Um... That's Not a Civic...

"Boxer_4" (Boxer_4) 08/26/2017 at 00:13 • Filed to: None

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Are you seeing what I’m seeing? Someone tell me I didn’t imagine this - I can’t believe what I saw. I should point out, this was in Pennsylvania...

I was at the cruise night in Shrewsbury, PA this evening when I saw an old Honda driving in. I didn’t take much note of it, although I thought it was neat. I happened upon it later in the evening, and something immediately seemed strange about it. Then it hit me - That’s no Civic...IT’S A TRIUMPH ACCLAIM!!!!!

For those unaware, the Acclaim was basically a Honda Ballade or Honda Civic ( not an Accord, as I may have mislead a few people this evening ), built in Oxfordshire, England, and sold under the Triumph name between 1981 and 1984. Most notably, it was the last car sold under the Triumph name.

I talked with the owner, and she happily told me a bit about the car. Apparently, the car was originally brought over by a serviceman; it went through several owners in the US before she bought it 7 years ago. She told me that she loves driving it, and drives it often.

Never in a million years would I have guessed that I’d come across one in the US. Honestly, this is the most impressed with a car I’ve found at a car show in a very long time.

The glass says: PILKINGTON - Made in England

not for canada - australian in disguise > Boxer_4 08/26/2017 at 00:20

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I’ve always had a weird thing for the Acclaim. Maybe it’s because it was the last Triumph, maybe it’s because I’m a massive contrarian, who knows.

lone_liberal > Boxer_4 08/26/2017 at 00:29

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Well, I’ve learned something new. I had no idea that car existed let alone was the last Triumph. Cool!

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > Boxer_4 08/26/2017 at 00:56

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I have a couple cars with Pilkington windscreens, but I never noticed where they were made. Probably not there in my cases.

This is a super cool find.

gmctavish needs more space > Boxer_4 08/26/2017 at 01:49

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Those look like E30 bottlecaps

Spridget > Boxer_4 08/26/2017 at 02:08

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WHOA. Never in a million years would I think one of these had been brought over here. If it was the only one, I wouldn’t be surprised.

Cé hé sin > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 08/26/2017 at 05:45

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You can often tell the origin of a vehicle by where its glass is made because for whatever reason it’s less likely to be exported than other components. So, Pilkington (nee Triplex) for the UK, St Gobain for France, Sekurit for Germany and so on (although confusingly St Gobain have taken over Sekurit).

pip bip - choose Corrour > Boxer_4 08/26/2017 at 07:35

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well spotted.

Discerning > Boxer_4 08/26/2017 at 08:45

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Woah. I see it.... a gold pearl z32 in what appears to be decent condition.

Any better pictures?

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > Cé hé sin 08/26/2017 at 13:21

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It’s interesting, as the cars are shipped with their glass.

None of our cars have a place of origin indicated on any window, but they’re all Carlite, St-Gobain Sekurit, or Pilkington.

Boxer_4 > gmctavish needs more space 08/26/2017 at 18:11

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Good spotting! They are!

Boxer_4 > lone_liberal 08/26/2017 at 18:11

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It’s definitely an odd piece of history!

Boxer_4 > Spridget 08/26/2017 at 18:13

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I wouldn’t be surprised, either. I have to wonder, how many are even left in England?

Boxer_4 > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 08/26/2017 at 18:18

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I’ve started to pay more attention to some of the little details such as glass branding in some cars, especially odd ones. It was one spot that absolutely said made in England, which was worth documenting in my opinion.

Boxer_4 > Cé hé sin 08/26/2017 at 18:26

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You can also see this in Subarus for the Lafayette, Indiana, US built cars vs the Ota, Gunma, Japan built cars. They use different brands entirely.

Boxer_4 > Discerning 08/26/2017 at 18:32

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This ‘90 300ZX was in fantastic shape. Gold Pearl is not something you see everyday. The owner has had it since new, and it’s completely stock with 82,000 miles.

Discerning > Boxer_4 08/26/2017 at 21:31

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That thing is a gem! Very cool. Thanks for the pics

Spridget > Boxer_4 08/26/2017 at 21:48

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According to a 2016 MoT list, 181.

Boxer_4 > Spridget 08/27/2017 at 00:14

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I forgot that you could search the number of particular cars still registered in the UK via HowManyLeft. Thanks for the reminder.

They have info for the first quarter of 2017, which shows the number of roadworthy Acclaim HLSs (this model) to be 39. That means that 2.5% of the road registered Acclaim HLSs are in the US (probably).