1967 Honda N600
Quick Specs
-
598CC Incline-2
-
Estimated 45 horsepower
-
1000001 - This exact vehicle was the first Honda automobile sold in America
Honda’s Entrance to the American Car Market
Determined to enter the American car market, Honda developed the N600 alongside the N360, which was produced for Japan’s domestic market. Originally a motorcycle manufacturer, Honda began automobile production in 1962, much later than their major Japanese rivals. This N600 was one of a group of fifty test vehicles, and became the very first Honda car to be imported to the US when it arrived via the port of Los Angeles. Americans were not initially impressed by the N600, but when the fuel crisis arrived in 1973, these diminutive cars were embraced as fuel-efficient, sturdy, and reliable alternatives to their American counterparts.
This N600, serial number 1000001, was rediscovered in 2009 by garage owner and Honda enthusiast Tim Mings. Mings, who specializes in restoring Honda N600s and Z600s, noticed the Serial One on a trailer at a swap meet. Without realizing its significance, he purchased the car and spent several years restoring it before he was able to make out the historic serial number and begin the car’s extensive restoration to factory condition.
Collection of American Honda Motor Co.
This Vehicle featured in ‘The Vault - Presented by Hagerty’
1967 Honda N600 Gallery
Vehicle Imagery may be used for personal, media editorial, or educational purposes. Please credit Petersen Automotive Museum, petersen.org, if used. Photos may not be used for commercial purposes.
