Big-Wheel Kei Car: 1972 Honda Z600 4×4

If variety is indeed the spice of life, you will find no shortage of it at Barn Finds. We see plenty of American muscle, European exotics, and Down Under classics. However, one occasionally appears that almost defies description. Take this 1972 Honda Z600 as a perfect example. A Kei Car would not seem the first choice for a big-wheel off-road conversion, but the builder has achieved that goal admirably. It presents exceptionally well, ready for action with a new owner behind the wheel. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B. for spotting the Honda listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Inner Grove Heights, Minnesota. The seller set their price at $26,500, although the fact that the Honda has been on the market for a while may open the door to negotiating.

When Honda announced that it was diversifying from its motorcycle roots and planned on becoming a player in the passenger car market, people could barely stifle their giggles. Their early vehicles were predominantly Kei Cars, but the company soon proved to be a fast learner that has since made its mark in the sports car, luxury, and hot hatch markets, and has achieved impressive motorsport success. One of its earlier efforts was the Honda Z, a car that paved the way for the more conventional and extraordinarily successful Civic. Launched in 1970, the “Z” remained on sale until 1974. Beyond the body and a few interior elements, there is very little of this car’s DNA left. It presents well, with sparkling Yellow paint and straight panels. The underside shots confirm the Honda’s rust-free status, and the trim and glass are in good condition. However, this Honda’s high-riding stance and enormous wheels guarantee that it will draw crowds, and the looks aren’t deceptive.

As the Z600 model designation suggests, this car once featured a 600cc motor under its hood. A triumph of packaging and technology, the two-cylinder air-cooled gem sent 36hp and 32 ft/lbs of torque to the front wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. The power and torque figures were, to be diplomatic, modest. However, with the “Z” tipping the scales at a mere 1,215 lbs, the performance was far better than those numbers might suggest. It is also worth noting that these numbers are irrelevant with our featured car. Below the skin hides an updated Japanese drivetrain, but it wasn’t developed or built by Honda. The builder bolted the Z600 body to the frame and mechanical components from a Suzuki Samurai, producing a quirky off-roader. The specifications of the 1,298cc four-cylinder engine are unclear, but it does feature an upgraded carburetor and wrapped headers. Therefore, a significant power boost is guaranteed. The rest of the drivetrain includes a five-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. The seller states that this Honda isn’t a museum piece. They haven’t tested its off-road capabilities, but confirm that it will sit happily at 60 on the open road. That means that potential buyers can consider this gem a turnkey proposition.

The Honda’s interior is a mixed bag of components. It appears to retain its original Black vinyl trim and matching carpet, while the dash features what I believe are Suzuki gauges and carbon fiber highlights. The seats and other upholstered surfaces are excellent, with no wear or other issues. The Honda wheel looks extremely comfortable, while the shifter and transfer case lever score their own touches of carbon fiber. Rounding out the package is a thumping stereo system featuring a pair of enormous subwoofers mounted in the cargo area. I suspect that if you wound the stereo’s volume to the max, you would probably find the Honda’s back window in the next suburb.

I acknowledge that this 1972 Honda Z600 Big-Wheel won’t appeal to all tastes, but you could never claim that it is an average classic. It presents extremely well, and the builder appears to have executed their work to a high standard. Whether it is in the depths of the wilderness or parked at a Cars & Coffee, you are unlikely ever to find yourself beside an identical vehicle. The seller’s price isn’t cheap, but it’s almost impossible to put a value on a vehicle of this type. Would you pay $26,500 for this quirky custom, or isn’t it your cup of tea?