Before Honda became synonymous with Civics, Accords, and CR-Vs, the S600 roadster was a testament to the automaker’s early foray into passenger cars and sports vehicles. With a redline reaching 9500 rpm and weighing just 1500 pounds, this diminutive roadster blurs the line between car and motorcycle.
This particular model is a scarce left-hand-drive variant, originally hailing from the island of Okinawa. In the mid-1960s, a Japanese journalist named Shotaro Kobayashi embarked on an epic journey, covering 7500 miles across Europe in his white Honda S600.
Along the way, he visited iconic automotive landmarks, including the Porsche and Lotus factories, leaving an indelible mark on automotive history. Now, enthusiasts have the chance to relive Kobayashi’s adventures with a similar model up for auction on Bring a Trailer.
The 1966 Honda S600 being auctioned is reminiscent of Kobayashi’s road-tripping roadster, tailored for U.S. roads with left-side steering. It epitomizes Honda’s early automotive endeavors, which were a blend of motorcycle efficiency and car-like performance.
Featuring a 606-cc engine with four carburetors, the S600 delivers nearly 60 horsepower while redlining at 9500 rpm. Although not officially sold in the U.S., this left-hand-drive version found its way to Okinawa, previously under American administration.
Despite its modest power output, the S600’s lightweight construction—akin to a contemporary Lotus Elan makes it incredibly agile and responsive on the road. This specific model, boasting around 54,000 miles on the odometer, underwent a recent mechanical overhaul, ensuring peak performance and reliability.
Sporting a striking white-on-red color scheme reminiscent of Honda’s inaugural F1 cars, this S600 exudes timeless elegance and charm.
While driving such a compact car in modern traffic may pose challenges, every twist and turn promises an exhilarating adventure—a nod to the spirit of exploration embodied by Shotaro Kobayashi and Honda’s founder, Soichiro Honda.
Whether cruising through city streets or embarking on a weekend getaway, this vintage Honda S600 offers a slice of automotive history and a thrilling driving experience. Don’t miss the chance to own a piece of motoring nostalgia—the auction concludes on March 19.