Bernie Goes Back To The Future With Original Civic

Honda Training Manager Bernie Snell, stepped back in time nearly 30 years this week when he was reunited with the banana yellow Mark 1 Civic which the company has just repurchased.

Bernie, Honda (UK)’s longest serving employee reflected, "I couldn’t believe my eyes, the car was one of our press vehicles that we sent out to journalists and I remember explaining the features and benefits of that specific car all those years ago!"

The Civic, with full MOT and in mint condition, was on display in Honda (UK)’s Slough headquarters, having been spotted on e-Bay by an employee who contacted the company vehicle department. They were naturally curious and successfully bid for the car, paying just over £1500.

"Any model lasting 30 years reflects well on the manufacturer," explained Richard Battams-Scott, Honda (UK) Used Car Sales Manager. "We wanted to demonstrate Honda’s reliability and acquire a critical piece of our history. The car will be kept for exhibitions and shows to give people an insight into our heritage."

Having undergone seven reincarnations, the Civic is still going strong, accounting for half the Hondas sold in the UK.

The Civic has seen the introduction of a number of Honda’s technical innovations including the CVCC engine (1973), the VTEC engine (1989), Real Time 4WD (Civic Shuttle, 1984), the electric powered folding roof (CRX, 1992) and CVT transmission (1996). More recently the model has made huge strides in the area of pedestrian safety and brought natural gas powered vehicles (Civic GX, 1997) and petrol/electric hybrid technology (Civic Hybrid, 2002) into volume production.

Globally sales have exceeded 14 million.