Many people agree that the only thing better than a cheap project candidate is one that is free. If that’s the case, this trio of Honda Microcars is a triple dose of good news, because the current owner wants to give them away. Even if they prove beyond the point of no return, they should be an excellent source of parts for other builds. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Hondas listed here on Craigslist in Ferndale, Washington. All someone needs to do is contact the owner, rock up with some trailers, and haul these little beauties home.
From a desirability standpoint, the pick of this trio of Hondas is this Z600. The quirky styling allowed the “Z” to win hearts, and the performance was surprisingly good for a pint-sized passenger car. It is worth noting that while it is widely recognized as a Kei Car, the Z600 doesn’t fall within that category due to the engine size. However, its 598cc twin-cylinder engine developed 45hp and 32 ft/lbs of torque, which was fed to the front wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. It is unclear when this “Z” last ran, but revival may not be difficult if the engine turns. There is rust visible in the lower rear quarter panel, which may be an indication of deeper issues. However, with the glass and trim seemingly in good order, it could serve as a great donor.
The new owner won’t merely get the sweet little “Z,” because there are a pair of N600s that form the rest of the package. Mechanically, these are very similar to the more sporting “Z,” but with more conservative styling and extra practicality. The Silver car has its original Owner’s Manual, but it is worth noting that none of this trio has a title. That might be a drama in some locations, but it shouldn’t be if these Hondas are viewed purely as parts candidates. Once again, there is no information regarding mechanical health or the presence of rust, but I’m not going to criticize the current owner because beggars can’t be choosers at the price! It appears that both are essentially complete, and it may be possible to make one good one out of the pair with careful juggling of parts.
Japan’s rather complex vehicle registration and insurance system led to the rise of the Kei Car. Some manufacturers haven’t stood the test of time, but companies like Honda, Suzuki, and Mazda went on to bigger and better things. When Honda released its first passenger cars, the company’s management team loudly and proudly declared that they intended to become a major player in passenger car production. Few people believed it would happen, but history shows that those individuals were wrong. Vehicles like this trio represent the starting point on the path to greater things, making all worthy of restoration. Is that a challenge that you would accept?
Adam, I just want to say…… After seeing the title, “Three Free Hondas”, and seeing the opening picture…… I’d change the title to….. “Three Free Range Hondas!!!” Sorry, but you have to admit, 3 Hondas that appear to be out grazing in a field. Its cute. Ok, maybe once I have a cup of coffee hit me Ill think different. All kidding aside they don’t look bad. I’m guessing its going to depend on how long they’ve been sitting in the dirt and how much they’ve sunken in. But like you mentioned, the great glass, and potentially other good parts you really might have something here. And you can’t beat the price for admission here either.
These are worth saving, and I wish I had the space/time/money to get them home and (eventually) up and running. It wouldn’t be an easy task — just finding soft parts/trim, etc. will be a major (if not impossible) task — but they are loads of fun. Having had both a coupe and sedan, I’d love to take on the job.
One note, Adam: in the home market they were available with 360cc engines, which would have qualified them for the “kei” class. In fact, the larger-engine versions would fit in as well, as the maximum engine size for “kei” cars is 660cc.
That’s minor. I’m surprised these are still available, if in fact they are. A word of warning, though: many years ago, I almost bought a Frogeye Sprite resting in similar fashion in a Washington field. On close inspection, I found there was nothing felt at ground level except some carpet remnants and a few shards of iron oxide. I would be concerned that the Hondas have met the same fate.
After making this comment, I went back and did some research regarding parts for N- and Z-Series Hondas. Surprisingly, quite a lot is available, enough to bring a reasonable — that is, complete-and-not-too-rusty non-runner — example back to life. Almost all the major soft parts can be had, as well as details like taillight and marker lenses and the like. They are pricey, but they exist.
All that is beginning to rekindle my desire to find one and get to work….
Thank you so much for the feedback, Ray T. I agree with you about the 360 qualifying for Kei Car status. I am happy to be corrected if I am wrong, but I believe that the Japanese Government only enlarged the engine capacity regulations in the mid-1970s. If that is the case, these Hondas wouldn’t have qualified at the time of production. However, I have made blunders in the past, and will happily raise my hand to admit to any mistakes! Otherwise, I hope that you continue to enjoy our articles, and I always welcome your constructive and knowledgeable comments.
Adam, we’re both right! The 360-cc versions of the N- and Z-Series Hondas would have qualified as Kei cars at the time — not in 1949, when the displacement ceiling was 150 cc! — but the increase to 660 did come later.
You seem to do considerable research for your articles, while I mainly just draw information of the top of my head. Your way is better!
I’ve driven five different “Kei” cars in my time on the road — Autozam AZ-1, Mitsubishi Dangan ZZ-4, Honda Beat and my two Hondas — and would love to have all five in my garage. Plus a Suminoe “Flying Feather.” You can bet I’ll be watching if/when one of the latter makes it to BF….
It’s time for someone to round these up and herd them into a garage for restoring. Great write up Adam.
In New York, anything prior to 1973 has a transferrable registration instead of a title. I assume that applies to these cars. If they aren’t on a stolen cars registry somewhere, a bill of sale and a few DMV forms might get them back in the system. I’ve done it with a couple of motorcycles.
Road trip!!
If these float your boat, this is a brass-ring deal. Jump on it & good luck to y’all!
Having had a couple of these, I can attest to the fact that parts are not easy to get. Axles, no chance, brake parts…good luck. Some of the stuff is just no longer sitting any where. Having 3 of them will certainly make it easier for sure, my two were a runner and a parts car, which helped immensely. All that being said, what a blast to tool around in! I had a Subaru 360 at the same time so it was like my own Japanese micro car show in the driveway! The Subaru is even more difficult to get parts for!
I am with you guys, and these are worth saving! I really like the little orange one, but it’s hard to say what the bottom of the chassis looks like. Being that they’ve been sitting in a field, they could be fairly rusty, but you never know! Small cars are really fun to work on because it’s just so easy to access the parts and the parts are smaller and lighter! With love to see these in person, but it’s on the other side of the country from me!
Lets hope a scrapper doesn’t get there first! The few times someone ever offered me anything free I still offered them a few dollars. Just how I am.
Wonder what’s under the tarp too
Free is always good, amiright?
Well…I have always heard “free is the best price”. I think in this case it’s relative to make the choice as to whether the juice is worth the squeeze on these free rangers!
I had Five of these at one time and it took all five parts to keep one on the road for very short trips. Parts are not easy to come by and the body is so fail I had no desire to transplant a different drive train. I always envied the classic Mini Cooper because the body was so much more solid and rigid. I eventually gave them all away and the guy that got them was only looking for a windshield. 10 years later he also gave them away.
So I guess giving away free Honda 600’s is a tradition, great insight.
IF, Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then the Austin & Morris Mini must be blushing. Honda’s first production car was a rear-wheel drive sports car based on Honda’s successful motorcycle technology, complete with chain-drive! The S-series had continuously larger displacements, from 500cc to 800cc, built from 1962 to 1970. The N-series, built from 1967 to 1973, was a scaled down copy of the revolutionary Mini. Displacement came in two sizes: 360cc and 600cc for the N-series. JDM versions have smaller bumpers and running lights than those built for export. The N-600 was the first official Honda exported to the USA, but was sold & serviced in their Motorcycle Shops. When the Civic came, they were sold & serviced through dedicated New Car Dealerships [The Pontiac dealer in St Pete, FL sold the first Honda Civics in the Tampa Bay area.] Honda Motorcycle shops abandoned servicing the now orphaned N-600 and Z-600. Honda Motor America was still supplying parts through at least 2000 according to the Honda/Nissan parts department in Clovis, NM where I was investigating buying one sitting in a local yard. Tim Ming’s Father in LA acquired a reputation for servicing the finicky little cars; Tim continues his legacy. They would run like a race-car, but not survive the Granny-test for neglect.
Seen one back in the day with a blown Chevy 350 in it. Windshield had to be modified, and the drivers seat was the back seat.
Or, you could turn all 3 of them into EVs. Looks like they’re light enough to be fairly decent in that
capacity. Or just swap in a larger
engine from say a Honda Gold Wing. Either of these options would give these cars a lot of zing compared to what they have
now. I can see them now, painted
in cheery colors with tiny mag rims and wide oval tires all ’round.
You’d be the hit of your local car
show! After all, when’s the last time you saw one?!!!
Free? Are you kidding me? Back in my day, you would have to be paid to get one of these. At least given upwards of thirty eight cents to cover the price of a gallon of gas. Kids these days!
For everyone on this site that complains the price is too high.
Three Free Hondas outstanding in their field.
I went there today with my flatbed trailer – two are still available and I could have had them. After taking a closer look I decided to skip both remaining cars (I have too many projects) but was able to air up most of the tires, put both Hondas in neutral, dragged them out of the field with my Suburban, moved them into an area with better access. I was surprised to find floors and rockers intact – dirt didn’t reach that level. Rust damage on the Z600 appears to be from winter driving (front tires are studded snows). Interiors are trashed from years outdoors. No title on either car – there are ways to obtain a valid title but the process involves a 3 year wait in Washington State. If anyone here is seriously interested I took photos and can tell you what I found. My email is kffowles and I use Gmail.