Introducing the cheapest Honda S2000 in the UK; a new Classics World project kicks off with an ambitious buy, a partnership with Machine Mart and plenty of crust
What do you get when you mix late-‘90s Japanese engineering, a famously fizzy VTEC engine, and one of the UK’s lowest asking prices for a Honda S2000? That’s exactly what our friends over at Fast Car set out to find – and what they delivered might just be the most budget-friendly S2K on the market today.
This is not our first S2000 project car on Classics World – check out our previous antics – so what makes this one so special? Well, at just £3500 it was the cheapest Honda S2000 for sale at the time! We joined Jules Truss from Fast Car as he revealed the latest addition to the garage – a tatty but tempting JDM icon that’s set to become a full-on transformation project. And yes, it’s going to get a bit spicy.
Bargain basement VTEC
Jules picked up the car around a year ago, and while it wasn’t crash-damaged or stolen-recovered (unlike many at the cheaper end of the market), it certainly came with its fair share of battle scars. Misty headlights, lacquer-peeling wiper arms, and tired brakes are just the beginning. Round the back, we discover matte paint and amateur arch repairs, with overspray and crusty seams pointing to bigger bodywork jobs ahead.
Still, underneath the wear and tear, there’s a solid car – and importantly, it’s running. This AP1 Honda S2000 still boasts that legendary high-revving 2.0-litre engine, and the essentials are intact. A Milltek stainless exhaust has already replaced the leaky stock system, and it sounds the part.
The Good, the Bad, and the Bolster
Inside, the car sports red leather seats – a divisive choice, but one that Jules is keen to keep for now. With worn bolsters and a torn carpet around the sill ridge, it’s showing its age, but it’s all fixable. For someone over six-foot, the cabin’s already tight, so bucket seats might be a bridge too far. But Jules is keen to make upgrades where he can – he’s already indentified the standard Honda radio as potential area to improve.
In fact, the Fast Car team have already started with the modifications. Under-bonnet an induction kit replaces the OE airbox and a shiny new replacement radiator peeks through the grilles. While the purists might scoff at a K&N cone filter, there’s method to the madness – this car is going to be driven, and hard. Plus, being the cheapest Honda S2000, if there was ever a car that was going to be hacked about this is it. Think of it as a martyr that saves the really clean examples for future classics.
What’s next? A proper Fast Car build
Before the mods begin, Jules plans to give the car a full service – the smart thing to do with any newly acquired classic. That base level of mechanical reliability is essential before you dive into upgrades, and for that, the team is partnering with Machine Mart, who’ll be supplying the tools for the job. From power tools to low-profile jacks and welders, it’s all going to be done properly – and with tools you can kit out your home garage with too!
Once the car’s mechanically sound, the real fun begins. Jules has big plans to enhance the S2000’s handling and braking performance, starting with a big brake kit from EBC and a full suspension upgrade using Bilstein components. The factory wheels will be swapped out for something more suited to Fast Car’s style, accompanied by a fresh set of performance tyres.
Chassis bracing will be added to stiffen things up for B-road blasts and the odd track day, while the tired rear arches—currently showing the worst of the car’s rust issues — will either be carefully repaired or replaced entirely with wide-arch panels. Finally, the whole car is set to be wrapped, though the final colour is still up for debate. Suggestions are welcome!
It’s not about perfection; it’s about building a car that’s fun, fast, and true to the spirit of a great JDM icon.
Follow the build
This is just the beginning of what promises to be a brilliant S2000 project. The early servicing and prep will be covered right here on Classics World, while the full transformation – from crusty bargain to sorted street machine – will unfold over on the Fast Car YouTube channel.
And of course, a big thanks to Machine Mart, whose garage gear will be essential in bringing this build back to life.
If you’re a fan of classic Japanese cars – factory original or heavily modified – get yourself along to Classic Japfest at Goodwood on 4/5 October. Click the link for full details.
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