A Teenage Dream
For this young Slovakian enthusiast Simon, cars have always been more than just a way to get from point A to point B. From an early age, he was fascinated by Japanese classics. “Since I was around 13, I’ve been into older Japanese models. They have this unique character and versatility that makes them stand out,” he recalls.
While his first dream cars were the Nissan S14 and S15, their high prices led him to explore other options. The Mitsubishi Eclipse caught his attention, but in the end, it was a Honda Prelude that captured his heart, thanks to its sleek design and renowned reliability.
Finding the Right One
The 1999 Prelude was purchased in July 2024 in Hungary, just a few months before his 18th birthday. Equipped with a 2.0L inline 4-cylinder engine producing 98 kW and a manual transmission, it was drivable but far from perfect. The car had a broken rear light, weak handbrake, burned-out bulbs, a faulty radio, and minor paint blemishes.
“Right after buying it, I had to tackle a few essentials,” he says. “I replaced the battery, fixed the rear light, sorted the worn key, swapped the bulbs, tightened the brakes, changed the radio for just 2 euros, and even wired in a reversing camera.”
Bringing It Back to Life
Once the basics were covered, the car underwent more serious maintenance. Almost the entire underside was refurbished at a service shop, including the timing belt, water pump, and all fluids.
Later, a friend helped with suspension upgrades: swapping the springs for lowered ones to match new Japan Racing wheels. “It took about three days, but the car now sits perfectly, handles better, and looks much more aggressive,” he explains
Life in the Car Community
The Prelude has already made its presence known at local car meets in Nové Zámky, connecting its owner with fellow enthusiasts, including another Honda Prelude owner named Roli. For him, these events are as much about community as they are about cars.
Plans for the Future
The journey doesn’t end here. Plans for the Honda include treating the underside, performing a 2.2 VTEC engine swap, tracking down a rare OEM spoiler, and eventually wrapping or painting the car in a deep blood-red hue.
Each modification reflects his passion and dedication, turning the Prelude into more than just a car—it’s a project, a hobby, and a statement of love for Japanese automotive culture.
The Honda Prelude is a legendary Japanese coupe that first hit the roads in the late 1970s and continued to impress through the ’90s. Known for its sharp, sporty design, low-slung profile, and precise handling, the Prelude has always appealed to enthusiasts who value both style and performance. The 1999 model combines a sleek exterior with a reliable 2.0L inline 4-cylinder engine, making it nimble and responsive on the road. Its manual transmission adds a pure driving experience, while the car’s reputation for longevity and solid engineering makes it a classic choice for those looking to own a piece of Japanese automotive history.
Key Mods
- New battery, rear light, and bulbs for reliability.
- Full underside service including timing belt, water pump, and fluids.
- Lowered suspension with new springs to fit Japan Racing wheels.
- Future plans include 2.2 VTEC swap and OEM spoiler installation.
Style
- Sleek, sporty coupe design from 1999.
- Lowered stance for a more aggressive look.
- Japan Racing wheels enhancing visual appeal.
- Planned blood-red wrap or paint for a striking finish.
Notable
- Reliable 2.0L inline 4-cylinder engine with manual gearbox.
- Recognized for both style and performance in the local car community.
- Serves as both a hobby project and a statement of passion for Japanese cars.
Instagram: @s_blaskovic
Car: Honda Prelude, 1999
Engine: Inline 4-cylinder, 2.0L, 98 kW (F20A4)
Transmission: Manual
