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2022 Shannons Summer Timed Online Auction
Lot
206

1970 Honda N600 Sedan

$9,300

Sydney

Sold

Specifications

Engine Twin-cylinder, 600cc
Gearbox 4-speed manual
Body Work Hatchback
Colour Yellow Mustard
Interior Black
Trim Vinyl
Wheels Steel Disc
Brakes Disc/Drum

Auction
Notice (Form 11)

Description

This lot is no longer available

Of all the Japanese manufacturers, Soichiro Honda’s eponymous company has always been at the forefront of cutting-edge technology, entering Formula One racing at a time when few Westerners were even aware of this remarkable man and his products.  Honda had a background in racing and a lifelong passion for both automobiles and motorcycles, something reflected in every product to wear his name.  Honda’s first regular production vehicle was the T360, a diminutive utility powered by a four-cylinder engine, followed by the S500 passenger car of 1963 and sophisticated S600 sports car the following year, the latter boasting an all-alloy four-cylinder engine with twin overhead-camshafts, twin carburettors and a roller-bearing crankshaft - technology drawn from Honda’s experience in motorcycle racing.  In 1967 a new model, the N360, was announced for the burgeoning kei car market in Japan, with an air-cooled four stroke two-cylinder engine derived from that used in Honda’s CB450 motorcycle, de-stroked to comply with the 360cc limit.  Other features included front wheel drive and a four-speed constant mesh transmission forming a single unit with the engine.  In August 1968 the N360AT was introduced, the first car in its class to receive an automatic gearbox, using Honda’s clever Hondamatic transmission.  Although the vast majority of N360s were destined for Japanese customers a number were exported to Australia, badged as the Scamp and priced at just $1397.  Remarkably, given the vastly different conditions between the two countries, the Scamp proved tough enough to withstand local conditions and received praise for its clever design, excellent ventilation and lively performance.  Local magazine Modern Motor even subjected a Scamp to an epic seven-day reliability test, covering almost 10,000 miles without incident.  Honda also offered two more powerful versions, the N400 and N600, the latter remaining in production until 1973 when it was succeeded by the legendary Civic.  One of the first generation of micro cars that revolutionised motoring for decades to come, Honda’s N360/600 is fast becoming collectible around the globe.