I’m happy to hear that everyone seems to be satisified with the picks so far. The 6-10 guys are definitely deserving so again, congrats to them all. 5-1 was definitely the harder to pick obviously, and this probably took me the longest to figure out. The 5 might as well all be number one because any of them could have been at the top. It was definitely close but I’m at peace with the final results and I hope you all agree…

5. Tony Khamly’s Sorcery NSX…

Why it made the list: Does this really need any explanation? When Tony’s NSX made it’s official return at Nisei 2009, it took the Honda community by storm. It was impossible to not see this car. It may have taken him three years to bring the car back out but it came back in a big way. Like Mikeyyyy once said; “as long as Tony shows up, it’s an automatic win”… and that was definitely true in 2009. He went on to place at Nisei Import Showoff, followed by another win at the JDM vs DTM Showoff event, and closed out the year by winning multiple awards at the annual Norm Reeves Honda Show. This NSX is money in the bank. And it’s definitely deserving of all the accolades. Once upon a time this NSX was damaged in an accident and left in the garage as a mobile storage unit. Today it’s one of the most recognized Hondas on the west coast and maybe the entire nation.

4. Big Mike’s Honda Prelude…

Why it made the list: Let the controversy begin. Of the entire list, this may be the most questioned decision. The entire Prelude community may disagree as well as the majority of the Honda community. Big Mike’s Prelude build was by far, BY FAR, the most intricate, detailed build of all time. How would I know? Well because I had the pleasure of covering the build since the very beginning. Any of you who follow this site closely know that and Big Mike is my boy. I have never seen a build of this caliber. Chromed door hinges, brand new OEM parts that we didn’t even know were produced anymore, Kinsler ITBs, and Bisimoto and Rywire by his side, this Prelude has it all. It maybe impossible to top the level of attention devoted to this build in the future. Big Mike did a hell of a job. He wanted to put Preludes on the map and he definitely did. This build was linked to forums everywhere, even non-Honda ones, just because of the depth of it. People questioned why he would do certain things because no one in their right mind would have thought to do it or had any reason to. This Prelude deserves to be #1 of 2009.

This is why it didn’t make it: Because up until this very moment, it’s not complete. There was so many things planned for the build that there just wasn’t enough time to complete it this year. The future is bright for this build and it’s impact will be felt in 2010. 2009 was just a primer. The best has yet to come for this Prelude. Every car that makes the list this year is a build that has reached it’s completion. Some car’s will have already even changed things up by the time this list is public. He’s not number one the same reason why Mr. Coupe’s isn’t higher on the list. It was in pieces the majority of the year. So much so that I don’t even have any completed shots of it and I had to drive to Bisimoto today just to get a shot of it in it’s nearly completed state. A couple weeks back, I asked many of you for your opinions on who should be on the list and many of you repeatedly voted for Big Mike to be #1. I get it, I love everything about it. But it’s just not there yet. Amazing in everyway, but it will be even more so in 2010…

3. Arnel Ortiz and the Phaze2 EG…

Why it made the list: Because Arnel is never satisfied. Since the moment I first saw this Civic, it has been a constantly evolving machine. What’s great about Arnel and his hatch is that he builds it for himself and he doesn’t care what people think. He started out the year with a rusted hood, did that, ditched it, then he went with a harlequin-themed engine bay (which is also no more), and then he shocked the Honda community by running 9.5 wide wheels and negative offsets.  They weren’t just any wheels either. Arnel built custom chrome BBS wheels with gold-plated bolts and custom centercaps. The kicker is that he made them look natural on a Civic and drove around on them like they were nothing special. His build went on to stir a lot of controversy throughout the scene and it even made it on the cover of Honda Tuning magazine. What were the popular trends of 2009? Two-toned bays. Staggered, low offset wheels. Hammered stance. Custom dipped parts. Any of those things ring a bell? Exactly. Arnel did it, and he was one of the first to within the Honda community. He’s developed his own cult-like following. To the point where he could do the worst shit to his car and people would still love it. The car is a staple on 2009. Trendsetter? Eh, that can be debated. But it was definitely at the forefront of the most popular/talked-about/discussed Hondas in 09 and that’s why it hits the list at number 3…

What can he possibly do next? Just wait…I’m dead serious…wait until you see what he’s got up his sleeve in 2010…

2. Alex Soto aka Sheepey’s Acura Integra…

Why it made the list: Sheepey’s Integra is the total package. Other than Big Mike’s Prelude, in terms of pure detail and depth, there’s no one that comes close except for Alex Soto. The guy can build anything. He’s basically a race car builder with a drag racing background that decided to build a show car. He combined the best of both worlds. Style and raw power. His Integra makes over 600hp and does it beautifully. The engine bay is a work of art in itself. Socket-head bolts everywhere, wires tucked away nicely, mil-spec distributor plug and harness, it has it all. The majority of Hondas today either make gobs of power and look hacked up, or they’re showcars that have all the aesthetics and don’t make power. Sheepey’s is the best of both worlds. Like Phaze2 Tony with the NSX, Alex is also money in the bank. Everytime he showed up at an event, you better believe he was taking something home. The two spent the majority of the year winning awards side-by-side with eachother. They almost made it impossible for anyone else to win.

Did I forget to mention that this DC2 was originally his daily driver that he turned into a 600hp beast just out of sheer boredom? Incredible…

Everyone have a safe and happy new year, and make sure to come back in 2010 to find out who the number one Honda of 2009 is…See you next year.