A British enthusiast, Richard Reeve, recently undertook an extraordinary journey to Japan to purchase a highly sought-after Honda City Turbo, nicknamed the ‘Bulldog’ by collectors. The story highlights the lengths some individuals will go to acquire rare automotive treasures, and the unique cultural context surrounding these vehicles.
The Honda City Turbo: A Niche Icon
The Honda City Turbo, launched in 1981, was a compact vehicle designed to skirt the boundaries of Japan’s “kei car” regulations while still offering impressive performance. The model Reeve sought – the Turbo variant – stood out with its 1.2-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 109 horsepower and a sub-eight-second 0-62mph acceleration time. This made it surprisingly quick for its size. The car was the brainchild of Hirotoshi Honda, son of the company’s founder, and a driving force behind Mugen Motorsports, Honda’s racing division.
A Personal Quest for Authenticity
Reeve’s motivation wasn’t simply acquisition; he wanted to purchase directly from a private owner rather than through a dealer. This led him to book flights to Japan, where he connected with a seller who was himself a passionate City Turbo enthusiast. The seller had a 1985 Mk2 Bulldog model, off the road for two decades, located in Sapporo on the northern island of Hokkaido.
The Pursuit and Preparation
What followed was a meticulous process orchestrated by the seller: the car was shipped to Fukushima, where a leading Honda City expert prepared it for export. This reflects Japan’s deep appreciation for automotive craftsmanship and restoration. Before shipping, the seller even photographed the car under cherry blossom trees – a tradition symbolizing good luck and prosperity. Reeve finally saw his prize in 2019 at Grimsby docks in the UK.
Beyond Acquisition: Display and Appreciation
Instead of immediately importing the car, Reeve exhibited it at a show, where it drew significant interest from enthusiasts familiar with its rarity, racing history, and appearances in the Gran Turismo video game franchise. He then took the car for its first drive in years, marking the culmination of a unique automotive adventure.
The story demonstrates how the value of certain vehicles extends far beyond their mechanical specifications. The cultural significance, combined with a dedicated fanbase, drives collectors to extreme measures to secure these automotive treasures.
