Jonas Ford 2005 Honda S2000
In the decade that Honda created their third-ever rear-wheel-drive car between 1999 and 2009, the Honda S2000 carved itself into the history books of tuner icons and JDM legends. This podium is shared by cars like the Mk4 Toyota Supra, Nissan Skyline GT-R, and Mazda RX-7.
Owner: Jonas Ford
Socials: @dj_naz_s2k
Motorcycle in a Car Costume
Honda started their sports car legacy back in 1964 with the Honda S600. This pocket car came standard with a 57-horsepower, 606 cc inline-four engine. Despite its lack of power, it was capable of climbing all the way to 9,500 RPM. This chain-driven rear-wheel-drive coupe could reach a top speed of 90 MPH thanks to its lightweight 1,500 lb chassis. This car was celebrated for its impressive handling with its independent suspension setup on all four corners.
Happy 50th, Honda!
To celebrate their 50th anniversary, Honda put their time and energy into developing a state-of-the-art, driver’s dream sports coupe. Lasting for only two generations, the AP1 and AP2 ran from 1999 to 2004 and 2004 to 2009, respectively. Honda introduced this car from the factory with a 2.0L F20C inline-four engine. It produced around 240 horsepower and revved all the way up to 9,000 RPM, which almost broke records for the highest-revving naturally aspirated (NA) engine at the time. This car had other impressive features, including being offered only with a 6-speed manual transmission, a 50/50 weight distribution between the front and rear, and a double-wishbone suspension. This nameplate was available for two years before it was featured in the box-office hit The Fast and the Furious.
J. Ford’s Honda AP2
Jonas Ford has spent tens of thousands building this utterly astounding, magnificent, and arguably perfect 2005 Honda S2000 AP2. Ford grew up around Hondas his entire life. When he was younger, Ford’s mother, Mary Ford, worked at a Honda/Acura dealership in Lorain County. His grandfather, Norm Ford, eventually started working there and, after many years, came to co-own the dealership. After growing up and spending so much time around Hondas, he came to own a few. Over time, he owned a 1991 Honda Civic Hatchback, as well as a 1994 Honda Prelude Si, while his mother drove a 1976 Civic two-door hatchback. His love for the S2000 has been there since its release.
Ford stated, “I did my senior project on the S2000 vs. the Porsche Boxster in 2000 or 2001. I was in love with the S2000 when I was in high school when it was released.”
Since then, it became a goal of his to own one. Eventually, while browsing the popular S2ki online forum for Honda S2000s, he came across a listing within his home state. The previous owner in Fostoria, OH took great care of the car and provided a perfect base to start Ford’s dream project. Then, on March 13, 2021, Jonas Ford came to own his 2005 AP2 Honda S2000.
Factory Specs and Modifications
Factory Engine: Factory F22C1, 2.2L, inline-four, naturally aspirated, 237 HP @ 7,800 RPM, 162 lb-ft torque @ 6,500 RPM, DOHC VTEC, 8,000 RPM redline; Left-hand-drive; Rear-wheel-drive; 6-speed manual transmission.
Engine/Drivetrain Modifications: HKS GT2 Supercharger; Haltech 1500 Elite ECU; Tial Q B.O.V.; Haltech IC-7 Dash Monitor; Megan Motor Mounts; Energy Suspension polyurethane bushings all around; Renegade Motorsports V2 short shifter.
Factory Braking/Suspension: Front vented 300mm cast iron disc brake with two-piston aluminum calipers; Rear solid 282mm cast disc brake with single-piston aluminum calipers; 4-channel ABS; Electronic Brake Distribution; Dual-circuit master cylinder. Double wishbone independent suspension front and rear.
Braking/Suspension Modifications: Spoon brake calipers; front brake ducts; Stoptech stainless steel brake lines; LHT Performance brake master cylinder brace; Fortune Auto 510’s w/ 14k/12k preload; Subframe Collar.
Factory Exterior: OEM Honda Silverstone Metallic NH-630M paint; untinted glass; OEM 17x7.0 front wheels, 17x8.5 rear wheels.
Exterior Modifications: Shine Motorsports Voltex street bumper; Custom Illumaesthetic LED tail-lights; JS Racing 70RR exhaust; EVS Tuning extended tow hook; Volk LE28 18x9 +38mm wheels black w/ polished lip.
Carbon Fiber (CF): Yagi CF Canards; Mugen Double-sided CF hardtop; VIS CF vented hood; VIS CF trunk lid; APR CF mirror; Auto-Tecknic CF cooling plate; K1 Labs CF duckbill spoiler; JS Racing 1700mm GT CF wing; JDP single exit CF rear diffuser; JDP CF side skirts; VIS CF tonneau cover.
Interior modifications: Checkered Sports floor plate; NSX R horn button; Renegade Motorsports CF radio door; Renegade Motorsports titanium extended shift knob; Works Bell short hub; Works Bell Rapfix Tilt attachment; MOMO Monte Carlo 330mm steering wheel; Renegade Motorsports CF center console; Haltech IC-7 Dash Monitor; Rockstargarage double diagonal roll-bar.
Awards and Plans
This car has spared no expense and has been appreciated by many Honda enthusiasts alike. It was voted “Best Other Honda” for 2023 and 2024 at Import Face-Off. Ford has exciting plans for this car, such as custom powder-coated piping for his HKS GT2 Supercharger, cleaning up the engine bay, and he is entertaining the idea of changing out the rear bumper and getting a new rear diffuser.
Editor Notes
For a long time, I was quite abrasive toward the S2000, despite being a Honda guy. The body wasn’t the most exciting to me. But after spending time around this car and doing research for the story, I’ve absolutely come around. While talking to Ford, I got to geek out over the amount of carbon fiber on this car. I’m a sucker for carbon and have no shame about it, and this car hit every single sweet spot in my brain! It looks exactly like what a kid imagines a Japanese sports car should look like. Ford was amazing to work with—he’s supportive and passionate, and I can’t wait to work with him again in the future.
Thank you, Jonas, for letting me spend some time around your car and learn to love the S2000 as I should have long ago. It was super exciting to shoot your car, and I can’t wait to see what you come up with next!
