If you’re someone who loves to put a car through its paces, the Honda S2000 has most likely been on your radar at some point.
The precise and responsive gearbox mated to the perfectly weighted steering, makes every twist and turn an unforgettable experience!
Celebrating Honda’s 50th anniversary, this model had to be something special. Upon its release in 1999, the S2000’s engineering was groundbreaking, with the most powerful factory produced naturally aspirated four cylinder, 2.0L of the time. It set a new benchmark for NA technology.
It held the title of the highest specific output of any naturally aspirated engine with 124 hp per litre from 1999 right up to when the Ferrari 458 was released in 2010. The Italian supercars 4.5L V8 produced 125 hp per litre.
Over the S2000’s lifespan, there were two versions. It was launched with engine code AP1 with the 2.0 F20C VTEC engine. All UK S2000s are AP1, with 2004 cars onwards being an AP1 Facelift. Then there was the aptly named AP2 in 2004, available for the Japanese & North American market. It was treated to an increased displacement of the 2.2 F22C power plant with a bit more torque but slightly lower rpm redline.
Speaking of the Japanese market, it brings us nicely to what is one of the most special S2000s ever produced… A JDM only model named the Type S!
Released in 2008 and in production for two years, the Type S was limited to just 1,755 examples.
We’ve been fortunate enough to import a small number of these over the past 20+ years. This Apex Blue car is the latest Type S we’ve sourced for a Personal Import customer and what a beauty it is!
Honda’s ultimate goal was to make the Type S even more driver focused. Stripping 41kg from the chassis, it also came with a unique body kit, light weight alloy wheels and a suspension setup specifically designed for this limited model.
The 2.2L F22C engine remains an absolute screamer with its stratospheric redline. If you want to really push on then you have to work the engine, making sure you're in the right gear at the optimum time, keeping the revs high.
You will however never tire of the intoxicating sound the Type S makes at full chat and watching that retro digital rev gauge climb all the way to 8,200 rpm!
Plus, when you have the electric fabric roof folded down, there’s something about open top motoring with miles of endless sky above you that you just can’t beat!
In the cabin you get Type S specific yellow and black Alcantara seats which contrast beautifully with the Apex Blue paint scheme - Definitely reminds us of the Spoon Sports colours. There’s also an aluminium gear knob with an even shorter throw than standard, it really is one of the greatest manuals of all time.
This particular example benefits from a couple of further upgrades including a Mugen Bucket seat and Mugen carbon gear knob.
After a couple of hours driving this Type S around the stunning Devon countryside I’m sold. Now, where do I sign?
Looking for a JDM S2000 or other Japanese performance car? Drop us a line here or visit our Personal Import page for full details…