With events like the Japanese Classic Car Show gaining in popularity and momentum over the last 20 years, we are starting to see more and more recognition for imported classic cars.
The Peoria Sports Complex in Arizona played host to a vast array of vehicles at a Honda/Acura-specific event called “USDM Super Meet” on Sunday, October 20. The Super Meet is a series of events around North America including locations in California, Florida, Ontario, Wisconsin, and North Carolina.
Event coordinator Josser, otherwise known as cracczillaa on Instagram, worked with members of a planning team on putting together a successful event. Arizona has not historically hosted an all-encompassing meet for all Honda and Acura models, although subgroups do exist for specific groups like Honda S2000 owners, Acura Integra owners, and others.
I attended in my 1992 Integra GS-R – the same car that was featured during Season 7 Episode 6 of Jay Leno’s Garage back in 2022. It was great to stretch the car’s legs and put the Aztec Green paint job back into the spotlight.
The sense of camaraderie at USDM Super Meet was strong, and one of the many car clubs in attendance was “Project 1.” The organization was founded in the Pacific Northwest 20 years ago and has expanded to include chapters throughout the country. A couple of folks who I talked to had driven up from Tucson for the event. Project 1 fosters an inclusive, community-driven mindset and participates in charity events.
Standout Vehicles
Many colorful cars caught my eye throughout the day. The Super Meet tends to attract a strong contingent from the “tuner” community, and many (if not most) of the vehicles on display were modified to some extent. Here were five specific vehicles that caught my eye:
1988 Acura Integra LS
When Acura launched in 1986, the brand sold just two models: the flagship Legend sedan and the compact Integra (available in the United States as a five-door or three-door hatchback). This 1988 Integra LS hatchback was finished in Montreal Blue Metallic, and despite having over 260,000 miles on the odometer, it looked well kept both inside and out. Power came from a D-series 1.6-liter inline-four mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The seats were wearing rare plaid-patterned covers offered as an accessory for Japanese-market cars. Gotta love those pop-up headlights!
1992 Acura Integra GS
Also represented on the show field was Acura’s second-generation of the Integra, sold between model years 1990 and 1993 in the States. It was during this era that the Integra was outfitted with Honda’s famous “VTEC” (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system which uses multiple camshaft profiles to optimize efficiency and improve power. The owner, Ramon, took home a “Top 20” trophy for being selected by the judges as one of the most noteworthy cars in attendance. The car had a been outfitted with upgrades like a carbon fiber lip spoiler, a custom exhaust, Volk Racing wheels, Brembo brakes, a Cusco strut tower bar, a Momo steering wheel, and a Recaro driver seat.
1994 Honda Civic del Sol
This sport-compact originated overseas as a variant of the Honda CRX two-seat hatchback, but it came with a removable targa top that stowed on a tray in the trunk. The del Sol was sold between model years 1993 and 1998 and it came in a variety of trim levels. In the Japanese market, a clever “TransTop” made it possible to remove and stow the top in an automated fashion with the push of a button. This Captiva Blue right-hand-drive “Si-R” del Sol TransTop was upgraded with a color-matched valve cover and bronze-finished wheels.
2004 Acura TSX
Sold as the Honda Accord in European markets, the first-generation TSX recently hit 20 years old. It is hard to believe they are now classics. Power for the 2004 through 2008 models came from a Honda “K24” 2.4-liter inline-four. That was, of course, unless you had the engineering ingenuity to do a motor-swap. That’s exactly what owner Eric did with this one: Its 3.7-liter “J37” V6 was sourced from an Acura RL, which Eric connected to a six-speed manual transmission. Additional upgrades included a custom exhaust system, “Euro-R” lighting, a Mugen rear spoiler, Enkei TX5 wheels, a lowered suspension with Bilstein dampers, and red instrumentation. This car was the true definition of a “sleeper.”
2005 Acura EL
To most people, this Acura EL looked like a seventh-generation Civic – and for good reason. In Canada, Acura’s entry-level offering 20 years ago was little more than a rebadged version of Honda’s economy car. This example, belonging to Dimitri, had a stunning pearlescent black paint job and also included upgrades like red Recaro seats, Volk Racing wheels, Brembo brakes, and a touchscreen infotainment system. The car also received a more powerful “K20” 2.0-liter i-VTEC inline-four engine to replace its original 1.7-liter “D17.”
The USDM Super Meet was a great way to spend a Sunday for a Honda fanboy like me. It also reinforced my conviction that a vehicle can be a form of self-expression: There is no right or wrong way to customize and enjoy a vehicle as part of the classic-car lifestyle.
I look forward to seeing what future Super Meets have to offer!
