Honda is gearing up to showcase a piece of automotive history at the 2024 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance with the restored 1984 HP-X Concept. This unveiling is a historic moment, as it marks the first Japanese vehicle entry at the prestigious event in over 50 years.
Styled by the legendary Pininfarina, the HP-X (Honda Pininfarina eXperimental) is a retro-futuristic two-seater coupé with a dramatic wedge profile and a cockpit-style entry. When it first appeared at the 1984 Turin Auto Show, it showcased advanced aerodynamics, innovative materials, and cutting-edge design elements that would later influence Honda’s future supercars, including the iconic first-generation NSX.
The fully restored HP-X will compete in the “Wedge-Shaped Concept Cars and Prototypes” class at Pebble Beach, standing out with its removable Perspex canopy, striking two-toned body, and driver-controlled air brake. Inside, it maintains its 1980s charm with a two-spoke steering wheel, squared-off buttons, and a rubber-booted shifter. While the original model was powered by a mid-mounted 2.0L V6 engine, details about the updated powertrain are yet to be revealed.
Innovative design features, including “ground effects” aerodynamics and advanced cooling, highlighted Honda’s forward-thinking approach. The HP-X also experimented with new materials like carbon fiber and Kevlar, emphasizing performance and lightweight engineering.
With its timeless design and cutting-edge innovations, the HP-X Concept remains a symbol of Honda’s relentless pursuit of automotive excellence and continues to inspire future generations of car enthusiasts and designers alike.