Honda Civic 1st Generation 2 or 3-door Version (1972-1979)

Stock/Original First Generation Honda Civic 2-door Pictures

Hi guys..!! We just collect some awesome photos of classic 1st Gen Honda Civics (SB1/SG/SH/SE/VB) that came out in 70s (year 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978 and 1979) in various colors. This is the grand father of the legendary "Civic" product series from Honda as known car manufacture company. This 1st gen 2 or 3-door Civic is not much left nowadays, so it will be awesome to have one in good condition especially for retro car lover or JDM car enthusiast. If you already have one but in not good condition, so this Honda Civic 1st Generation 2-door photos gallery maybe can be inspiration for you before doing restoration project.

Honda Civic 1st Generation 1972-1979

The History of Honda Civic

The Honda Civic must be recognized as one of the most successful cars in the world. Its maker, Honda, was originally only known as a Japanese manufacturer who was an expert at making motorbikes. Even though there are four wheeled products, the market acceptance is less successful. Honda 1300 for example. The car that appeared in 1969 was intended to deal with the Toyota Corolla, Mazda Capella, Nissan Bluebird and Mitsubishi Galant, but the results were the worst on the market because the price was too expensive. Learning from the mistakes of Honda 1300, they produced a subcompact hatchback car that was practical, economical, and more affordable.

First Honda Civic introduced in July 1972 as a 2-door coupe, followed by a 3-door hatchback version in September of that year. This car uses a front wheel drive system, where the engine is placed transversely, so it can provide ample interior space even though the dimensions of the car are relatively small. Initially gaining a reputation for being fuel-efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly.

In the United States, where emissions regulations are quite strict (up to now), the Civic has successfully complied without having to use expensive catalytic converters. This is also what makes the first generation Civic has an affordable price. Remarkably, the ED1 coded engine with a capacity of 1,169 cc can run using leaded or unleaded fuel, making the user free to choose the type of fuel, according to the ability of their wallet.

The first gen Civic had 4 cylinders 1,170 cc engine displacement with a four-speed manual transmission was standard. Options for the Civic were kept to a minimum, consisting of air conditioning, a two-speed semi-automatic transmission called the Hondamatic, radial tires, and a rear wiper for the hatchback. It use independent suspension for both front and rear foot.

1st Gen. Honda Civic 3-door Photos Gallery

Here the picture collection of the first generation of the Honda Civic 3-door (2 door + 1 hatchback rear door) we collected from a lot of source.

1972 Honda Civic 1st gen 2-door yellow
Retro JDM car - Yellow Honda Civic GL 1972 photo
Retro Honda Civic 1st Gen 3-door 1972 red
Picture of Rare first Generation Honda Civic - Red
Honda Civic 1st Gen engine picture
Clean Honda Civic 1st Gen engine with CVCC technology
Honda Civic 1st generation specs
The Oldest Honda Civic - design & layout image.
Honda Civic 2-Door GL 1973 silver
Stock / factory spec  Honda Civic 1st Generation - silver. 
First Gen 70s Honda Civic interior dashboard
Sporty and good looking 70's Honda Civic original dashboard & interior picture.
Honda Civic 2-door first generation in white
Collectible 70s Generation Honda Civic in White.


In year 1975, the CVCC (Compound Vortex Controlled Combustion) engine debuted and was offered alongside the standard Civic engine. The optional 53 hp (40 kW) CVCC engine displaced 1488 cc and had a head design that promoted cleaner, more efficient combustion that does not require a catalic converter and lead-free fuel to meet its emission requirements. In the state of California, United States, only the CVCC version is sold because of high emission standards.

Honda Civic CVCC 1975 green color
Photo of awesome light green painted Honda Civic 1st gen. in good condition.


With only a small 86.6-inch (2,200 mm) wheelbase, 139.8-inch (3,550 mm) overall length, and 1,500 pounds (680 kg) weight, this car can be categorized as small compact city car. It's compact design and economical engine ensured that it sold well in western market in the aftermath of the 1973 oil crisis.

Honda Civic 1st Generation Specifications:

Honda Civic 1200 (man. 4) , manufactured or sold in 1972, version for Europe
Body type: 2-door sedan body type
Wheel drive system: FWD (front-wheel drive), manual 4-speed gearbox
Gasoline engine with displacement: 1170 cm3 / 71.6 cui, advertised power: 44 kW / 59 hp / 60 PS ( SAE ), torque: 84 Nm / 62 lb-ft
Car dimensions:
outside length: 3545 mm / 139.6 in,
width: 1505 mm / 59.3 in,
wheelbase: 2200 mm / 86.6 in
reference weights: base curb weight: 690 kg / 1521 lbs
Top speed: 145 km/h (90 mph) (declared by factory)
Honda Civic 1st Gen Fuel consumption and mileage: This Civic's grand father is an economical car that could achieve 40 mpg‑US (5.9 L/100 km; 48 mpg‑imp) on the highway. Average estimated by a-c©: 8.8 l/100km / 32.1 mpg (imp.) / 26.7 mpg (U.S.) / 11.4 km/l.

The feature is also quite complete like front brakes with discs, buckte model seats wrapped in vinyl, and don't forget the wooden accented dashboard. With a wheelbase of 2,200 mm, the interior promises relief. And everyone immediately falls in love. In the United States this car is available in the form of a 3 and 5-door hatchback, as well as a station wagon.

I hope you like this Honda Civic 1st Generation 2-door photos gallery. Also don't forget to check the 1st Gen Honda Civis 5-door version and other Honda car pictures collection for your inspiration.

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