MEET THE OWNER – JAMES CORFIELD AND HIS HONDA ACCORD MK.1 SALOON

There are cars that make an impact on the young motoring enthusiast – cars such as James Corfield’s Honda Accord Mk.1 Saloon. The smart lines, the dashboard with its coin trays and digital clock – these all represented another world to me back in the late 1970s. Here was automotive sophistication in downtown Fareham, with its unrivalled array of ageing Hillman Hunters and Vauxhall Victors.

Honda began Project 671 in 1974, and the finished product debuted in May 1976 as the Accord Hatchback. The design brief was “a compact car that is easy to use and has a stylish, sporty look”. The name reflected “the harmony between the car and society”, and the formula was essentially the Civic writ large.

The Accord Saloon followed in late 1977. It was over eight inches longer than the Hatchback but retained the same wheelbase. Motor regarded it as “the best of the Japanese cars available on the UK market”. Autocar believed the Accord “sets some new standards in terms of ride comfort and quietness for family cars in this class”. 

Naturally, Honda GB went to town when promoting such a fine car. In their words, the Accord “fulfils the classic European tradition of positive response and performance”. Circa 1980, the copywriter was undoubtedly earning their money. “If you imagine the maneuverability and effortless performance of an eagle, then you are close to describing the performance characteristics of the Accord”.

Leaving avian imagery aside, the 1.6-litre SOHC engine was one sales asset. Dealers could also point out its five-speed gearbox, rev counter, “Tricot” cloth upholstery, a folding rear armrest, a remote control for the boot lid, tinted glass, and an AM/FM radio as standard. There were even illuminated ashtrays for “those who want to light up”, all for just £5,045 in 1981. 

Such fittings made the Saloon a very tempting proposition compared with its UK FWD rivals, the Talbot Solara 1.6GL for £5,676. and the new Vauxhall Cavalier 1600S L 4-Door for £5,388. For those who preferred RWD the Morris Ital 1.7 HLS was £5,177, while the market leader, the Ford Cortina 1600L Mk. V was £5,106. A prospective Accord buyer would have probably other overseas FWD cars: the Peugeot 305SR for £5,199 or the Renault 18TS at £5,061.

James’s Accord is one of the last of the first-generation models, as Honda introduced the second-generation model in 1981. By then, its cars had been established in the UK for 15 years. If the Civic was their Mini Clubman rival, the Accord Saloon was a formidable Cortina/Cavalier alternative. 

James’s firm Vehicle & Marine Ltd of New Milton restored the Hampstead Green metallic Accord, and today it is a reminder of the Hondas that tempted British motorists to buy the first foreign vehicle. Car magazine thought it “just eats the established business/family cars; Cortina/Marina/Avenger”. And my younger self thought - “Wow! A digital clock!”.

With thanks to James Corfield of Info@vamltd.co.uk for his time and permission to use the images in this blog.