The Power of Dreams

There is a deep meaning within that slogan its not just a marketing scheme! The story of Soichiro Honda shows one man's dream to achieve amazing things and how the slogan has a deeper relationship with the brand than we actually think. Mr.Honda  had an interest in auto mobiles from a very early age and always was seen fiddling about with machines. He started out manufacturing piston rings for Toyota but not with much success. But he did pursue on and managed to perfect his manufacturing process. But after a earthquake and a bomber attack left his factories in rubble he moved on to making motorcycles using surplus army radio generator engines. 

Later on he created his very own motorcycle and named it (guess what), the Honda Dream. Now you might think where do the cars come in? Well soon after Honda became the worlds largest Motorcycle manufacturer they launched shockingly not a car but a little pick up truck called the T360. This is where things get interesting, later on in the same year of 1963 Honda launches their first ever production car.

Their first production car was a sports car (now you know where the Type R madness comes from). Called the S500 it was powered by a motorcycle engine and its chain driven rear wheels points to Honda's motorcycle origins. Sadly Honda had a few idiosyncrasies which were seen in the next model the Honda 1300 which was the basis for the Honda Accord later on! 

The failures of the 1300, helped them make their next model the Civic a great success, and in 1976 the Honda Accord was launched! Years passed by and the dreams of one man led his company to become one of the largest ever in the world. 

Now when we mention the name Honda we immediately think Civic. The Type R variant especially is very dear to the many petrol heads of Sri Lanka! Today though we are going to speak of a completely different kind of animal. That badge might give you an idea of what to expect! 

While the original Accord was a very small compact car with a busy little engine powering it, the model has grown into a mid range executive sedan! This picture clearly shows how it can take a family in great comfort and because this is the Euro R spec it will get you there quicker too!

And without further adieu may I proudly present to you Shane Walgama's pride and joy! 

An authentic Euro R in extreme concourse condition. 

Striking isnt she? Got to be my favourite generation of the Accord. Its amazing too how Shane has maintained this example. According to his friends he is quite, lets say 'anal' on maintaining his cars. 

Everything has been kept to factory specifications and that shade of red you got to love! 

Unique number plate I must say!

So what was so special about the Euro R? Well its a much more hunkered down sportier Accord for the discerning Honda enthusiast. If the Civic was not your style then this was your next best choice. It was only offered in certain colours and the most famous one was this, Milano Red. What a shade it is too.

It was also fitted with a unique factory body kit that included flares.

Helping improve the handling department included a strengthened chassis and sports suspension. 

What a side profile! 

Gripping the road were these lovely 16' lightweight alloys....

wrapped in my favourite tire, the Bridge-stone Potenza RE001! 

Further improving driver enjoyment was the adjustable Electronic Power Steering system. Now that we have stepped into the inside lets take a look....

Now please dust your feet before you enter! You must remember the basic accord is catered to different kind of customer. So its much more plush than a Civic of the era. The Euro R spec however received some very special add on's. 

The icing on the cake would be these though! Reclining RECARO bucket seats in an interesting gold checker pattern. 

They certainly did take a centre stage in the interior of this car. They might look quite hardcore but they were quite comfy and provided good lateral support in the corners. 

White faced gauges were popular back in the day weren't they? 

Another thing I like about these Honda's is the fancy gear knob.This one is connected to 5 speed manual gear box with a helical-torsen LSD! 

It was all finished off with this gorgeous leather wrapped MOMO steering wheel! 

It certainly did look the part and it was the perfect size too! 

As I mentioned before Shane is very meticulous in keeping his cars in top notch shape. Note the original Euro R carpets! 

He is so adamant that he keeps everything stock, he managed to ship down a head unit from USA as the stock unit did not reach many Sri Lankan radio frequencies. The easier route would have been an after market unit, but that aint good enough for Shane! 

One last shot of the cockpit...

We left the best last, and that is the engine that powers this amazing machine! 

The H22A in the Accord Euro R has 220 HP and produces 221 Nm of torque.

Shane apologies for the state of the valve cover. The paint for the job didn't come in before the shoot, at least we can say that the car is driven hard! Unlike the B16's the H22 in this delivers power in a very smooth fashion. Makes a good noise too! Once again the engine has been left untouched. Then again its not like the Euro R is a slow car and Shane is very satisfied with the performance!

Wondering how he manages to keep this car in this condition? A Viva gets him around on the daily grind and this is his weekend toy. Not to mention that he owns a very special MKI Ford Escort too! A car that will be featured on OH too in the months to come!

So what started off as a humble piston manufacturing business ended up building amazing cars like this. I shall leave you with this one! A big Thank you to Shane Walgama for taking the time off for us to shoot his epic ride. And before I sign off

Keep Dreaming.....

By Charith Kulasiri