Owned Ballard Sports CR-X for 16 years

The Honda Ballade Sports CR-X was introduced in 1983 with the commercial tagline “FF lightweight sport for two”. Mr. Hidefumi Nara’s Ballade Sports CR-X, which participated in the “3rd Honda Classic Meeting in Asaka no Mori” held on April 28, 2024, in Saitama Prefecture, is one of the most particular cars with “Mugen CR-X PRO” specifications.

Bought in stock condition

Mr. Hidefumi Nara acquired a 1987 Honda “Ballade Sports CR-X” about 16 years ago as a nostalgic memory of riding in his youth and as a commemoration of the birth of his child. In recent years, the used car market for young timers (vehicles that appeared in the 1980s and 1990s) has been on the rise, but at the time he was still able to purchase one at a reasonable price. At the time of purchase, the car had a stock look, but he obtained only aero parts for the CR-X, which were listed on Yahoo! Auctions for parts, and had them mailed from Kyushu to his home in Tohoku.

“After that, I asked the car shop to put on the Mugen aero parts. The car had been sitting at the car shop for about four years, and this is the third time I have had it inspected in the 16 years I have owned it. There was a time when the car was out of inspection and it was more like an object to be admired.”

“Mugen CR-X PRO” full aero set

Mr. Nara took the trouble to order aftermarket parts from Kyushu that were released under the name “Mugen CR-X PRO” when the CR-X was in service. The parts that were initially installed were fenders, front and rear bumpers, and side panels. The rear fenders and other parts were painstakingly molded and putty-filled, including the missing parts. However, the rear spoiler was not in good condition, so an FRP spoiler made by a friend was installed.

The Mugen CF-48 wheels were purchased separately from the aero parts, and the logos on the front window and rear garnish were made by Mr. Nara himself. The muffler is a replica of a Mugen muffler, which was given to him by someone who had disassembled a Mugen muffler and fabricated it in the same way. Other additions include Bilstein suspension, additional gauges, seats for a Honda Integra Type R, and side markers for a Suzuki Alto.

“I want to ride it for a long time so I don’t break it”

Mr. Nara has owned his Ballade Sports CR-X for 16 years. His child is now 16 years old, so he is thinking of giving it to her after two more years.

“Fortunately, I haven’t had any big trouble at all since I bought it. No trouble, and I don’t have much of a story to tell. Unlike today’s cars, it makes noises from various places and the air conditioner stops working, but I can manage to drive it in the Tohoku area. However, parts don’t come out that well, so I’d like to drive it for a long time without speeding and without breaking it.”