Overview of the Honda S2000 AP1
This Honda S2000 is an early AP1 roadster, first registered in May 2000, finished in yellow (colour code Y52P) with a black soft top and black leather. It is the base grade with the six speed manual gearbox and the 2.0 litre petrol engine, and the sheet records 30,046 km, approximately 18,670 miles. USS Tokyo graded it 4.5 overall with a B interior, and it is listed in the auction's prestige car corner. For a car of this age that is a low mileage Honda S2000 with the service book present, and the inspector notes are short and mostly cosmetic.
The chassis code on the sheet is LA-AP1, with frame number AP1-1100126. It is lot 65002 at USS Tokyo on 15 October 2026 (Japan date).
The Drive Review of the Honda S2000
The S2000 is a front mid engine, rear wheel drive roadster built around a stiff X shaped backbone frame, with double wishbone suspension at both ends and a weight balance close to even. Honda launched it in 1999 to mark the company's 50th anniversary, and it still feels like nothing else from that period. The 2.0 litre F20C is a naturally aspirated VTEC four cylinder that revs to 9,000 rpm, and the cluster in this car shows that red zone clearly. Power is not delivered in a rush. The engine pulls cleanly through the midrange, then changes character as the VTEC crossover arrives and the note hardens toward the limit.
The six speed gearbox is the other half of the experience. The lever is short and mechanical, the throw is tight and the shift has a precise, notchy feel that suits the revs. Steering is quick and direct, and the car feels light and responsive at sensible speeds. Early AP1 cars reward a smooth driver. The chassis is playful and can bite if the throttle is lifted abruptly mid corner, which is part of the reputation. Compared with a modern roadster there is no turbocharger torque, no driving mode menu and very little electronic intervention, so the car gives back what you put in.
Auction Details
Auction house: USS Tokyo. Lot number: 65002. Auction date in Japan: 15 October 2026. Auction grade: 4.5. Interior grade: B. The sheet shows the inspection expiry as blank. The auction start price is ¥2,890,000.
The Autoselecta guide bidding range is £8,500 to £12,750. This is an estimated bidding range based on comparable Japanese auction results, not a guaranteed purchase price, and the car may not sell within it. For reference, 12 similar cars sold at Japanese auctions between £10,611 and £13,550, typically about £12,398. Those are auction results rather than Autoselecta sales, and they include other versions and conditions. The minimum bid and the delivered cost for your country are shown live in the price panel on this page.
All bids must be submitted before 9PM UK time the evening before auction. For this lot that means 9pm UK time on Wednesday 14 October.
Vehicle Specifications
Manufacturer and model: Honda S2000. Chassis code: LA-AP1. Frame number: AP1-1100126. First registration: May 2000 (Heisei 12). Grade: base grade. Body: open top two seater roadster. Engine: 2,000 cc petrol, the F20C VTEC four cylinder used in the AP1. Transmission: six speed floor manual. Drive: 2WD, rear wheel drive in this model. Exterior: yellow, original colour, code Y52P. Interior: black leather. Seats: two. Odometer: 30,046 km (approximately 18,670 miles). The sheet gives dimensions of 413 cm long, 175 cm wide and 128 cm high, and a recycling deposit of ¥11,710.
The sheet's points to note describe the mileage as genuine at 30,050 km, while the odometer box reads 30,046 km. The sheet does not explain the 4 km difference. The cluster photograph shows 30,078 km with trip A at 375.9, and the sheet does not explain that difference either.
Factory Features and Equipment
The sheet marks factory alloy wheels, power steering, power windows, leather and airbag, and shows air conditioning. The sales points list genuine black leather seats, a genuine Gathers CD stereo, genuine 16 inch alloy wheels, genuine HID headlights and genuine keyless entry. The photographs show silver five spoke alloys, a black fabric soft top, a digital instrument cluster with a rev counter to 9,000 rpm, and a leather wrapped gear knob. A spare tyre circle is drawn on the diagram with no code marked. Navigation, an ETC unit and aftermarket modifications are not mentioned on the sheet.
Japanese Auction Report Translation
The sheet was translated and checked by Autoselecta. The inspector's report reads that the steering wheel and seats are scuffed and creased, and that small scratches and small dents have been repaired. There are no engine, gearbox, clutch, leak, warning light, air conditioning, rust or underbody comments on the sheet.
The points to note section gives the genuine mileage as 30,050 km. It then records that the owner's manual and warranty booklet, and the spare key, are marked as coming at a later date. The sheet does not confirm that these items will be with the car at the sale, so treat the spare key, manual and warranty booklet as not confirmed. The service book with warranty booklet box is circled as present.
The sheet gives the colour as original with no colour change shown, and the inspection expiry is blank. The prestige car corner heading appears at the top.
Damage Diagram and Body Condition
The diagram carries five marks. W2 appears on the front left wing, the bonnet and the front right wing. W2 means a repair mark or panel wave, and here it suggests those front panels have been repaired or repainted to a visible but not severe degree. A U1 mark on the right side points most likely to the door and means a small dent. It could instead be at the rear of the door near the quarter panel. The Japanese mark 脱着 at the rear means a panel was removed and refitted, and the diagram does not make clear whether that is the boot lid or the rear deck. This is not a replaced panel.
The photographs show glossy yellow paint under auction lighting with no obvious damage, a clean soft top and straight panel gaps, although the photos cannot confirm the W2 areas. Overall this reads as a usable enthusiast car in good condition, a step below collector grade because of the front end repairs. A buyer wanting paint history should ask Autoselecta about the front panels before bidding.
Interior Condition
The interior is graded B, and the inspector notes the steering wheel and seats as scuffed and creased. The photographs show black leather seating, a dark dashboard, the airbag cover, a central gear lever and handbrake, and packing material in the passenger footwell. The seat bolsters and wheel rim are worth checking closely against the sheet. The cluster photograph shows the digital display with 30,078 km. Smoke, odour, headlining and carpet condition are not mentioned on the sheet.
Japanese Auction Grades
A grade of 4.5 sits just below the top of the scale and indicates a very clean car with only minor flaws. Interior grade B means average, with noticeable but not heavy wear. On this car the inspector's marks and the interior notes explain the numbers.
Model History of the Honda S2000
The S2000 arrived in Japan in 1999 as Honda's first dedicated sports car since the S800 era, and the AP1 was built until 2003 before the AP2 brought a 2.2 litre engine and a lower redline. The AP1 kept the high revving 2.0 litre F20C that gave the car its character. In Japan these early cars were sold with 2WD and a manual gearbox only. This car's May 2000 registration places it in the first full year of production.
Why the Honda S2000 Has Become Collectible
The AP1 combines a 9,000 rpm naturally aspirated engine, a six speed manual and a rear wheel drive roadster layout in a form that carmakers no longer build. Good, unmodified cars have become harder to find, because many were used hard, modified or crashed. A car at around 18,670 miles with a service book and original equipment such as the Gathers stereo, HID lamps and keyless entry is the kind of example that enthusiasts now look for. Demand has risen in the USA and Europe, and Japan remains the main source of clean, low mileage cars. Values can move either way, so this should be bought for enjoyment rather than treated as an investment.
What To Look For When Buying This Honda S2000
The F20C is robust but benefits from regular valve clearance checks, and some engines use oil, so ask for service records and check the level on arrival. Second gear synchros and the clutch deserve a careful test drive. Early AP1 handling is sharp and can be edgy, so fresh tyres and a proper alignment matter. The fabric soft top should be inspected for wear along the folds and the rear window seal. Because this car has W2 marks on both wings and the bonnet, inspect paint thickness and panel alignment at the front, and ask Autoselecta what more it can find out about those repairs. The sheet also asks you to look at the rear panel marked removed and refitted, the small right door dent and the worn seats and steering wheel.
Why Import This Car From Japan
Japanese cars usually come from careful owners with regular servicing, and a clear auction sheet lets you judge the car before buying. A May 2000 S2000 with 30,046 km and a service book is difficult to match outside Japan.
USA Import Information
This Honda S2000 is over 25 years old, so it is eligible for import to the United States. Autoselecta can arrange shipment from Japan to the United States. Contact Autoselecta with your city or ZIP code before bidding so a delivered quotation can be prepared. Autoselecta can calculate the expected purchase price, Japan costs, shipping, customs related costs and delivery requirements. Additional charges may apply, and these are included in the quotation.
Ultimate Guide For Japanese Imports
After a successful bid, the car is deregistered, prepared for export and shipped to your port. Import rules differ between countries, so check your own country's age, emissions and registration requirements before bidding. Autoselecta can explain the steps for your market.
Why Import Through Autoselecta
Autoselecta gives you direct access to Japanese auctions, translated and checked auction sheets, vehicle sourcing and bidding assistance. It also handles export, shipping and import support, tracking where available, and clear communication throughout.
Browse This Week's Japanese Auctions
New lots appear every week across the major auction houses, including sports and prestige cars like this S2000. Browse the current listings to compare grades, mileage and sheet notes.
Live Auction Search
Use the live auction search to look for other Honda S2000 listings, other Honda models, or any chassis code you want. Contact Autoselecta if you want help finding a particular specification.
Auction Caution
Auction cars are inspected before sale but are still used vehicles. The auction sheet is an independent condition guide, not a mechanical warranty. An older performance car may need servicing, maintenance or refurbishment after purchase. For this car, remember the W2 repair marks on both front wings and the bonnet, the small dent on the right door, the rear panel removed and refitted, the scuffed and creased steering wheel and seats, and the spare key, owner's manual and warranty booklet not being confirmed with the car at the sale.
