Honda S600 convertible

Honda S600 convertible

May we introduce you to the Honda S600! Rare and unique, we are proud to offer this beautiful example on behalf of its owner. The S600 dates back to Soichiro Honda’s early days as a car manufacturer. Formally preceded only by the Honda S500 and followed by the S800, a total of over 25,000 units of this series were sold.

The original model, the 44 hp S500, was sold exclusively in Japan in the 1964 model year, but in March 1964, the S600 was introduced, which was also intended for export and was available with left-hand drive and as a coupe. Under the bonnet was a more powerful engine with an output of 57 hp and a torque of 51 Nm. The latest variant, the S800, delivered 67 hp and had a top speed of 160 km/h (approximately 15 km/h more than the S600). For the engine, the choice fell on a highly advanced inline four-cylinder. This all-aluminum engine was equipped with two chain-driven overhead camshafts, hemispherical crossflow cylinder heads, four horizontal Keihin carburetors, and a crankshaft with seven needle roller bearings for the crank pins and connecting rods. Thanks to this setup, a maximum speed of 9500 rpm was achievable and the engine could even be revved up to over 11,000 rpm! For those who think this sounds like F1 technology, we would like to remind you that Honda started racing in Formula 1 as early as 1963 and won its first F1 race in 1965 with a unique 1.5-liter V12 and its own chassis. Honda coupled its engine to a four-speed manual transmission. The engine torque was transmitted to a differential attached to the chassis and connected to two motorcycle-based chain drives that turned the rear wheels and simultaneously functioned as reaction arms—truly an innovative independent rear suspension.

This example was delivered new and sold in Switzerland by the Spross garage and has had only one owner until it was purchased by the current Dutch owner, who has restored it to concours condition over a long period of time. This owner is a well-known and highly reputable figure in the Honda S600/800 world. Such a restoration is certainly no easy task and requires perseverance and, above all, a lot of patience. Parts are very difficult to obtain and the technology is delicate. However, the result is stunning: everything has been overhauled and/or restored, and almost all parts are new-old stock Honda parts. There is an extensive photo collection of this restoration, but what is even more unique is that the documentation is also available from new. The original Swiss registration, the maintenance booklet, instruction booklet, workshop manual and parts manual, brochures and other documentation, it’s all there! We therefore believe that the mileage of 55,760 km is completely accurate. The car also has a number of interesting options, such as a stainless steel exhaust system, original reverse lights, restored original S600 wooden steering wheel, front foglights etc.

With this S600, we offer you a unique opportunity to become the owner of a rare original model that will be a welcome addition to any serious car collection, and we would like to invite you to come and see it for yourself during a visit to our showroom.