What’s that old saying – “good things come in small packages”? That proverb might as well have been invented by the first person who saw the diminutive Honda N-series. The N600 is the big-block version of the nearly identical N360 that Japan sold into its domestic market; with more power on tap, the N600 was aimed directly at the American market. This example, advertised here on craigslist for $24,950, has been restored to the nines. This is no pizza date; you gotta take her to a nice steakhouse. In the meantime, she’s waiting in Redmond, Washington. Thanks, as always, Curvette, for finding great cars for us to review!
Nestled in the (nicely painted) engine bay is a SOHC 598 cc four-stroke, air-cooled inline twin. Well, the mill isn’t quite 598 ccs any longer, since it was bored for pistons 0.05″ over. The cam was re-ground; the four-speed gearbox, brakes, and suspension were also rebuilt. Output would have been in the 40 hp area from the factory – maybe add another pony or two, given the mechanical improvements. But this little scorchbox only weighs 1300 lbs fully loaded with water and fuel, and the engine will rev to 9000 rpm. While you won’t reach 60 mph much faster than 20 seconds, it’s going to feel – and sound – far quicker. Top speed clocks in around 80 mph with a tailwind. Visits to the gas station will be rare – expect 30+ mpg.
Something about microcars invites customization. Few are so precious that “stock” is important, and we’re not talking about acres of surface area and high materials costs here. So clothing the seats in yellow plaid velour – why not! This is a creature of the 1970s, after all. The upholstery, mats, dash, and other surfaces appear to be near-perfect. The Webasto-type sunroof is generously-sized, baring nearly the entire roof area to the sky. Aside from the condition, take one moment to appreciate the ergonomics and fittings of this little beast. For a car priced at only $1300 new, it’s more upscale than you’d expect.
The shape will resonate with fans of Austin Minis, but the N600 is even less frequently seen. Custom bumpers, a specially fabricated front valence, and minimized front turn signals declutter the exterior, while the star-point Cosmic wheels give this example a sporty appeal. The N600 is a perfect blend of idiosyncratic yet simple, sporty yet practical. All that said, this car has had a whirl on the auction circuit where it was bid to only $9000 early last year. I don’t see comparable sales anywhere near the asking price, so unfortunately, the seller might need to entertain a significant discount to move her along, or decide she’ll be a permanent resident in Redmond.
Twenty five grand? No way. Maybe if it was the last example on earth. That said it is a neat little car. Just don’t drive it on the freeway.
I drove an AZ600 (the Coupe body) on the freeway for a week with no issues. (Usecar that was traded into the dealership that I thought would be fun.) Other than when getting passed by an 18 wheeler, all I could see were the tires. This car has been a labor of love for someone. But it was not a wise financial endeavor. 9,000 RPM? Really? I seem to remember only about 6,000 available. My ex-bil bought a sedan like this when he was in high-school. Seems he worked on it more than he drove it. (Timing chain and tensioner issues) I measured it out one time. And there was room to put a Civic engine and gearbox in the back seat area. (No fit in the front) And never forget the shifter. It takes up, down, twist left and twist right maneuvers to find all the gears.
72 N-600… first time I’d ever seen a gear shift hanging from the bottom of the dashboard, but it worked.
Allen Farlow, A Citroen 2CV is almost the same thing. A handle comes out of the dash that is connected to a rod that is attached to the top of what looks like a standard shift stick coming out the top of a truck 4 speed. Moving the knob in and out shifts reverse to first, a slight twist to the right and shove forward will find second and so forth.
You have to give Honda engineering credit. They squeezed as much power out of those squirrels at only half the displacement of a VW Beetle engine. And whoda thunk, that Honda would become such a car-building behemoth based on this first offering. Well maybe not so surprising. Subaru was bringing the 360 to our shores about the same time. You could say Subaru became somewhat successful too, but the N600 was head and shoulders above the Subie..
This would make a fun little in town beach car for places like Cape cod and the like.
A girl I used to know owned one of these in the early 70’s in South Florida. Everyone hung out at Royal Castle in Davie FL. One night she left with some of her girlfriends in another car and left her Honda in the parking lot. Me and 3 or 4 other guys picked it up and turned it sideways making sure there were 2 other cars parked next to it. I really miss those days!
My buddy’s used to do that to me when I had my 72 N-600. Grrrr! I wish I still had that car, TBH.
There are cars restored to flip, and the car you restore to your liking, who someone will inherit or sell when you die.
Thats what the seller did to this Honda.
Can’t see it ever going 4 more than 10K
Back in early 70’s, I went to the NY auto show and these were there! I wanted one as they were a Japanese version of a British Mini. The engine, transaxle and front lubrication were all combined in one sump! The were cheap $ wise and an early one could be had for $1200+ brand new and that was affordable to me. (for those who don’t know, $3.00 per hour was a decent wage then) Alas, I never pulled the trigger but was always intrigued. $24K seems to be a bit off the high end. As fully restored as it is, the owner seems to want his investment back. I don’t see there, many people who want this that badly. $10-12K just for the fun of it might sell better!!
The seller got a reality check at 9,000 but chose to stay in dream world at nearly 25,000
If that car doesn’t achieve 45-50 MPG on the highway, check to see if you left the ebrake on or something. I owned a 72 N-600 back in the 80’s and I got 50 mpg all the time. Loved it and would still have it if the engine hadn’t blown up. They may be dreaming about getting nearly $25,000 out of it. So it’s restored, big deal. It’ll look nice in their museum but most buyers will drive it every day. A more reasonable price would be closer to $10 or $12 grand. Looks nice but it’s still just a tuna can from the early ’70’s.
I traded an Austin America for one of these in about 1971 or 72. It was an incredibly cute little car. I actually drove mine to the top of Pike’s Peak. It was more of an adventure getting back down than it was getting up (ever seen 8 inch front disks). I loved the little car it was noisy and slow but it was fun. My only complaint was that the original plastic interior smelled horribly. I had the idea that it would clear out after a few months in the sun. It didn’t. It still smelled when I sold it.
Mechanically, its only downside was that Honda metallurgy had not yet discovered rust protection. It was the only car ever to rust worse than a Fiat. It lost its tailpipe after about 6 months of mid-western winter. It was replaced on the warranty. As I recall, that was the only part I ever replaced. I drove it about 40K miles.
But its hard to imagine it ever being worth $24K.
“…gives this example a sporty…”
performance
With re-ground cam (ie modern grind profile) I bet it can perform (low MPGs and pep) beyond the oem 650. Some abarth fiats, cooper S, and this (done right) can B alota fun to drive (altho inexpensive). Add 2 Keihins’n you’d get the 9k RPMs… put ona 13/14 inch fat tire (rather than the 10s), etc BUT…
I like the ’S’ series v e r y much (S600 vert, S600 Coupe /Yet/ especially! the SM600 FB)* more. Chain drive (double I think) or not! Really… that great short/no rear deck, FB (hatch is nice 4 these lill cars), and long nose~
Am I wrong? some of these modern (mostly Japanese but some Korean) appliances (I call em “set ‘em’n forget em” due to sp efi, computers, more) are comin round to that look/style again, no?
* https://he.wikipedia.org/wiki/הונדה_S600
cost new about 300 less than the CB750 motorcycle. That is the engine they should have used in these. 67 hp.
Air-cooled but fully loaded with water? Is it for the windscreen wipers or what?
A Pontiac / Honda dealer in Rochester NY the early 70s actually included one of these with every loaded Bonneville. Yes- A free Honda!!
Our dealership (in Northern Illinois)did that during the gas crunch. With every new Grandville you got a new Civic. (We were also a Pontiac/Honda dealer)
Over 45 years ago, while living in Los Angeles,
I bought one of these in like-new condition for
a thousand bucks. Drove it to work on the freeway every day. No problem!
My girlfriend and I then decided to drive it from L.A. to OHIO over Christmas to visit family. All was swell until we reached Texarkana. In the middle of the night, at 70 mph, the motor quit. We folded our seats all the way back and tried to sleep on the side of the interstate. Every time a semi would pass by, our little Honda would wiggle like Jello!
Next day we flagged down a tow truck and ended up at a Honda dealership. They said the distributor points had broken and subsequently burned a valve. They put in new points and the car would run, but wouldn’t idle OR go over 35 mph. We drove it from Texarkana to northern Ohio like that, in late December, with zero heat as well. I actually thought we might die.
When I took it to the nearest Honda dealer in Toledo, they offered to buy it for 400 bucks.
I said yes, and they put it in their little ‘showroom museum’ where it still resides today!