2001 Honda S2000 with just 36,000 miles, FSH, incredible condition and rare Monte Carlo Blue

Rare low-mileage sports car in incredible condition.

Model: S2000 (AP1)
Mileage: 36,620 miles
Registration: Y434DHO

Highlights
● Rare Monte Carlo Blue paintwork
● Genuine low mileage
● Just 3 owners from new
● Full service history
● MOT to March 2023

Launched in 1999 to celebrate Honda’s 50th anniversary, the S2000 has gone on to become something of an icon. Offering a traditional front engine, rear-drive layout, the S2000 is a fine handling sports car, with a fabulously engineered naturally aspirated powerplant that develops an almost unbelievable 237bhp from just 2-litres.

This example has been cherished and cared for by just 3 owners and is finished in very rare ‘Monte Carlo Blue’ paintwork. With very low, verified mileage and a full service history, this collectible and sought-after sports car is one of the best examples you’ll find.

Exterior

● Monte Carlo Blue paintwork
● Immaculate black fabric hood
● Original 16” 5 spoke alloys
● Nearly-new Bridgestone Potenza tyres

The S2000’s styling is ageing very well indeed. Penned by Daisuka Sawai, over time the smooth and well-proportioned body with it’s long, shapely nose and rising haunches has only got more attractive. Finished in this rare and striking shade of blue, it really does look its best.

Starting at the top, the fabric hood is in excellent condition, with no rips, UV damage or evident wear. Electrically operated, the mechanism works very well, lowering or raising the roof in just a few seconds and doing so very smoothly. The bodywork itself is likewise in excellent condition, evidencing the car’s low mileage. With smooth paintwork that has a deep glossy shine, straight, well-gapped and even panels it’s clear this car has been meticulously cared for.

Obviously, this is a 21 year old car, so there is the odd minor blemish on the paintwork or trim, but these are so minor as to be irrelevant. There is no corrosion, bubbling or damage evident anywhere. All of the trim, glass, lights and badges are intact and in good condition. The wheels too are the original 16”items, finished in silver they contrast perfectly with the paintwork and are in very good condition. They’re shod in matching Bridgestone Potenza tyres (recommended by Honda) that all have good tread and lots of life left in them.

Underneath, the floors and chassis elements look straight, with no evidence of corrosion, damage or repair. There is some surface corrosion evident on some of the drivetrain elements, but nothing that should cause any concern – as shown by the long MOT.

Interior

● Black leather
● Electric windows and mirrors
● Original radio/cassette with CD changer
● Air conditioning

Tucked down beneath the rising shoulder-line of the car, the cabin of the S2000 has a genuine ‘fighter jet’ feel. With the digital dash and the way the switchgear and controls are angled to the driver, it has a very cool retro-futurist vibe.

The seats are in excellent condition, with soft, smooth black leather and no discernible wear to the padding or bolsters. They support very well and have a good, firm feel. There’s no splitting or UV damage to the dash, and all of the car’s features and switchgear work well. That aluminium gear knob is a delightful touch, and we love the fact the classic 3-spoke sports wheel has no controls on it to distract the driver.

To ensure you arrive looking as good as when you stepped into the car, there’s a wind deflector set behind the seats. Meanwhile at the rear, the boot compartment is in fine condition, with a jack and inflation kit under the floor panel, and a CD changer unit.

Mechanicals

● 1,997cc four-cylinder DOHC VTEC
● 6-speed manual tranmission
● Torsen limited slip differential
● Double wishbone suspension

What many people don’t realise about the S2000 is that it’s actually mid-engined. Although the engine is at the front, it sits completely behind the front axle and is therefore mid-engined. Together with the fact that Honda used lightweight materials in its construction wherever possible, it means the S2000 has perfect 50:50 weight distribution. What that means is that it handles brilliantly. Add in the Torsen LSD and trick double wishbone suspension and you have a vehicle that can demolish any B-road or track you point it at.

That iconic 2-litre VTEC unit pushes a mighty 237bhp to the rear wheels and revs happily all the way to 9,000rpm. It sounds simply incredible, starts at the touch of the button and idles very smoothly. It’s been very well cared for, as shown by the service history and low mileage.

With that howling engine matched by the usual robust, short-shift Honda transmission, it’s no wonder the S2000 has developed something of a cult following. This is sure to go down as one of the all-time great drivetrains, and one of the finest petrol engines ever made.

Paperwork

● First registered in March 2001
● Supplied by Balmer Lawn Honda in Hampshire
● Just 3 owners from new
● Previous owner since 2007
● MOT to March 2023
● Covered just 6,000 miles in the last 10 years
● HPI checked
● Original handbooks
● Service record with 20 stamps
● Last service on February 2021 @ 36,491 miles
● No MOT advisories in the last 8 years

Summary

If what you look for in an open-top sports car is peerless engineering, a rev-hungry engine, tactile and responsive transmission, eager and predictable chassis and bombproof reliability, then what you want is a Honda S2000.

In point of fact, what you want is this S2000. It’s been exceptionally well cared for, has a near perfect service record and is finished in a rare colour that suits the car down to the ground. We really cannot recommend this car enough. If you love to drive, with none of the fripperies or distractions that so many modern cars are burdened with, then this is the perfect car for you. Pristine in every way – this lovely little car deserves a new owner that will love it as much as the last three clearly have.