[NSXguy]

Well it finally happened, our Honda S2000 has reached old age and qualified for a Historic license plate in Michigan.
I sure doesn't drive like an antique, but the annual carrying costs just dropped a whole bunch
We bought it from the original owner (our dentist) in 2004 with 19,000 miles on the clock, and it's now around 44,000 with very little in the way of service beyond fluid changes ever needed.
This little convertible has had many stablemates over the decades, and is no question a time-tested keeper!
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[fpena944]

Well it finally happened, our Honda S2000 has reached old age and qualified for a Historic license plate in Michigan.
I sure doesn't drive like an antique, but the annual carrying costs just dropped a whole bunch
We bought it from the original owner (our dentist) in 2004 with 19,000 miles on the clock, and it's now around 44,000 with very little in the way of service beyond fluid changes ever needed.
This little convertible has had many stablemates over the decades, and is no question a time-tested keeper!
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I was surprised when it happened on my 2002 996 as the inspection went to about a third of the cost.

Those cars are still the pinnacle for many, I have a friend who has one and he still daily drives his. Yours is in much better shape though!

[amdavid]

I have yet to have the pleasure of driving, or even sitting in one. I would enjoy experiencing the engine firsthand, as it seems to be a major highlight of this platform.

Nice setup and rides!

[NSXguy]

Ours is a 1st year (2000) example, and as a rule the early cars through 2003 (AP1's) are the most raw/true to concept.
Honda viewed the S2000 as their 50th birthday present to the world...plenty of details here;
https://projectjdm.org/blog/history-s20 ... lete-story
The original F20C1 engine is a true jewel of a powerplant, not only setting a record for NA output (120hp/Liter) but also attaining ULEV status for efficiency, bolted to a super slick-shifting Aisin 6-speed manual (no autos ever ).
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[fpena944]

Ours is a 1st year (2000) example, and as a rule the early cars through 2003 (AP1's) are the most raw/true to concept.
Honda viewed the S2000 as their 50th birthday present to the world...plenty of details here;
https://projectjdm.org/blog/history-s20 ... lete-story
The original F20C1 engine is a true jewel of a powerplant, not only setting a record for NA output (120hp/Liter) but also attaining ULEV status for efficiency, bolted to a super slick-shifting Aisin 6-speed manual (no autos ever ).
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Wasn't the original version (the 2.0) really low on torque though and required revving the engine up to 7k to generate acceptable power? And then they introduced a 2.2 to help with that issue?

[NSXguy]

Wasn't the original version (the 2.0) really low on torque though and required revving the engine up to 7k to generate acceptable power? And then they introduced a 2.2 to help with that issue?

Great questions!
As introduced the early S2000's VTEC kicked in (yo ) at 6,000 rpm and revved to 9000 rpm.
Torque is relative, so compared to what....a Miata?
The sad story is that in North America people complained about the lack of low-end torque to the point where Honda said OK, we'll give you a more Miata-like experience by introducing the F2.2 with a lower redline and more low-end torque.
The AP2 (2004-on) S2000 had some nice17" wheels but the softening of the chassis that made what was a surgical- cone-killer autocross weapon a bit more civilized was notable to the track folks.
Evolution is great, but I cherish the rawness of an analog car.
The S2000 is the best car I can think of to illustrate this case.