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10000 RPM Driver: 1966 Honda S600
This 1966 Honda S600 (chassisAS2851009120) seems like a pretty rare find, not only because these early, LHD, chain-drive IRS cars are scarce, but because they’re particularly so in complete, running but imperfect and unrestored condition as appears to be the case here. The seller admits to and photographs some moderate looking exterior rust, which hopefully doesn’t extend too far beyond the surface. Paint and brightwork could benefit from some love, but overall the car displays perfectly serviceable, honest looking cosmetics, though the complex jewel of a 531cc twin-cam, 10000 rpm four sounds like it could stand to have some work on its four individual carbs. Find it here on eBay in Greeneville, Tennessee with reserve not met. Special thanks to BaT reader Thurston M. for this submission.
White (Japan’s national racing color) over red is the classic combination for these cars, much like seen on the iconic Honda Type Rs of the 1990’s, or on the company’s early Formula 1 cars from the 1960’s. Whitewalls aren’t really ideal here, but probably need replacing anyway–otherwise the car looks perfectly fine for a driver, and the seller claims as much in the ad.
Though less powerful then their 70 hp S800 successors, these 57-horse S600’s are our favorite early Honda S models for their more elegant exterior details (round taillights, less ornate grille, cooler badging), not to mention their higher redline (nearly 10000 vs almost 9000) and neat-but-noisy dual-chain drive independent rear.
Reads much of the ad: “Paint is OK for a driver, looks good from 5M. A couple of small spots are bubbly. Top vinyl is flexible and un-torn, but plastic windows are gone. Tonneau and top covers are in excellent, flexible condition. Entire brake system and clutch hydraulics are new or newly rebuilt. Original-to-car wooden steering wheel rebuilt with exotic woods at great expense. Exhaust is rusty. Tires with plenty of tread, but old. Car starts and runs well if used frequently, with a slight flat spot between steady-state and increasing throttle. Some effort with choke and fuel pump required for starting if left sitting. Car must be picked up at my premises near Newport TN (I-40). All in all a good driver as is, but nowhere near a show quality car. In person inspection welcomed.”
Seats look good, as does the dash, and the beautiful OEM wood wheel has been restored to what looks like a nice standard. See the mast for the rear view mirror? That’s also the radio’s antenna.
These amazing little roller bearing crank twin-cam fours can be tricky and expensive to rebuild, but this one sounds like it may only need some carb work. There are four of them though, and they’re very small, so rebuilding and synchronizing the quartet could be a challenge for the average at-home mechanic.
A good deal of books and spares appear to be included as well.
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