Honda produced the Civic Wagon model from 1984 through 1991 with a second-generation re-tooling of the window-laden station wagon/minivan released in 1988. Originally delivered stock with a 1.5 liter D15B2 engine producing a whopping 92 hp, the Wagovan has been referred to as "so slow it can't even get out of its own way" by detractors who simply misunderstand this model's charm. It didn't have to be fast to be cool and it didn't have to be 'sexy' to be sexy (did anyone actually think "The Mirthmobile" AMC Pacer was sexy in Wayne's World?). Available with both a manual and an automatic transmission, Wagovans were primarily a front-wheel drive vehicle though the typical Honda 4WD technology, Real Time, recognizing a loss of traction in the front and shifting traction to the rear wheels was available. In Japan and the UK the Civic Wagon is known by the more sophisticated sounding "Civic Shuttle" or "Civic Pro"—we get it as the Wagovan (aren't we the lucky ones!).
Seen from the front looking straight on, the car looks decidedly Civic born and bred. Seen from the rear, well, that's another story (and questions of Honda paternity could be argued successfully by proponents and opponents alike). Most of the body panels and parts are wagon-only manufactures, a curse for collectors of these now near 'cult status' wagons. Fenders, the hood, various corner lights, and the door panels all are unique to the Wagovan and thus challenging to find new or used for refurbishing your soon-to-be classic. If you're thinking of finding a used Wagovan for sale as a project car, be sure and consider how skilled you consider yourself at fabricating and modifying parts before taking on this rebuild or you may find the experience frustrating. Just because you're willing to pay for key parts doesn't mean they'll be readily available to buy. Still, the cars have a loyal (if, at times, demented) following and the cars have become a target for massive re-configuration (we especially appreciate the subtlety of the 450 hp custom rebuild one enthusiast has undertaken).
Honda Wagovans are becoming more and more scarce but that doesn't mean you can't find one out there for sale if you're patient. Start by searching the available stock here and return often in case your dream machine is out there waiting for you.
