Rare 1985 Honda CRX SII Convertible: A Straman Conversion

In the realm of automotive oddities, there are few things as intriguing as a car that defies its own manufacturer's intentions. Enter the 1985 Honda CRX SII, a vehicle that stands out from its brethren due to one glaring omission: it has no roof. Yes, you heard that right. Honda never produced the CRX as a convertible, but thanks to the ingenuity of Straman, a company known for their Ferrari conversions, this CRX has undergone a remarkable transformation. Today, we delve into the world of this unique CRX convertible and explore the reasons behind its existence.

Now, before we delve into the quirks and features of this remarkable creation, let me share some exciting news. This very CRX Straman convertible is currently up for auction on Cars and Bids, so if you're as captivated by this car as I am, be sure to check out the live auction and place your bid. It's not every day that you come across such a rare gem.

Let's start with a brief overview of the CRX. Produced by Honda from 1984 to 1991, the CRX was positioned as a sportier alternative to the more practical Civic. In 1985, the year of this particular CRX, there were two versions available: the HF, focused on high fuel efficiency, and the SI, the performance model boasting 91 horsepower. It's worth noting that the SI designation originated with this era of CRX, marking the beginning of Honda's tradition of using the SI trim level for their performance models.

Now, what sets this CRX apart from its peers is, of course, its convertible nature. Honda never ventured into the world of convertible CRXs, and this was a common trend among sporty cars of the late '70s and '80s. Rumors of impending regulations restricting convertible sales led many automakers to shy away from investing in such models. However, one man in Southern California, Richard Straman, saw potential in the convertible market and began converting various cars, including Ferraris, Mercedes S-Class coupes, and even the Nissan 300ZX, which was originally only available with T-tops. The CRX, with its fixed roof, was no exception to Straman's conversion prowess, and around 300 of these CRX convertibles were born to satisfy the desires of buyers seeking a fun, open-top driving experience.

Converting a coupe into a convertible is no easy feat, and Straman had to overcome several challenges to make it work. Firstly, the roof had to be removed, but Straman ingeniously created a roof cap that not only covered the exposed metal but also blended seamlessly with the car's design. Next, a convertible top had to be meticulously measured, sized, and fitted to this specific CRX, ensuring it could withstand the rigors of regular use. The addition of a roll bar was necessary to compensate for the loss of structural rigidity caused by removing the roof. Additionally, the trunk, originally a hatchback, had to be reconfigured to accommodate a traditional trunk, likely sourced from the Honda Prelude. Straman's attention to detail is evident in the quality of the convertible top, which can be easily raised and lowered, as well as the inclusion of a serial number on the driver's side metal top rail, signifying its authenticity as a genuine Straman conversion.

In terms of the interior, the CRX convertible retains the simplicity and functionality of a typical 1980s Japanese economy car. Manual crank windows, manual locks, and manual mirrors are the order of the day. The seats in this particular CRX have been replaced with more modern ones, providing extra comfort and padding, along with a few additional features such as an armrest for the driver and a storage cubby for the passenger. The climate controls, oddly mounted in the driver's instrument panel area, are easily accessible and remind you that this car is a Honda with the inclusion of the Honda logo. Despite the lack of a roof, the CRX convertible surprisingly offers a decent amount of interior space, making it a viable option even for taller individuals.

Moving to the exterior, the CRX convertible maintains a no-frills approach, with vertical door handles adding a touch of uniqueness. The Honda quality sticker on the back, a relic from the factory, serves as a reminder that this car underwent meticulous checks before leaving the assembly line. The trunk can be conveniently popped open using the interior trunk popper, a feature originally designed for the hatchback but still functional in the convertible variant.

In the end, the CRX convertible is a testament to the ingenuity of Straman and the enduring appeal of open-top motoring. While Honda may not have envisioned this variant during the CRX's production, Straman's conversion has breathed new life into the model, offering enthusiasts a chance to experience the thrill of driving a convertible CRX. So, if you're in the market for a unique and rare automotive gem, be sure to check out the live auction for this CRX convertible on Cars and Bids. It's a chance to own a piece of automotive history that defies convention and embraces the joy of open-air driving.

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