Home OldSol of the Month OldSol of the Month September 2024 – Honda Del Sol Spotlight 

OldSol of the Month September 2024 – Honda Del Sol Spotlight 

A orange sports car with a spoiler speeds around a racetrack curve. The driver has their hand raised, surrounded by green hills and a clear sky. The track is marked with colorful graffiti.

Jake Cooper | Rijswijk The Netherlands | Instagram and tiktok: jake.automotive

OldSol of the Month: September – A Journey of Passion and Persistence

This month, we shine a spotlight on a true enthusiast from The Netherlands who has taken his love for Hondas and the iconic Del Sol to new heights. What started as a casual interest in cars at 17 has evolved into a full-blown passion for the Del Sol, marked by community-building, countless hours of dedication, and a relentless DIY approach. Let’s dive into this Del Sol journey and get inspired by the love, sweat, and gears behind this impressive build.

 

A vibrant orange and black modified race car speeds along a racetrack, its driver wearing a helmet. The car features a large rear wing, and motion blur highlights the fast movement against the blurred background of track barriers.

What Drew You to Hondas and the Del Sol?

Like many of us, it all began with a license at 17 and a budding interest in cars. Without much knowledge at first, our September OldSol winner was quickly drawn to JDM culture, particularly Hondas. By 18, the search for a first car began, and that’s when the Honda Del Sol caught his eye. While there wasn’t a huge Del Sol craze back then, something about this car stuck. Fast forward three years, and after owning and working on it, the Del Sol obsession is in full swing!

The Del Sol Scene in The Netherlands

If you’re wondering what the Del Sol scene looks like in The Netherlands, you might be surprised. While spotting one in the wild is rare, the community still thrives. There’s a dedicated Del Sol WhatsApp group with around 100 members, and once a year, the group gathers for a meet where about 25 Del Sols roll in. It’s a tight-knit, fun community that brings people together to celebrate these unique cars, proving that the Del Sol spirit is alive and well.

Backstory of the Del Sol

The journey with this particular Del Sol started in October 2020. The car was in rough shape—matte black, beat up, rotting, and with an engine that failed within two months. But giving up wasn’t an option. With no real mechanical experience, our OldSol of the Month tackled the project head-on with help from his brother and some friends. After half a year, the car was driving again, but the work was far from over. Over time, it became a community project with friends pulling all-nighters to get it right.

A personal motto emerged from this build: “I am doing it myself.” True to this mindset, the car was painted in his own garage, and although the results weren’t perfect, it’s a testament to the 90s JDM character that now defines the car. The most recent major upgrade? Swapping out the old D16 engine for a H22A, bringing the Del Sol to life with around 240 horsepower. The drive has never been more exciting.

What Makes Del Sols Unique?

The targa top, without a doubt, sets the Del Sol apart from other Hondas. It offers a unique blend of sportiness and affordability, making it a highly appreciated model among Honda fans. But every Honda, every build, has its own charm—just like this one.

Build Details

Now, let’s get to the specifics of this beautiful build:

  • Wheels: Japan Racing 6, 17-inch ET35 8J
  • Suspension/Brakes: Stock 262mm brakes with a rear disc conversion. Aftermarket control arms and D2-racing coilovers. A front traction bar and rear brace kit add stability and control.
  • Interior: StreetAero forged carbon steering wheel, prelude seats, and a custom white cluster. The rest of the interior remains mostly stock.
  • Engine: H22A with 240hp, cold carbon air intake, Skunk2 intake manifold, 4-2-1 exhaust manifold, AEM fuel rail, Grams 550cc injectors, and a freshly rebuilt head.
  • Exterior: True to its 90s JDM roots. Features include a front bumper inspired by Paul Walker’s Eclipse, Shogun rear spoiler, custom vented fenders, and sleek side skirts.

Future Plans

The build is far from over. Plans for the future include a fresh paint job for a cleaner look, getting hands on a set of Works Meister S1 3P wheels in chrome, and building a custom 3” exhaust for a better, throatier sound.

This Del Sol is a perfect example of how a car can bring people together, teach invaluable skills, and become a lasting passion project. Keep your eyes peeled for more updates on this impressive build as it continues to evolve.