Eddie Jordan, a legendary figure in the world of Formula 1, has passed away, and tributes are being paid to his colorful personality and career. As a former team owner, TV analyst, and Top Gear presenter, Jordan leaves behind a lasting legacy. The article looks back at some of the most notable cars to bear his name, including the Honda Civic VTi-S Jordan, a special edition road car produced in 1999.
The Civic VTi-S Jordan was a unique collaboration between Honda and Eddie Jordan’s F1 team, and only 500 examples were made for the UK market. Despite lacking any performance upgrades or motorsport input, the car still has a certain charm. In fact, 10 years after the first 302 examples were sold, 325 were still in circulation, and one-third were still active on the road.
The story behind the Civic VTi-S Jordan is interesting, with a focus on the theme “Buzzin Hornet,” which replaced Hissing Sid, the team’s logo, on the car’s interior and exterior. The car’s engine, a 1.6-liter VTEC four-cylinder, produced 160 horsepower and 111 lb-ft of torque, making it the fastest and most powerful Civic available in the UK at the time.
However, the Jordan-Honda relationship was not without its challenges. Eddie Jordan had been seeking a major manufacturer to buy a stake in his F1 team, and talks with Honda eventually fell through when the Japanese company offered to buy 100% of the team and have Eddie Jordan leave the scene. Honda eventually replaced Jordan’s Mugen-Honda engine with a V10 for 2000, and the two parted ways in 2002.
Despite being overshadowed by other F1 special editions, the Honda Civic VTi-S Jordan remains a beloved and memorable car. Its story serves as a reminder of the colorful era of Eddie Jordan’s F1 team and the unique collaborations that can bring joy to car enthusiasts.