Year: | 1991 |
Make: | Honda |
Model: | Beat E-PP1 |
Mileage: | 75,497km |
Fuel Type: | Gasoline |
Drivetrain: | RWD |
Engine: | 660cc |
VIN Number: | PP1-1001*** |
The Honda Beat is a cross between a Honda NSX and go kart, and the most beloved JDM minicar ever produced.
Now that first-generation Honda Beats have reached their 25th birthday, Americans can finally discover what they’ve been missing all these years by importing Honda Beats from Japan under the 25-year rule.
The Beat was designed by Pininfarina and developed by a particularly young and passionate team of Honda engineers. It was also the last automobile Soichiro Honda the founder of Honda ever approved for production.
When released in 1991, the Beat stole the hearts of millions and sold like hotcakes in the Japanese market until a major recession took its toll. After producing two domestic models and selling fewer than 34,000 units in 6 years, Honda sold the design to MG (which used it to produce the MG F) and ended production of the Beat in 1996.
Despite boundless enthusiasm from an ever-hopeful fan base, Honda never released another Beat. However, Honda did launch its spiritual successor, the S660, in 2015. Both cars are tax-friendly minicars from Japan’s domestic “kei” car category that limits specifications to a maximum 3.4m length, 1.5m width, 660cc engine displacement, 63hp output and 87mph vehicle speed.
When these specifications were released in 1990 together with tax and insurance incentives for driving kei cars, Japanese car makers launched numerous models with performance-enhancing features like turbos, superchargers, 4-wheel drive and 4-wheel steering. But Honda matched their performance without resorting to such technologies.
The Beat’s naturally aspirated 656cc E07A engine with 3 inline cylinders, 12 valves and a single overhead camshaft is basically borrowed from a JDM Honda Today. However, it features an 8,500 redline, 10:1 compression ratio and drive-by-wire MTREC (Multi Throttle Responsive Engine Control) with one throttle valve per cylinder for smoother intake, sharper throttle response and more linear power delivery.
The engine revs high like a motorcycle’s with an exciting 3-cylinder rumble that combines with the low riding height and wind flowing through your hair to make driving feel fast and exciting. This is partially an illusion, since the maximum 63hp (47kW) at 8100 rpm actually takes anywhere from 9 to 13 seconds to propel the Beat from 0 to 60 mph. But the adrenaline rush is real.
While top speed is electronically limited to 84 mph (135 km/h), you can remove the limiter and enjoy freeway driving at over 100 mph. Torque is 44 lbft (60Nm, 6.1kgm) at 7000 rpm.
Honda mounted the engine transversely just above the rear axle and slightly to the left to make room for a right-mounted 24-liter fuel tank. While the tank is small, the highly fuel-efficient Beat delivers anywhere from 40 to 60mpg (17.0 to 27.0 km/liter) depending on how gently you rev the engine.
The monocoque body, the world’s first in a midship convertible, is extremely lightweight (around 750kg / 1,650 lbs) yet extraordinarily stiff thanks to a box style floor tunnel and dual-structure side sills.
Its classic lines strike an attractive balance of simplicity and sportiness, with headlights that sweep back into the sides; a soft top that folds like an accordion and buckles down with a handsome cover; sporty door lines that merge in a subtle intake vent; 13-inch front and 14-inch rear wheels in standard steel or optional alloy; and a simple rounded tail with engine vents and a low spoiler that barely interrupts the body’s smooth lines.
There is also a small “Beat” logo on the side of the vehicle with the words “Midship Amusement” expressing the fun-to-drive concept, a quirky reminder that the Beat was built for the Japanese market.
Storage is limited to a small area under the hood shared with the spare tire and wiper fluid, a small area in the trunk shared with the battery and midship engine, a tiny glove box in the dashboard, a magazine rack behind the seats and very little more. But Honda reserved spacious dimensions for the driver and passenger.
Even taller than average men drive so comfortably in the supportive bucket seats that the white tiger upholstery starts looking attractive after a few drives. The standalone instrument cluster, seemingly straight from a superbike, features a sporty speedometer and tachometer with red lettering on white backgrounds as well as a redline extending from 8,500 to 10,000 revolutions! The five-on-the-floor stick shift on the slim center console features such tight throws that you can practically shift with a flick of your fingers. The engine is noisy, but it makes you feel like you’re driving a racing car.
Handling is simply fantastic. Every turn is a pleasure because the Beat handles like a go kart with very tight steering, a low center of gravity, midship-enhanced balance, a front stabilizer and MacPerson struts at all four wheels. Not only can you slip into smaller parking spaces along busy roads, but you can do it effortlessly.
Despite the deceptively frugal design, Honda didn’t skimp on standard amenities, which include air conditioning, power windows, 3-point seatbelts and an excellent audio system with CD player. The driver’s side airbag is optional.
The “MTREC” message on the doorstep and “Open Air Motoring” message on the floor mats are further JDM reminders that you’re driving something very special never intended for foreign markets.
This fun little Honda Beat in Honda racing red is in outstanding condition with all original parts and no modifications. The owner gave it regular maintenance and extra care to minimize wear and tear. Considering the great driving pleasure Honda Beats can bring, you may be surprised at how affordably they can be imported directly from Japan.
At Japan Car Direct, we can help you find the best deals in Japan through our vast network of connections with specialist dealers, private sellers and auctions. We can also arrange a trustworthy inspection and have your vehicle exported to your nearest port — anywhere in the world.
Whether you’re an American taking advantage of the 25-year rule to purchase a Honda Beat, an enthusiast in the UK seeking a high-performance JDM drift car, or an Australian looking for a German luxury car with left or right hand drive, JCD can help you realize your dream affordably and with ease.
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I used Japan Car Direct's services to import a Nissan Silvia from Japan to Australia. Mike was very helpful from start to finish and definitely made the process stress free.
The... read moreI used Japan Car Direct's services to import a Nissan Silvia from Japan to Australia. Mike was very helpful from start to finish and definitely made the process stress free.
The detailed videos where Mike would translate and explain the Japanese auction sheets and inspections provided great clarification so I knew exactly what I was getting with my car. I have to also commend Mike's swiftness when it came to replying to emails and phone calls, he would always reply near on instantly and even outside of normal business hours just to ensure I was never left in the dark through the bidding and shipping preparation processes.
I could not recommend JCD enough for any potential self importers! read less
Just picked up my car that I bought through JCD. I was a complete newbie about buying a car overseas and Mathew was kind enough to basically hold my... read moreJust picked up my car that I bought through JCD. I was a complete newbie about buying a car overseas and Mathew was kind enough to basically hold my hand and help me through the process. It seems pretty daunting at first but if I can do it anybody can. Highly recommend JCD! read less
I worked with Mathew on getting my first Japanese Kei truck. The process and communication were great. For me the back-and-forth communication was the reason why I decided to go... read moreI worked with Mathew on getting my first Japanese Kei truck. The process and communication were great. For me the back-and-forth communication was the reason why I decided to go with japancardirect. Being able to see the auction trucks that are coming out and getting a detailed translation of the auction sheet is awesome. At first, I was a little hesitant sending money for a car overseas that I haven't actually seen in person, but Mathew stayed with me even at times when I was less patient. Thanks for all the help you and your team provide. read less
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Taylor at JCD has been incredibly helpful in my search for a couple of unique rigs from overseas -- We've scored one, and are looking forward to finding another.
Taylor's professinoalism,... read moreTaylor at JCD has been incredibly helpful in my search for a couple of unique rigs from overseas -- We've scored one, and are looking forward to finding another.
Taylor's professinoalism, promptness, clarity of communication has been amazing. He's helped answer a miultitude of questions, and everything went without incident (aside from impacts from Ukraine).f
Thank you, Taylor! read less
After seeing quite a few Kei Trucks on the road, I was intrigued. Seeing the local retail prices gave me sticker shock, so I immediately thought there has to be... read moreAfter seeing quite a few Kei Trucks on the road, I was intrigued. Seeing the local retail prices gave me sticker shock, so I immediately thought there has to be a better way. Sure enough, that way is Japan Car Direct. Yoshi and team are knowledgeable, professional and responsive. They do what they say they are going to do before, during and after the transaction, they are in it for the long haul. The result of reviewing the auction listings and acquiring/importing yourself (with help from JCD) is substantial savings and the satisfaction of paying a fair price. It's also fun if you enjoy searching for and identifying great automotive values. Would not hesitate to recommend their services to others and I will be back for more vehicles in the near future. read less
Can't fault these guys - this was the first time I've bought a car at any auction, let alone one in Japan. The support from Yoshiro was brilliant, very patient... read moreCan't fault these guys - this was the first time I've bought a car at any auction, let alone one in Japan. The support from Yoshiro was brilliant, very patient with me and ensured that I only bid on cars worth having. The car I have bought far exceeds expectations in every way and the whole process of purchase and shipping was all taken care of - top marks and thank you read less
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Japan Car Direct helped me find my dream car. We found a great deal on an ST205. Yoshiro was fantastic and super responsive and patient with all of my questions.... read moreJapan Car Direct helped me find my dream car. We found a great deal on an ST205. Yoshiro was fantastic and super responsive and patient with all of my questions. They made navigating the import process a breeze. This is a reputable company. I highly recommend them if you’re interested in importing your very own JDM. read less
So pleased with our companies new Japanese mini-truck import. Japan Car Direct made it all too easy. We made a few first-timer mistakes on the paperwork but the next import... read moreSo pleased with our companies new Japanese mini-truck import. Japan Car Direct made it all too easy. We made a few first-timer mistakes on the paperwork but the next import will be even smoother. Looking forward to the next experience. read less
MARKNADEN Studio
4/08/2022
Great dependable business! Highly recommended! Thank you Mathew for all your hard work!
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Yoshiro and the folks over at JapanCarDirect are the best! They were super helpful with my first time importing a vehicle to the US and were quick to answer all... read moreYoshiro and the folks over at JapanCarDirect are the best! They were super helpful with my first time importing a vehicle to the US and were quick to answer all of the first-time questions I had about the process. The vehicle I got was exactly as I expected based on the pre-bidding inspection that they organized and I am beyond thrilled with my new (to me) little van. I'll definitely be working with them again for the next vehicle I look to import read less
This was our first time importing a vehicle and we would hands down use Japan Car Direct again. Taylor made everything so simple and stress free. We would our Toyota... read moreThis was our first time importing a vehicle and we would hands down use Japan Car Direct again. Taylor made everything so simple and stress free. We would our Toyota Land Cruiser and would definitely use Japan Car Direct again. read less
First time importing a vehicle and Taylor did a great job guiding me the entire way! 5 star service! Excited about my new mini truck!
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Good experience throughout the entire process. They had the patience to help me find what I was looking for, when it arrived it was in great condition as I expected... read moreGood experience throughout the entire process. They had the patience to help me find what I was looking for, when it arrived it was in great condition as I expected it to be via the inspections and information provided. read less
First time customer review:
All around a great company to work with. Mathew was very responsive and helped me throughout the entire process. With this being the first time importing a... read moreFirst time customer review:
All around a great company to work with. Mathew was very responsive and helped me throughout the entire process. With this being the first time importing a vehicle, there were a lot of questions I had and he made sure to answer everything and kept me posted throughout the process. I would highly recommend Japan Car Direct and would happily work with them in the future. read less
My sales rep at JCD, Taylor, was amazing. He was quick to get me auction info, provided me good insights on possible price points, and was ready to answer any... read moreMy sales rep at JCD, Taylor, was amazing. He was quick to get me auction info, provided me good insights on possible price points, and was ready to answer any questions all the way through the process. The import was painless and the car is great. I will 100% use them again in the future! read less
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