Honda 145. 1972–4 (prod. 9,736). 4-door sedan, 2-door coupé. F/F, 1433 cm³ (4 cyl. OHC). Revised 1300, this time with water-cooled engine, and lower emissions the focus of Honda’s publicity. Top-of-the-line coupé received fuel injection. Four-wheel independent suspension as before, and improved over its predecessor, but it found itself overshadowed by Honda’s first Civic. Sold poorly, perhaps because the 1300’s negative image had not been shaken off. Many of its predecessor’s shortcomings—such as the narrow width in a market that favoured a wider car—were carried over.

Manufacturing location: Japan

Marque: Honda | Predecessor: Honda 1300 | Successor: Honda Accord (1976–81)