This year marks the 40th anniversary of Honda’s first concept car, the wedgy Pininfarina-styled HP-X – which stands for Honda Pininfarina eXperimental. To mark the occasion, the two companies have joined forces once again to restore the original concept back to its former glory, before it makes its debut in the USA at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours.
Often cited as the father of the NSX, the HP-X featured advanced ground effect aerodynamics, as well as interesting cooling solutions for its mid-mounted 2.0-litre DOHC 24-valve V6. The engine was related to a unit found in the Honda F2 racing car at the time. Pininfarina opted to go without doors, instead utilising a fighter jet-style opening perspex canopy. Cutting edge honeycomb, carbon fibre and Kevlar panels were used throughout.
There are no doors, instead the futuristic concept features a jet-fighter style removable single-piece perspex canopy.
Inside it was pure concept car, although you can see how the design may have influenced future models. It was a technological tour-de-force, including a Honda developed ‘Electronic Drive Support System’, showcasing features such as real-time telemetry, GPS and even road condition warnings.
The HPX with compete in the Wedge-Shaped Concept Cars and Prototypes Class at the 73rd Annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where it’s said to be the first Japanese vehicle entry at in over 50 years – albeit one styled, handcrafted and subsequently restored by Pininfarina in Italy.
Dave Marek, Acura design executive and honorary Concours judge commented: ‘The Honda HP-X Concept was the star of the 1984 Turin Auto Show, showcasing elements of engineering excellence and cutting-edge design, with extreme wedge-shape styling that continues to inspire future generations of car designers and engineers. The forward-thinking HP-X had an undeniable impact on the industry, highlighting our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in automotive design.’
