Honda Scamp

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Honda

Honda Scamp

1968 - 1973
Country:
Japan
Engine:
2 cyl 4 stroke air-cooled
Capacity:
354 cc
Power:
31 bhp
Transmission:
4 spd. man / 3 spd. Hondamatic
Top Speed:
70 mph
Number Built:
n/a
Collectability:
1 star
Honda Scamp Television Commercial
Honda Scamp
Reviewed by Unique Cars and Parts
Our Rating: 1

Introduction



The Honda Scamp changed a lot of pre-conceived ideas about mini cars with mini engines – the concept of which had become a little maligned by the likes of the Glas Goggomobil and Lightburn Zeta.

Using a transverse mounted, overhead cam, light alloy, air-cooled two cylinder engine, the Scamp 360 equaled the acceleration of mini cars with bigger engines, making the Scamp quite a performer (and a tough, durable performer, too).

Honda engineers developed the Scamp from research, testing the engine in tough Grand Prix racing, with marked success and proved the engine a winner. They also subjected the gearbox and suspension to the rigors of racing so that the whole unit was plenty tough.

Honda didn’t forget the interior, either. The Scamp's heating and ventilation system was highly sophisticated; there were air inlets on either side near the doors, while a separate (and highly efficient) heating system operated from the engine's ducting.

Fan driven, the heated air was extracted through a grille on the rear parcel tray, which forced the air to demist the rear window as well - this at a time long before rear-demisters were the norm.

The Scamp's luggage compartment was not very big, but with two people on board, the rear seat folded down to give added carrying space. There was a glove compartment up front, map pockets in the doors and bins beside the rear seat.

The steering wheel was placed at a more traditional angle and, surprisingly for such a cheap and cheerful car, the seats were very comfortable. The biggest criticism of the driving position was in the use of offset pedals, however many owners claimed to have become used to them in a very short time.

There may not have been many instruments to speak of (speedometer and fuel gauge), but they were well placed and easy to read, being sited directly in front of the driver. The Scamp was a great "city" car. It was quick, easy to manoeuvre, economical, and comfortable. It also managed to perform quite well on long drives for those game enough to take them onto the highway.

Arguably the most famous Honda Z was the car that featured in the film "Malcolm", as a get-away car that split into two. Not a 360 though, but rather the more powerful 600 version.

Honda Scamp N360 Engine:

The Honda Scamps N360 engine was a two cylinder air cooled OHC 4 stroke 354cc engine, with a compression ratio of 8.6:1. It developed 31 bhp at 8,000 rpm, and 24 ft. lbs torque at 5,500 rpm. The manual transmission featured 4 forward gears, both engine and gearbox forming one complete unit being fitted transversely. The Scamp could reach a 70 mph and do the standing quarter mile in 22 seconds. Total production was 40,586 units.
Honda Z

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Also see:


Honda Brochures
Honda Z / Honda 600
Honda Production 1963 - 1979
Honda History
Reader Reviews page 1 of 1
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Bernie
Posted Recently
Owned a Honda Scamp, bought brand new in Miri Sarawak in 1968 for equivalent to $1050.00 Aussie Dollars. Great little car & could take a hiding love to own one now. Email bs_stone3@bigpond *** if you know where I can get one.
craig
Posted Recently
Yes. Still have the 360 zots. Havent had time to do anything on them though.
Maynard7
Posted Recently
I picked up an N360 engine in the early 70's and was amazed at the quality of the Japanese manufacture. This engine has been stored in a farm barn in Northern Ireland and is for urgent sale
+ 27 11 609 5138
Brad
Posted Recently
Craig do you still have the 360 zits
craig
Posted Recently
I have 5 Scamps. Only 1 registered. This is an automatic. I got my liscence in one in the early 70s. Am restoring an N600 also. I have 2 z360 (zots) as well. Great cars. Tasmania.
Jennifer
Posted Recently
I had a Scamp in my teens about 1983/84 - my first car. Learnt how to drive a manual in it. Looking back on it I wished I had kept it. Would be perfect to drive in these high petrol price times.
jo Ratty
Posted Recently
I owned a Honda N360 when I lived in Canberra, Australia in the 1970s. I loved that car. My black great dane "Swede" would sit in the back seat and take up the whole seat, it was quite a sight. Great gas mileage and never a problem with that car. I wish I had it today while I am living in the Midwest US. If I could find one, I would buy it today. Jo Ratty in Iowa
Ann
Posted Recently
I have ascamp N600 since new. It has to be one of the best feel-good cars to drive.
Ferreira
Posted Recently
I bought a Honda N360 in Mozambique, in 1971.
It was a pleasant car, even for long distance.
I Kept the car for 3 years and I drove 48,000 miles on it.
It was my very first car, 37 years ago.
Fernando Ferreira in Portugal
anton
Posted Recently
Better known as the N360, Renamed the Scamp by Australian distributors.
But mention must also be made of Honda's N600 derrivative that was also sold here and shared the same body with a torquier & more relaxed 600cc engine, also adopting front disc brakes.
A Deluxe variant was also offers with "wood" trimmed dash & steering wheel.
Honda's 'Zot' or Z360 must also be mentioned which shared the N360 platform topped with a more '70's stylish/sporty Hatchback body untill '73 when in was heavily revised into a Hatchback Hardtop with the drivetrain & platform of the N360's replacement, The Honda Life (also briefly sold in Aust.)
 
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