UPDATE 02/09/2023: We’ve recently seen a few cases where a classic car owner has fallen foul of a non-paying buyer, which appears to be the case with this 1971 Honda Z600. Its previous listing indicates it sold for $7,900, but the same seller is offering it again here on eBay. No other details have changed, and the bidding has raced to $2,375. That figure is below the reserve, but if you’re kicking yourself for missing out last time, now could be the chance to right that wrong.
12/20/2022: When Honda management stood proudly in the mid-1960s and boldly stated they planned to become a major player in automotive manufacturing, it caused more than a few raised eyebrows. While it was acknowledged as one of the great names in motorcycle production, few companies have successfully leaped from that field into the automotive world. History shows Honda achieved its goal while also achieving enormous success in motorsport, from Formula 1 to Indycar and Super Tourers. The genesis of the success rests at the feet of cars like the 1971 Honda Z600. This one has been stored indoors for decades but retains its original paint and drivetrain. The seller coaxed it back to life but feels it needs to go to a new home and an owner willing to return it to its rightful place on our roads. It is listed here on eBay in San Antonio, Texas.
Honda marketed the Z600 in North America in 1971 and 1972, with this car finding its original owner during the first year. The company offered buyers several paint shades, but I’ve always felt that colors like the Pop Orange gracing this car best reflect the Z600’s bubbly personality. The seller states the paint and stripes are original, and their condition is acceptable if the new owner returns it to active duty as an unmolested survivor. The body looks straight, and there is no mention of the rust that can plague neglected Z600s. There are smudges in the photos just behind the rear wheel openings, but it is unclear whether these are dirt or emerging rust. I would recommend an in-person inspection to confirm the car is structurally sound. One of my favorite styling features is the rear hatch glass. It stands out a mile away, and I’ve always felt that it looks like the screen of a vintage TV or the door from a 1980s microwave oven. The exterior trim might respond positively to some elbow grease and a high-quality polish, while the glass looks excellent.
It is worth considering Honda’s approach to vehicle production and an incident that demonstrated its seriousness in conquering the automotive world. It released a sporting Roadster in 1964 called the S600. Power came from a sophisticated four-cylinder engine that provided exceptional performance. However, that engine also proved to be an Achilles Heel. Some early cars suffered engine failures, and a company investigation revealed a manufacturing fault that could potentially claim every motor. Therefore, it dispatched a group of company technicians wearing white overalls to replace the engine in every S600 on the planet free of charge. Therefore, if you find an S600 and discover it isn’t numbers-matching, that could be the explanation. In most markets, the Z600 received a twin-cylinder 354cc powerplant that sent 32hp to the road via the front wheels and a four-speed manual transmission. American buyers received the “big-block” 598cc version that churned out a dizzying 36hp. Although that doesn’t sound like the recipe for driving excitement, the Z600’s curb weight of 1,312lbs means it could spring a surprise or two. The journey down the ¼ mile might take 22.4 seconds, but these cars can bubble along quite merrily at 50mph all day. The seller indicates this Honda hasn’t seen the road since the early 2000s, but they coaxed the motor back to life. It sounds healthy, but other work and a thorough inspection are warranted before it returns to its rightful place on our streets.
One aspect of this Honda requiring little work is its interior. It is a sea of Black vinyl and painted steel, but its condition is pretty respectable. The cover on the driver’s seat has split, and the new owner may need to consider a professional repair. I performed a brief search for replacement covers but had no luck. A more thorough investigation may yield a better result, but there’s a chance the new owner may need to resort to an overseas supplier if they wish to achieve perfection. Otherwise, this interior seems to need nothing but a deep clean. The carpet and remaining upholstered surface look fine, the dash and pad have avoided cracking, and there are no aftermarket additions. It isn’t highly equipped, but the new owner receives a factory tach, an AM radio, a roof console, and a heater.
Kei cars enjoy a strong following in the classic community, and the 1971 Honda Z600 is no exception. This one isn’t perfect, but it is a solid and complete car that could represent a satisfying restoration. It would ideally suit an enthusiast with limited workshop space. If they can perform many of the more basic tasks themselves, they could return it to its former glory while ensuring it remains financially viable. Although cheap examples occasionally appear, it is common for clean cars to sell for more than $20,000. Values have climbed rapidly during the past year, with spotless vehicles fetching $30,000. If the reserve is close to the current highest bid, it could represent an affordable project that makes financial sense. That is something that many people wouldn’t have said at the turn of this century and helps demonstrate how the classic world constantly evolves.
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