04.04.2019Throwback Thursday: The Honda Prelude 1997 in retrospect

For todays review to past times, we have selected the modelcars to the Honda Prelude, which was given out by the small series label LS collectibles in scale 1:18. The miniatures come in two colors and in limited edition of each 250 copies. As ususal, LS has again set on the highquality polyurethan cast-resin and created models, which shine in detail with with precision and accuracy. In metallic blue it is available under the item number LS038C as well as in red color under LS038A and make up the fith and last generation of the Prelude with the model series designation BB6/8/9, which had been built from 1997 to 2002. Honda always considered the sporty vehicles as a kind of technology carrier and thus also installed interesting novelties in the Prelude V.

The electronically controlled, electrically operated four-wheel steering system 4WS was already known from its predecessor. The most innovative feature of this Prelude is the electronically controlled, active drive force distribution called ATTS, so the Active Torque Transfer System. This feature reduces understeer when cornering by driving the outside wheel faster and stronger. This achieves a significantly improved cornering behavior. An idea that led the American car magazine Car and Driver 1997 to choose the Prelude V as the so-called "best-handling car under $ 30,000". The engine of the Coupé, available in Germany until 2000, includes four different four-cylinder engines; the top model was only delivered in Japan.

The model in finish: A great contemporary witness

This was the Type S, whose 2.2 liter with variable valve timing VTEC 164 kW / 220 hp were elicited. Base engine was the 2.0 liter with 98 kW / 133 hp; the two other engines were producing 136 kW / 185 hp and 147 kW / 200 hp, respectively. Switched by five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Of these technical details LS collectibles shows not much in the modelcars, but the hood remains closed as well as the doors and boot lid, which is owed to the material resine. Nevertheless, the models convince with an exact reproduction of the clarity and straightforwardness not surpassing lines. The design of the front bumper with the headlamps is just as well managed as the fitting of glazing and taillights. Our conclusion: A really beautiful contemporary witness from 1997 for the showcase.

Here: Click to the modelcars of the Honda Prelude