Designer Reveals Why the S2000 Is So Timeless

Holding Up

Today, the Honda S2000 is heralded as one of the more iconic vehicles in history, a car that has held up amazingly well in spite of its age. That sort of thing isn't easy to do with automobiles, as many have either faded into obscurity or been discarded for, well, looking their age. Thus, it's interesting to get a designer's point of view on why that's the case, as The Sketch Monkey provides us within this recent video.

Simplicity Is Key

In this particular clip, The Sketch Monkey discusses the differences between the AP1 and AP2, but he actually begins by talking about the SSM concept, which was a bit ahead of its time design-wise with bumper-mounted headlights. Obviously, that's one of the features that didn't make it to production, but our host notes that he loves the simplicity of the S2000's front end, which could easily be modernized for a new version without changing too much.

Some Differences

Our host also points out the subtle design differences between the AP1 and AP2, most notably, the presence of "cut out" intakes in the lower corners of the front bumper on the original model, which were covered up on the AP2, while the latter also had an additional "fin" in the grille and some headlight tweaks. There are those that prefer one over the other, but The Sketch Monkey admittedly likes the simpler AP1 design better.

Beefy Fenders

Another notable design feature of the S2000 that helps make it stand out from the pack is its wide fenders, which arch upward toward the hood and even over it, giving the car a very muscular look. Looking at the front while standing up, this becomes far more obvious and exaggerated, especially when combined with the largely flat hood.

Slimming Effect

From the side, this becomes even more pronounced, and we can also see the classic sports car design that the S2000 follows - short overhangs and a sharply raked windshield. Again, the design here is quite simple with an upper-body line and a cut at the bottom, both of which help to make the S2000 look slimmer.

Genius Integration

Out back, Honda didn't try to reinvent the wheel either, and that's a good thing in this case. The integrated ducktail spoiler is a subtle yet effective styling trick that doubles as the third brake light, with a real-deal bumper beneath it. 

>>Join the conversation about the design of the S2000 right here at S2Ki.com.

Stay Fresh

While many will argue which looks better - the AP1 or AP2 - it's easy to see why both cars remain so popular today. Each features a truly timeless design that looks just as fresh today as it did two-plus decades ago, and that's not something that most cars can claim.