Bottom Line Up Front
Enthusiast Richard Reeve paid his own airfare to Japan, bought a 1985 Honda City Turbo Mk2 – nicknamed the ‘Bulldog’ – and shipped it to the UK, proving that passion can outweigh logistics.
Buying the ‘Bulldog’: How One Man Flew to Japan to Save a Rare Honda City Turbo
Image: Buying the ‘Bulldog’: How One Man Flew to Japan to Save a Rare Honda City Turbo – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Design & Looks
The City Turbo was launched in 1981 as a compact hatchback that sat just above the kei‑car size limit. Its most coveted version, the Mk2 ‘Bulldog’, sports an aggressive body kit that gives it a muscular stance despite its modest dimensions. The car originally came with a fold‑away Motocompo 50 cc scooter, a clever solution for last‑mile commuting that helped the model stand out in Japan’s crowded market.
Richard first spotted the Bulldog at a dinner in Tokyo. The seller, a fellow enthusiast, showed photos of the car under cherry‑blossom trees – a traditional symbol of good luck. The car had been sitting in Sapporo for two decades, but a Honda specialist in Fukushima had already given it a thorough prep.
Performance & Mileage
Under the hood sits a 1.2‑litre turbocharged engine producing 109 bhp and pushing 0‑62 mph in under eight seconds. At 750 kg, it feels lively yet solid. The Bulldog’s 60,000 mile run shows the engine still pulls hard, though the tall chassis means it can be prone to roll‑over in racing situations.
Owners compare it favorably to contemporary Metros, Fiestas and Renault 5s – the build quality and engine character feel a cut above the competition.
Price & Rivals
Because only a handful of Bulldogs exist, the price is steep. Richard’s purchase, after auction and import costs, ran into the low‑six‑figure range in GBP. Rival rare Japanese hatchbacks like the Nissan March Turbo or the Toyota Corolla FX‑16 sit in a similar price bracket but lack the City’s unique Motocompo heritage.
| Engine | Mileage | Price (approx.) | Top Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 L turbo, 109 bhp | 60,000 mi (96,560 km) | £100,000 – £120,000 |
|
FAQ
- What is the mileage of the Honda City Turbo ‘Bulldog’? The example Richard bought had logged about 60,000 miles (96,560 km) before export.
- Is the City Turbo worth buying for a collector? Its rarity, racing heritage, and unique scooter combo make it a prized collector’s item, though the price reflects that exclusivity.
- Can the Bulldog be used as a race replica? Yes – Richard plans to build a second City Turbo into a race‑spec replica using original body‑kit moulds from Japan.
What’s Next?
After debuting at a UK show, the Bulldog continues to turn heads wherever it goes. Richard’s next project is a second City Turbo that will become a track‑ready replica, keeping the Bulldog’s spirit alive on both road and race circuits.
Do you own a rare Japanese model or have a story about a cross‑continental car hunt? Leave a comment below – we’d love to hear it!
Source: Read Official News
