Straight from Japan came the first Honda for the masses – a two door kei car called the S600. The S stood for Sports (i.e meaning it had more than one carburettor) and the numerical namesake refers to its displacement (a whopping 606cc’s).
All I know is if someone offered to sell it to me I would say ‘O-Kei.’
This roadster weighs in at just over 700kg (200kg lighter than my MX5 NA), with 57 horsepower/43 kilowatts. It’s tiny weight and size combined into a nimble package perfect for cruising leisurely down (not up) winding mountains. It’s soft top and minimalist design make it perfect for avoiding life admin on the weekend. It even redlines at 8500 rpm – foreshadowing the S2000’s infamous rev limit.
Other than that, this Honda has a big friendly grin on its grille and two happy headlamps. It is a completely fun and retro car.
This sale item in particular is rare – one of 11,000 examples to have ever been produced. 50 years later and it’s safe to say there wouldn’t be too many in Australia. It has also been immaculately restored, including original ivory paintwork and wood grain steering wheel.
I’ve never driven an S600, but for some reason, looking at it… it seems it wants me to do just that. Get in and drive.
That’s why this Japanese roadster with less power than an electric skateboard (probably) is in the Duckson Garage.
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