The 1966 Honda S600 is an iconic, ultra-rare sports car the represents a vital evolutionary link between Honda's motorcycle roots and its future as a global automotive powerhouse. Celebrated as the spiritual grandfather of the Honda S2000, the S600 was the first mass-marketed automobile from the brand and the first Honda car officially exported to Europe.
Built during an era when Japanese cars were known for staid, basic transportation, company founder Soichiro Honda infused the S600 with high-revving motorcycle racing DNA.
- The Screaming Engine: It is powered by an all-aluminum, 606cc inline four-cylinder engine featuring dual overhead cams (DOHC), a needle roller-bearing crankshaft, and four separate Keihin carburetors.
- 9,500 RPM Redline: The engine produced 57 horsepower---achieving an incredible-for-the-time ~100 hp per liter---and safely revved all the way to a screaming 9,500 to 10,000 RPM.
- The Unique Chain Drive: Power was delivered to the rear wheels via a highly unconventional enclosed chain-drive system. The differential was bolted to the chassis, and individual oil-bath chains drove each rear wheel. The aluminum chain cases actually doubled as trailing arms for the independent rear suspension.
The S600 was available in two configurations: a sleek, classic Roadster (convertible) and a distinct Fastback Coupe (introduced in mid-1965).
Buyers could also opt for the upgraded SM600 Package, which transformed the sparse sports car into a more usable grand tourer. The SM600 added special paint options, dedicated badging, a heater, better-cushioned seats, reversing lights, a cigarette lighter, and a radio paired with an antenna ingeniously integrated right into the passenger-side sun visor.
Production of the S600 wrapped up in 1966 to make way for the larger-displacement S800. In total, only about 11,284 units were built over its entire three-year run, with the coupe variant being highly exclusive (only around 1,800 produced). 1966 was the final and rarest production year, with some estimates citing as few as 111 convertibles built for that model year.
