Honda is set to make a historic appearance at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance with the North American debut of its first-ever concept car, the 1984 Honda HP-X. The iconic wedge-shaped vehicle, designed by the legendary Italian design firm Pininfarina, will be showcased in the “Wedge-Shaped Concept Cars and Prototypes” class, marking the first Japanese entry at the event in over 50 years.
Originally unveiled at the 1984 Turin Auto Show, the HP-X (Honda Pininfarina eXperimental) Concept was a bold statement of Honda’s intent to introduce a mid-engine supercar. The vehicle’s dramatic design features a fighter-jet inspired cockpit and advanced aerodynamics, including ground effects and innovative cooling solutions for its mid-mounted 2.0-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine, derived from Honda’s F2 racing engine.
READ MORE: Swedish Gold: A Rich History and Its Significance to Polestar
The HP-X Concept’s restoration was meticulously carried out at Pininfarina’s workshop in Italy, preserving its revolutionary design elements. The car’s futuristic design includes a removable single-piece Perspex canopy instead of doors, with the rear of the canopy extending into a fairing that enhances the vehicle’s streamlined appearance and functions as an air brake. The use of alternative materials like honeycomb panels, carbon fiber, and Kevlar in the HP-X was ahead of its time, aiming to reduce weight and improve performance.
“The Honda HP-X Concept was the star of the 1984 Turin Auto Show, showcasing elements of engineering excellence and cutting-edge design,” said Dave Marek, Acura design executive and honorary Pebble Beach Concours judge. “The forward-thinking HP-X had an undeniable impact on the industry, highlighting our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in automotive design.”
The interior of the HP-X Concept was equally innovative, featuring a Honda-developed “Electronic Drive Support System” that previewed modern technologies such as real-time telemetry, GPS, and road condition warnings via special sonar. These features, now commonplace, underscore the car’s visionary design.
Felix Kilbertus, Pininfarina’s chief creative officer, remarked on the HP-X’s significance: “The Honda HP-X is an ideal example of Pininfarina’s unique ability to present innovative ideas through concept cars that set future trends. It stands as a testament to both Honda’s and Pininfarina’s innovative spirit, inspiring future developments in the automotive industry.”
The HP-X Concept served as a precursor to the first-generation NSX supercar, embodying many of the ideas and innovations first explored in the concept. The NSX, designed and developed in Japan, debuted just a few years later and has since become a hallmark of Honda’s engineering prowess.
With dimensions of 4,160 mm in length, 1,780 mm in width, and 1,110 mm in height, the HP-X Concept will be a standout at the 73rd Annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 18, 2024, in Monterey, California. This event is a significant milestone for Honda, reflecting its rich heritage and continued dedication to innovation in automotive design.
Source: 1984 Honda HP-X Concept Car Debuts at 2024 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
Subscribe today for the freshest car news delivered to your inbox
