Honda S500 and S600

Send This Page To A Friend
Fade To White
Honda

Honda S500 and S600

1963 - 1966
Country:
Japan
Engine:
4-cylinder, 4 stroke, water-cooled, in-line, inclined 45° (S600)
Capacity:
606cc (37.2 cu in) (S600)
Power:
57 bhp (S600)
Transmission:
4 spd. man
Top Speed:
90 mph / 145 km/h (S600)
Number Built:
11,284
Collectability:
4 star
Honda S500 and S600
Reviewed by Unique Cars and Parts
Our Rating: 4

Introduction



A plaque in the Honda Collection Hall recalls the days when Soichiro Honda went from being a motorcycle manufacturer to a maverick carmaker. "I didn't want to build a car like everyone else's" Honda said.

So his first car, the 1963 S500, was a sports car, a two-seat roadster that borrowed its styling and its front-engine/rear-drive architecture, but not much else, from British roadsters.

While other Japanese carmakers used cast-iron engines, Honda developed a water-cooled, double-overhead-cam, four-cylinder aluminium power plant, fed by four carburettors.

The half-litre engine spun to 8000 rpm - Honda hadn't gone grand prix motorcycle racing without learning a few things about high-revving engines. The engine drove the rear wheels through an innovative chain-drive system.

Instead of a solid rear axle, the S500 had an independent rear suspension, with aluminium cases that served a dual purpose: They housed the chain drives and acted as motorcycle-style suspension swing arms.

The S600 was the first Honda car offered in two trims Engine capacity 606 cc Horse power: 57 at 8500 rpm Top speed: 90 mph Redline: 9,500 RPM carburettors: 4 Convertible weight: 1576 pounds.
Honda S600

Visitor Rating:


Click stars to vote

Also see:


Honda Brochures
Honda Production 1963 - 1979
Honda History
Reader Reviews page 1 of 1
Click here to add your review
Terry Arthur
Posted Recently
I had one while station in Japan in 1967. It had a removable hardtop and a rollbar. If I remember correctly it had been a racecar. I always had trouble keeping the 4 carbs in tune. It was fun to drive. Wish I had brought it back as it would be worth a lot of money.
Mike Wilson
Posted Recently
I bought an S 500 new when I was stationed in Japan. It was a delight to drive and I rarely had to use horn on crowded streets because downshfting broght the revs up so high people just got out of the way.
 
Reader Rides
Sorry, we don't have any reader rides for the Honda S500 and S600.
Be The First To Upload Pictures Of Your Honda S500 and S600
Honda's For Sale
Sorry, there are currently no Honda's for sale.
Sell Your Honda Now, Place A Free Classified