What is the rarest Honda Del Sol?

The rarest Honda Del Sol is commonly considered to be the Japan‑market SiR variant, produced in very small numbers; beyond that, ultra‑limited tuner editions and region‑specific specials are also cited by collectors, though exact production totals are not consistently documented.

To understand why this question invites debate, it helps to know that the Del Sol was sold in multiple markets with different trims and availability between 1993 and 1998. While the U.S. lineup included more common models, Japan offered higher‑spec, limited‑run versions, and aftermarket tuners occasionally produced even scarcer examples. The result is a spectrum of rarity rather than a single, universally agreed “rarest” car.

Rarest variants cited by enthusiasts

JDM SiR and other Japan-only trims

In Japan, the Del Sol’s top‑tier variants—often referred to generally as SiR or similar nomenclature—were produced in small quantities and featured equipment not routinely found in U.S. market cars. These models are frequently listed by collectors as the pinnacle of Del Sol rarity, with production counts estimated in the low hundreds rather than thousands. Documentation, original accessories, and matching components can dramatically affect value and desirability.

Tuner and dealer editions

Several ultra‑limited editions crafted by tuning houses or through dealer‑specific programs are widely cited as exceptionally scarce. Brands such as Mugen or Spoon have historically offered limited runs that may total only a handful of cars in some markets. Because official production numbers for these editions are rarely published, their status as “the rarest” depends largely on provenance and verification in registry data and owner records.

Regional and market‑specific specials

Some markets outside Japan—such as certain European, Canadian, or other regional allocations—received Del Sol variants with unique colors, trim combinations, or equipment packages produced in very small runs. These regional specials are often among the rarest in their respective markets, and their rarity can vary dramatically from one country to another based on documentation and surviving examples.

How rarity is measured and verified

Because exact production totals are not always publicly disclosed, evaluating rarity relies on a combination of documentation, provenance, and corroboration from registries, brochures, and dealer records. Enthusiasts typically look for clear evidence that a car matches a known limited‑run specification and that there is traceable history demonstrating its origin and ownership.

1. Verify the VIN against known production records for Del Sol trims and regional variants.


2. Check the engine code and internal codes to confirm the intended market and specification (for example, VTEC variants vs non‑VTEC, if applicable).


3. Identify original equipment and trim codes, including colors and optional features that are characteristic of rare editions.


4. Review window stickers, sale brochures, and dealer documentation for corroboration of a limited run.


5. Assess the car’s provenance, including service history and any documentation from tuners or manufacturers.


6. Consult reputable registry databases or expert networks to compare counts and confirm alignment with known rare variants.

Numbers and verification practices can vary by region, and some claims of rarity may hinge on ambiguous or incomplete records. Prospective buyers should treat provenance as a key factor in assessing a Del Sol’s rarity and value.

What this means for buyers and collectors

For collectors, rarity often translates to higher value and a more demanding provenance trail. A Del Sol with clearly documented Japan‑market SiR typography, or a verifiably limited tuner‑edition, is more likely to command premium attention. On the other hand, the scarcity of documentation can complicate authentication and appraisal, so thorough due diligence—preferably with expert guidance—is essential when pursuing the rarest examples.

Market availability also influences price and desirability. While a pristine, well‑documented rare Del Sol can attract significant interest, the vast majority of Del Sols remain more affordable entry points for enthusiasts, with rarity playing a more nuanced role in long‑term investment and collector value than in mainstream resale pricing.

Summary

There isn’t a single universally recognized “rarest” Honda Del Sol; the leading candidates are the Japan‑market SiR variants and other ultra‑limited editions produced by tuners or for specific regions. Each contender’s rarity is shaped by production totals, documentation, and provenance. For bidders and collectors, the keys are clear verification, complete records, and an understanding of regional differences that define what makes a Del Sol truly scarce.

In the end, the allure of the rare Del Sol lies as much in its documented history as in its limited numbers—a blend of engineering curiosity, market nuance, and the continuing story of a compact sports car that remains a favorite among enthusiasts.

How much is a 1993 Honda Del Sol worth?

The value of a used 1993 Honda Civic del Sol ranges from $1,112 to $6,650, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options. Get a free appraisal here.

Are Honda S2000 rare?

Yes, the Honda S2000 is considered a rare car due to its limited production run of about 113,889 units over 10 years, and even fewer examples survive in pristine condition today. The S2000's specific Club Racer (CR) model is especially rare, with fewer than 700 produced for the 2008-2009 model years in North America.
 
This video discusses the rarity and increasing value of the Honda S2000: 54sJayEmm on CarsYouTube · Aug 9, 2025
Factors contributing to its rarity

• Limited production: With only 113,889 units produced globally, the S2000 is significantly rarer than other Japanese sports cars like the Mazda MX-5 Miata. 
• Low US allocation: In the US, Honda shipped an average of only 4,000–5,000 units per year, with even fewer cars being sent to other markets like Europe and Japan. 
• Decline in pristine examples: A significant number of S2000s have been modified, raced, driven hard, or have been in accidents, decreasing the supply of well-preserved, stock examples. 
• Rare Club Racer (CR) model: The most exclusive version, the S2000 CR, was only built for two model years (2008 and 2009) and had a production of fewer than 700 units for the North American market. 

You can watch this video for a Honda S2000 review: 52sShooting BrakeYouTube · Nov 4, 2025
How rarity affects value

• Increasing value: The combination of low initial production and a decreasing number of good examples has made original S2000s a rising modern classic, with their values steadily increasing over time. 
• High demand: Because they are difficult to find, well-maintained S2000s are highly sought after by enthusiasts, leading to premium prices for quality examples. 
• Collector status: The rare CR model has achieved blue-chip collector status, with some low-mileage examples selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction. 

Is the Honda Del Sol rare?

With less than 75,000 units manufactured for the U.S. market, the Honda Del Sol is not a rare car, but can be considered uncommon. As years go by, the number of good-condition, drivable examples continues to decrease.

What is the most rare Honda?

The rarest Honda is the 2005 NSX-R GT, with only five produced for a single racing series homologation. Other rare models include the 1959 CE71 motorcycle, with only about 15 believed to exist today, and the 1997-99 EV Plus electric car, of which only 340 were produced. 
You can watch this video to learn about the rarest Honda NSX models: 1mThatCarLifeYouTube · Sep 27, 2024
Rarest models 
This video shows a collection of rare Honda cars: 1mThatDudeinBlueYouTube · Jun 9, 2018

• 2005 Honda NSX-R GT: This car was built solely for homologation to allow for a wider, longer NSX-GT race car in the Super GT series. Only five were made, with just one ever sold to a private owner. 
• 1959 Honda CE71: Considered the rarest production Honda motorcycle, only 294 were made for the US market before production was withdrawn. Today, only about 15 are believed to still exist. 
• 1997-99 Honda EV Plus: Only 340 of these electric vehicles were produced, marking a limited-run effort by Honda. 
• 2005 Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition: 1,020 were produced globally, with 600 designated for the U.S. market. 
• 1995 Honda NSX-R: One of the rarest NSX variants, 483 were produced, but they were only sold in Japan, making them a very rare sight outside of that country. 
• 2002 Honda NSX-R: In addition to the 1995 NSX-R, Honda produced another 140 of these for the refreshed early 2000s batch, which were also sold exclusively in Japan.