Honda S2000

The S2000 began life as the SSM (Sports Study Model) concept, unveiled at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show. Inspired by Honda's 1960s S-series roadsters and the RA270 Formula One prototype, it was developed almost entirely by Honda's engineering team with minimal marketing input. Chief Engineer Shigeru Uehara wanted to create something that pleased the engineers rather than trying to please everyone. The car was tested extensively on race tracks and mountain roads across Japan and Europe, including the famed Nurburgring in Germany.

The S2000 launched in Australia in 1999 at $69,950 drive-away. Honda Australia created a dedicated website complete with a virtual reality tour for the local release. The response was overwhelming — 400 units were pre-sold before the car reached showrooms. It won Best Sports Car at the inaugural Australia's Best Cars awards in 2000, beating the Audi TT, Porsche Boxster, and Mercedes-Benz SLK.

The AP1 (1999-2003) was the purest expression of the S2000 formula. Its 2.0-litre F20C engine revved to a stratospheric 9,000rpm and produced 176kW in Australian specification. The chassis was built around Honda's innovative High X-Bone Frame, providing coupe-level torsional rigidity in a convertible body. Standard equipment included an electrically operated soft-top and Formula 1-inspired digital instrumentation with a red engine start button.

The AP2 facelift arrived in 2004 with 17-inch wheels, Bridgestone RE-050 tyres, retuned suspension to reduce the AP1's notorious lift-off oversteer, revised bumpers, LED tail-lights, oval exhaust tips, and Drive-by-Wire throttle control. Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) was added for the 2006 model year. Crucially for Australian buyers, the AP2 retained the 2.0-litre F20C engine — unlike North American and later Japanese models which received the larger 2.2-litre F22C1 with a lower redline. This makes Australian AP2s unique globally and highly sought after.

Global production of the S2000 ceased on 19 August 2009, with 110,673 units built over the decade. The last Australian sale was recorded in November 2008 — until a brand-new 2008 model that had been sitting unsold in a New South Wales dealership showroom was finally purchased in November 2016, eight years after production ended.

The S2000 is now firmly established as a modern classic. Clean, low-kilometre Australian examples — particularly AP2s — command strong prices on the used market, regularly exceeding $80,000. The limited-slip differential, Honda's legendary build quality, and the mechanical simplicity of the naturally aspirated drivetrain mean well-maintained examples remain remarkably reliable.

The S2000 proved popular in Australian club motorsport, particularly in hillclimbs, sprints, and time attack events. Its balanced chassis, high-revving engine, and extensive aftermarket support made it a favourite among amateur racers.