Better known as Honda’s second car to be sold in America, the Z600 was a small and incredibly economic car with sporty styling. Originally equipped with an air-cooled 600 motorcycle engine, this particular Z600 has undergone surgery, but I will say it is a tastefully done conversion compared to the many Suzuki powered N and Z 600’s. Clean as a whistle, and ready to drive, this modified off road Kei car is currently bid up to $6,350. Check it out here on eBay out of San Tan Valley, Arizona.
I am sure a few of you are wondering what on earth was used to convert this tiny car into a micro boulder crushing machine? The answer is simple; a Suzuki Samurai was used for this Honda’s make over. The SOHC 1.3L 4 cylinder engine is incredibly clean as it has been painted and cleared. The factory Z600 firewall has been cut, and the shock tower mounts have been filled in. The wiring loom and the conversion overall is very tidy and clean to say the least. This is a 4×4 chassis with a transfer case and a manual transmission, so this is a capable little vehicle. Worst case you could use it for “drive your classic to work” on a snow day.
Something that I appreciate is the mash up of original parts in this Z600. The factory dash was retained along with the factory speedometer, and fuel gauge. The dash was wrapped in faux carbon fiber, but the rest of the interior appears true to form, minus the transmission tunnel and the twin sticks. If you have never ridden in a Z600, I will warn you that you will be rubbing shoulders with your passenger. Overall the interior is in great shape, and appears very original. The headliner looks to have been installed correctly as it gets tucked in with the front windshield gasket. I do wish the car had a white headliner with the factory roof console with map light.
The exterior is tremendous but tiny all at the same time. The Suzuki chassis has been adapted nicely to the body, and the exterior shows little modification other than some minor trimming on the lower corners of the fenders. Shiny and bright, most of the factory bright work has been removed, or painted. The spare tire door is blocked by the back bumper, but I would assume that it the location of the fuel tank. Modern headlights have been installed as well as LED search lamps on a push bar. No matter what you do with it, this large Japanese roller skate will draw attention, and looks refined enough to actually be an enjoyable driver. For those of you that are 6 feet and a little taller don’t worry, you can actually fit in this micro car! Are you a fan of this Honda Z600?
I prefer my early Japanese classic cars more or less stock. However, if you are going to bastardize an early Japanese classic car, especially a Z600, make sure the build is a good one. This one appears so.
I love trick so my hat goes off to whomever did this so well.
I really loved blasting ( poetic license) around in the AZ600 that I had the use of for a couple of weeks. And hated driving around in the Samari that I had the use of for a couple of weeks. My arm felt like it was going to fall off from having to shift up and down so many times climbing Donner Pass. ( it could have something to do with it only running on 3 cylinders) I would hope that a larger ( higher numerically) gear set was installed as a stock Samari has no idea what torque is. The best Samari conversion that I have seen ( stock engines get used up because of having to rev the day lights out them to get anywhere) was one of my mechanics ( a Vovlo tech) installed a Volvo turbo (red motor) and 5 speed in his. (easy to do as they have a divorce transfer case) It was a very nice driver after that. Also have a neighbor who has installed a VW TDI engine in his Samari. Slow, but has a hand full of torque.
This…. is….. AWESOME!!
Dang I would love to have this for my daily driver.
Yeh boy Cletus this one here is one darn good four wheeling whatchyamacallt special.
It look so good next to my double wide palace with red wood deck and chrome wheels holding up my home.
Ain’t nothing like putting a four wheel drive under cars like imports, vettes , Impalas and Mustangs.
PSYCHE!!!!
So smarmy! We’re very proud of you-
Was previously featured 1/25/16
For high rollers only….GLWA
I never knew Honda made a 4 x 4……..
This is so wrong. Is it wrong that I love it>?
“And the answer is”…. because I could.
Serious props to builder
But still I am thinking, why??
Why not? This car is built for those that like baja style fun
All I can say is “WILD”!
smaller wheels’n frame, tucked underneath, wheel arches opened up – more stock lookin has 60 – 100% more appeal 2 me. U’d still geta 4 WD…
Different strokes, eh?