2001 Honda S2000

Highlights

• Highest horsepower per litre, naturally aspirated car of its day
• Rebuilt and upgraded VTEC engine with photographic record
• Forged pistons and individual throttle bodies
• Balanced crankshaft, flywheel, and clutch
• Six-speed manual transmission

Overview

The S2000 was Honda’s contribution to the world of small sports cars in the late 90s. Most importantly it featured a two-litre VTEC engine mounted at the front, and sent power to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Its claim to fame is the somewhat specific fact that its engine had the highest power output per litre of any naturally aspirated production car at the time. Rather like the Chinese city of Zhangye, which claims to be the site of the world’s largest indoor wooden statue of a reclining Buddha.

But most importantly, the full fury of the engine doesn’t kick in until the VTEC system activates at roughly 6,000 rpm. This is a fact you’ll never tire of explaining to your passenger as you scream down the motorway in second gear. But maybe don’t rely on it as an ice breaker at the office Christmas party.

The car offered here is particularly appealing due to its recently rebuilt engine. It comes accompanied by a thoughtfully compiled photo book which details the work carried out, including a full disassembly and balancing, with various upgraded parts fitted. There are no advisories noted on the MOT, either, so this car has evidently been reassuringly well looked after by the current owner.

Finished in an attractive shade of metallic blue, with a leather interior and a fabric roof, this S2000 is the perfect car to enjoy on a winding country road on a summer’s evening.

History and documentation

• Registered 16 Nov 2001
• Original owner’s manual
• Copy of the Service Manual on file
• Extensive collection of invoices for parts, including the engine rebuild
• Two keys with remote fobs
• Four former keepers
• Current MOT with no advisories expires 19 May 2025
• V5 present in owner’s name
• HPI clear
• London ULEZ compliant

Interior

• The S2000’s cabin is well proportioned in a snug, sports-car kind of way
• Full leather seat upholstery
• There are some light signs of use to be seen
• A few light scuffs on the door cards
• Carpets clean and tidy, with S2000 overmats in the footwells
• Aluminium gear knob
• Digital instrument cluster
• The seller informs us that everything is in good working condition
• Pioneer DAB radio, with aux and USB connections
• The head unit is hidden behind a panel when not in use
• The stereo controls to the right of the steering wheel have been replaced with an air-fuel ratio gauge
• Dashboard top appears to be free from cracking or UV damage
• To the rear, the boot is fully carpeted
• Space-saver spare wheel, scissor jack, and wheel nut wrench

Exterior

• Sharp lines and a generously proportioned bonnet give the S2000 a decidedly sporting look
• The body panels and shut lines on this particular car are as they should be
• The metallic blue paint is in good condition for its age
• It retains a good colour and deep shine
• There are some light scratches and small chips, mostly on the bonnet and front bumper
• The 17-inch, ten-spoke alloy wheels are well preserved
• A new set of Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres was reportedly fitted last year
• A pair of semi-slick rear tyres is included in the sale
• Electronically operated convertible roof
• ‘Honda S2000’ chrome badges present and correct
• Carbon fibre — or at least carbon-effect — rear spoiler
• The underside of the car looks generally clean and tidy
• There are some areas of surface corrosion, as usual for a car of this age
• The protective coating underneath looks to be in good condition

Mechanical

• 1,997 cc four-cylinder petrol engine
• Rated at 236 bhp and 153 lb ft
• Six-speed manual transmission
• Fitted with individual throttle bodies (ITBs) which give the engine an excellent induction noise
• The vendor informs us that the car starts up easily, and the engine sounds smooth, with no unusual noises
• The engine has been rebuilt and comes with a well-produced photo book detailing all the work carried out
• This reportedly included boring and sleeving the block, the installation of Wiseco 87mm fast road forged pistons and Skunk 2 Alpha steel con-rods, ARP Studs, AP2 valve retainers, Supertech exhaust valves and guides, a Ballade sports Baffled sump, Mocal catch can, Toda Manifold, AT Power individual throttle bodies (ITBs) and balancing the crankshaft, flywheel and clutch assembly
• A new timing chain was fitted and the main bearings remain standard size
• As a result, the seller tells us that the car is also now making more power than standard and was mapped on an AEM V2 ECU by Romain at Race Cal to 244 bhp/ 166lbft
• The map also brings the VTEC switchover at lower revs than usual - about 4,000rpm - which helps to expand the power band
• Additionally, we’re told that the car has also recently benefitted from a Milltek cat back exhaust, Tegiwa 200 cell sports cat, Yellowstuff pads front and rear, a new AC condenser and re gas, 4x Goodyear eagle F1 Tyres, Yuasa battery with five year guarantee to Feb 2028, Mishimoto shrouds and fans and rear wheel bearings
• In all, it’s been comprehensively upgraded and is a well-fettled example

Summary

Many cars lose some of their horsepower overtime, but with this Honda’s recent engine rebuild the outputs are looking healthier than ever. The enhanced engine continues to provide plenty of power, and the perfect excuse to rev it enthusiastically.

So if you’re looking for a small, powerful two-seater sports car, you can’t go far wrong with the Japanese build quality and engineering excellence found in this Honda S2000.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent.