’80s Time Capsule: Honda HP-X Concept at Pebble Beach

Honda is turning back the clock and bringing out the 1984 HP-X Concept, the brand’s first concept car, to this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

The HP-X Concept, making its North American debut this August, was an early inspiration for the NSX sports car and was designed and handcrafted by Pininfarina, the world-renowned Italian design firm responsible for other automotive icons (including a slew of Ferraris, like the Testarossa and 308 GTB).

Compact and sleek, the HP-X measures at 163.8 inches long and just 43.7 inches in height, designed with a short hood and a variety of angular bodylines that, at the time, were futuristic in nature; however, “abstract” also comes to mind. Down low, aerodynamic ground effects and wheels separate the rest of the body from pavement; and up top, a large greenhouse, bubble-ish in design, encapsulated the cockpit and lifted for entry in lieu of traditional doors. The rear section of the canopy also serves as a driver-controlled air brake. The use of carbon fiber and Kevlar materials helped reduce the compact concept’s weight. 

Further NSX inspirations can be seen in the powertrain; the HP-X housed a mid-mounted DOHC 24-valve 2.0-liter V6, based off of Honda’s formula two racing engine. And reminiscent of other high-end exotics of the time, the HP-X is a car you may have seen on some kid’s poster in their bedroom back in the 80s. 

“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 styling that continues to inspire future generations of car designers and engineers,” said David Marek, Acura design executive and honorary Pebble Beach Concours judge. “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.”

Even though the HP-X never made it to production, it inspired a lot of new ideas and concepts seen on today’s Honda and Acura models. We’re glad to see these brands remember their roots, restoring this unique concept car and showcasing it at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. If you’re one of those fortunate enough to go, look out for this time capsule of an entry in the rather appropriate “wedge-shaped concept cars and prototypes class.”