Moritz Silver, and Sophia Red, highlighting the Malaise Era aesthetic of the time.
Living in coastal California takes a toll on cars, causing them to rust from top to bottom. Unfortunately, this Accord’s hatch was significantly deteriorated due to saltwater exposure. However, despite its external condition, the interior of the car remained surprisingly well-preserved for its age of 44 years.
One intriguing aspect of this 1980 Accord is the odometer, which lacked six-digit displays until 1981. Therefore, it is impossible to determine whether the car had accumulated 97,352 or 497,452 miles by the end of its life. Remarkably, the highest-mileage Accord found in a junkyard to date was an ’88 model with a staggering 626,476 miles.
Under the hood, this Accord housed a 1751cc straight-four engine featuring the CVCC stratified-charge fuel-delivery system. It delivered 68 horsepower and 94 pound-feet of torque. However, instead of the 72 horsepower offered by the five-speed manual transmission variant, this particular Accord was equipped with the Hondamatic automatic transmission, a motorcycle-derived unit that could be considered either a two-speed or a three-speed, depending on definitions.
Despite its modest power, the 1980 Accord impressed with its lightweight construction. Weighing in at just 2,145 pounds, it was comparable to the current Mitsubishi Mirage. In contrast, the modern Accord has significantly increased in weight, now exceeding 3,200 pounds.
One standout feature of this affordable car from its era was the inclusion of the Jeco clock as standard equipment. This attention to detail was uncommon for a vehicle in this price range.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the 1980 Accord with the Hondamatic transmission was $6,199, which would translate to approximately $25,062 in 2024. This reveals how prices have significantly escalated over the years.
During a trip to California junkyards, the photographer used a 1940 Agfa Speedex film camera to capture images of this unique Accord. The shots showcased the car’s JDM fender mirrors, enhancing its overall appearance.
Interestingly, when this 1980 Accord was new, Honda had not yet begun production in Ohio (which started in late 1982). However, they were already testing the Accords in this location, laying the groundwork for their future manufacturing operations.
In conclusion, this 1980 Honda Accord hatchback offers a glimpse into the past, representing a bygone era of automotive design and engineering. Despite its deteriorated exterior, the car’s interior remains remarkably well-preserved. With its lightweight construction, unique features, and historical significance, this Accord serves as a testament to the evolution of Honda’s iconic model over the last four decades.