Honda Civic | 1979

«Vorn sein. Civic fahren.» (Be in front. Drive a Civic.) That was Honda's promise to the readers of Der Spiegel in April 1979.

Honda was founded in Japan in 1948 by Soichiro Honda and first made its name with motorcycles. In 1961 it opened its first European office in Hamburg. In July 1972 it launched the Civic: a compact car with front-wheel drive and a large rear hatch, two years before the VW Golf. The Civic reached Germany in 1973.

In this ad we can see what Honda was proudest of: the Hondamatic, a two-speed semi-automatic gearbox sold as an optional extra. The small print lists a 60 hp engine and, as standard, a radio with five preset buttons. Even the number plate tells a story: «OF» stands for Offenbach, home of Honda Deutschland.

The ad appeared at the end of an era. Production of the first Civic stopped in June 1979, and the second generation arrived in Germany that same year. Eleven generations and more than 27.5 million cars later (by 2022), the Civic is still on the road.

Did your family ever drive one of these little red hatchbacks?

Text in the ad

Vorn sein.
Civic fahren.
(mit HONDAMATIC)
4-Zylinder 4-Takt-Motor, Frontantrieb, 44 kW (60 PS), 1238 cm³, Spitze 140 km/h.
Wer Freude am sportlichen Fahren hat und auch im dicksten Verkehrsgewühl zügig vorankommen will, der genießt das Fahren im Honda Civic mit HONDAMATIC. Dieses automatische Getriebe mit zwei unter Last schaltbaren Fahrstufen und Drehmomentwandler gibt es als Sonderausstattung. Ein sinnvolles und bewährtes Extra, das Civic fahren noch schöner macht! Durch seine ausgereifte Technik und die überdurchschnittliche, serienmäßige Komfortausstattung steht der Civic mit in vorderster Linie: Ideal geformte Ruhesitze vorn, hinten reichlich Platz für zwei Erwachsene, UKW/MW-Radio mit 5 Stationstasten und Versenkantenne – und viel Nützliches mehr!
Honda Civic – Rundherum ein Meisterwerk
Honda Deutschland GmbH, Sprendlinger Landstr. 166, 6050 Offenbach

Translation:
Be in front.
Drive a Civic.
(with HONDAMATIC)
4-cylinder 4-stroke engine, front-wheel drive, 44 kW (60 hp), 1,238 cc, top speed 140 km/h.
Anyone who enjoys sporty driving and wants to move briskly even in the thickest traffic will love driving the Honda Civic with HONDAMATIC. This automatic transmission, with two drive ranges that shift under load and a torque converter, is available as an option. A sensible, proven extra that makes driving a Civic even more enjoyable! With its mature engineering and above-average standard comfort, the Civic is right at the front: ideally shaped reclining front seats, plenty of room in the back for two adults, FM/MW radio with 5 preset buttons and retractable aerial – and much more that is useful!
Honda Civic – A masterpiece all round
Honda Deutschland GmbH, Sprendlinger Landstr. 166, 6050 Offenbach

Brand

Honda

Year

1979

Decade

1970s

Country

Germany

Medium

Magazine

Themes

Cars