For you stick-shift enthusiasts out there, have you ever driven a right-hand drive manual car? The experience will force you to become ambidextrous. And today, we have a Today that could be the perfect car to learn on.
The Pick of the Day is a 1997 Honda Today hatchback listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Houston, Texas. (Click the link to view the listing)
“We are thrilled to showcase this classic 1997 Honda Today kei car, which has been imported from Japan to Houston,” the listing begins. “Kei” refers to the vehicle category classification, which was reserved for the smallest (and least-powerful) highway-legal cars available in Japan.
If this car looks unfamiliar, it’s because it was never sold new in the United States. The Today was initially launched in late 1985 as a three-door hatchback exclusively for the Japanese domestic market with a target purpose of commercial use. A second generation of the Today was born in 1993, with a greater focus on passenger transportation and a softened suspension. A facelift was applied in 1996 when the prior rear drop-down tailgate design was replaced with a more conventional hatchback. The design can best be described as “cute.” This five-door’s look is simple (if not a little bland) and the proportions make urban parking a breeze.
“This Honda Today is in exceptional condition, despite its age, with no rust or notable issues to speak of. The interior is equally impressive, with everything in excellent shape and fully functional including the cold A/C system,” the dealer states. The plaid upholstery is a unique touch, and one interesting piece of trivia is that the driver seat is slightly larger than the passenger seat. Honda product planners determined that most of the time, the Today is occupied by just one person. An AM/FM cassette rounds out the cabin amenities in period-correct 1990s style.
Up front, the Today’s motor was derived from motorcycle engineering (which Honda was already good at). Power comes from a 660cc, 12-valve inline-three mated to a five-speed manual transaxle. The speedometer goes up to 140, but don’t get excited, that’s not in miles per hour – that’s kilometers. The true max speed according to the gauges converts to a not-so-swift 86 miles per hour. And there’s no tachometer, which makes the cluster even more simplistic.
The selling dealer is asking $8,500 for this classic kei car. Act today on this Today and get a chance to row your own gears from a different side of the vehicle than you’re used to!
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
