The guys here at Barn Finds featured a collection at some point in the last few years that included one of these terrific old Honda N600s. I seriously considered buying it, but couldn’t make the math work with transport costs. Regardless, cars like this 1971 N600 here on eBay still intrigue me, even if their usefulness is limited to in-town drives and carting no more than what you can fit into a solitary grocery bag. Although it’s a non-runner, it’s also just $1,500.
Yes, $1,500 presents more than a few choices, but this N600 looks pretty straight. No word on rust but it is located in Missouri, which isn’t the salt capital of the world like New England is. The seller claims he can’t get the hood open, so you’re buying this without much to go by in terms of running condition. The passenger side taillight is missing but there’s a robust owners’ network that can likely supply a spare.
The interior looks surprisingly decent, with untorn vinyl seats and the original steering wheel still attached. The floors aren’t easily diagnosed as it still has carpeting, but that seems like a potential area for rot, especially if it’s been sitting on wet leaves for a spell. The door panels also appear intact, so there’s an overall level of completeness here that’s reassuring despite the lack of insight into mechanical health.
The body also looks very straight on the passenger side, and all glass looks good. The original wheels and chrome bumpers are still attached, so aside from the missing taillamp, there’s not much here to fault cosmetically. Prices on these early Hondas have enjoyed a modest rise, so if you can drive this somewhere that the speeds are low, you might come out on top money-wise if the engine isn’t terminal. Take it to Merciless Mings for a full restoration if you’ve got some spare cash burning a hole in your pocket.
Sold
Boy, did Honda come a long way in the following 10 years!
How do the dimensions compare to a 60’s Mini? I could almost get this in the bed of my Ridgeline.
1971 was the last year I had a paper route. One of my customers had one of these (yellow). All my friends used to laugh at how small it was. We were used to seeing all the full size cars of the big three and this just seemed so tiny. I think it would fit in a 3/4 ton pick up. Never tried it but it’s pretty small.
Here’s an interesting website on the restoration of the first Honda imported to the U.S. Cute little car.
http://www.serialone.com/
My sister in law bought one when they first came out
I worked at a Pontiac dealer that also became a Honda dealer. The initial parts inventory was 80% 600 (N&Z) parts. Which was a big waste of money. As they had already stopped importing them and the only 600 we ever sold was a used Z600. I drove it for about a week and enjoyed the hell out of it. (The shifter takes a little getting used to. Kind of like a cross between a standard floor shifter and a through the dash Citroen 2CV. ).
My ex-bin bought an N600 when he was in high school. No rust problems. But the timing chain tensioner was way probelmatic. And bent many valves.
I wanted to get the Z600 and put a Civic engine gearbox in the back seat. The measurements said that it could be done. We were getting about 135 horse power out of Civic 1200 engines at the time. So by cutting down the weight by about 40% would have been a blast!
New England the salt capital. Nope Cleveland Ohio take a that title. It’s literally sitting on top of it. Huge mine produces 5 million tons a year!
I think “the next 1” is the one I like…
Looked like a hi toped sneaker w/a big plastic oval rear window.
Was that “600, 2nd generation”? What year was that one?
Thnx.
2 models
AN600 (sedan like the one listed)
AZ600 Coupe. (Diving mask rear hatch and rounded fenders)
Ala proto civic.
Ahhh, OK. Thnx – same yrs production I’d assume.
Now THOSE I B membah.
A hatch…
I’ve had 5 of these little guys and enjoy them but in reality they’re a pain in the ass. Always breaking something. Steering wheel is’nt original either.
Sold,
wonder if they got 15hund$ in MS?