DIRTHAMMER SAYS

This 1982 Honda ATC 250R is a truly special find from our friends at Davis Auto Sales in Richmond, Virginia. It's an all-original survivor with a clean title and California ownership history. It has been in a museum for the last few years, but had all its mechanical systems preserved properly for storage. The tank was drained and fogged with oil before storage, and the cylinder was also fogged with oil.

The ATC 250R was introduced in 1980 for the 1981 model year and is widely considered the first high-performance three-wheeler. With a 250cc air-cooled two stroke engine and fairly rudimentary suspension, they embody the three-wheeler reputation for requiring the rider's full attention. Up to this point, three wheelers had relied on their enormous tires to double as suspension. The '81 and '82 ATC 250Rs added front and rear suspension to the mix, but still let the tires do a lot of the work. In other words, this is a sport three-wheeler in its purest form. Light, fast, and designed to win races.

Honda advertising copy from the day is truly excellent, calling the ATC 250R the "All-American fun machine." We couldn't have said it better. Check out the original Honda ad we've embedded below, it's well worth the time.

Weighing about 300 pounds, the ATC 250R made between 20 and 30 horsepower depending on who you ask. With the classic two-stroke peaky power delivery, that makes for a wild machine.

This '82 ATC 250R is unrestored, but is remarkably well preserved. There are minor paint blemishes here and there, and some cracks in the front fender. As it sits, it's an ideal candidate for either a nut and bolt restoration, or as an incredibly cool rider-quality classic.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• California-owned