In 1972, the first Civic SB-1 type debuted as a revolutionary FF2 box and became a worldwide hit. Then in 1974, the sports model "1200RS" appeared. With a high power engine, 5 speed MT, and wide radial tires, it was a high performance machine.

Officially, the first Honda Type R was the 1992 NSX-R, but this Japanese-market first-generation Civic wears all the hallmarks that we now associate with those factory-tuned performance models. And it was built 17 years earlier. Engineers pried every last ounce of reliable horsepower from the single-overhead-cam 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine, using tricks learned from years of building high-performance motorcycles. There are dual Keihin CV carburetors in place of the single unit on the base car and a free-flowing intake manifold. It also has a more aggressive cam, high-compression pistons, and a unique exhaust header. The result is around 75 hp at 6000 rpm.

In 1974, this hatch came with Honda’s first five-speed transmission in a passenger car, replacing the standard four-speed. The engineers behind the RS also reworked the suspension with stiffer springs and dampers, though the brakes remained unchanged.

The RS is exceptionally rare. Of the 20,000 or so that Honda built between 1974 and 1975, only around 50 still exist. The majority rusted away, used up, crushed, or recycled into something else.

This beautiful 1974 Honda Civic Mk1 is a very early example delivered in the Netherlands. Its previous owner converted it into an RS replica of the Civic 1200 RS in the correct YR22 Sunset Orange color. This makes it likely the only left-hand drive RS.

The Civic is equipped with:

Dual RS carburetors (newly installed in 2015)

5-speed gearbox (strong version from a wagon)

Original RS manifold (twin pipe) and exhaust section reproduced as an RS exhaust system.

 Lightweight flywheel.

Wooden RS steering wheel.

Overhead console with lights and clock.

Jeco clock on the dashboard.

Dual gauges, temperature and voltage.

Electronic ignition and fuel pump.

BC-racing adjustable shock absorbers and springs.

Bumper overriders

Chrome license plate lighting.

Custom-made 13-inch Minilite wheels (made by Minilite in England).

New set of original Honda/Pioneer roof speakers.

Interior upholstery still in its original, neat condition.

Rear louver available as an optional accessory. Can be removed without causing any damage.

The car was purchased by the previous owner and completely disassembled and restored in 2015/2016. A photo report of this restoration was kept. It was a good base with little rust. What remained was removed and repaired. Afterward, the car was sprayed with epoxy primer and further treated until the finishing coat of Sunset Orange 2K paint was applied. All loose parts were blasted and powder-coated with two coats. All bolts were yellow-pacified and countersunk, and the bearings, rubbers, and gaskets were replaced with as many genuine Honda OEM parts as possible. Since the restoration, the car has driven approximately 10,000 kilometers without any problems. The Honda recently underwent a service, including a timing belt replacement.