1968 Honda S800M Coupé

Restoration Notes

This example is in great shape. A car to enjoy. The S800 is a sports car from Honda. Introduced at the 1965 Tokyo Motor Show, the S800 would replace the successful Honda S600 as the company’s image car and would compete with the Austin-Healey Sprite, MG Midget, Triumph Spitfire and Fiat 850 Spider. Like the S600, it was available as either a coupe or roadster and continued the advanced technology of its predecessors. The 791 cc straight-4 engine produced 70 hp (52 kW) at 8000 rpm, thus making this Honda’s first 100 mph (160 km/h) car, but still allowing for 35 mpg (6.7 L/100 km). In April 1967 the car was described as the fastest production 1-litre car in the world thanks to its high revving engine (up to 10,000 rpm) and the manufacturer’s history of manufacturing powerful relatively low capacity motor-cycle engines. Early examples continued to use the chain drive and independent suspension in the rear. 752 roadsters and 242 coupés were then produced. After that Honda switched to a conventional drive-shaft, live axle rear end with four radius rods and a Panhard rod. 604 roadsters and 69 coupes were built with this setup before disc brakes replaced the front drums. In 1967, the S800 became available in Britain. By this time the model had the more conventional drive layout as stated above, with predictable handling and a firm ride. It was also cheaper than the Mini Cooper and Triumph Spitfire, in Britain. In February 1968, the S800M (aka S800MK2) was introduced with flush mounted interior door handles, side marker lights outside, dual-circuit brakes, lean burn carburetion under the bonnet and safety glass. These changes were made for the American market, but the car was never imported there officially. Production ended in May 1970 with 11,536 S800s produced. About this S800MK2 Well, it’s by no means a big car but by all means a great car. This example is restoration with respect of originality. Painted in red and with its black interior it is a head turner. Walking from a distance towards her she will get your attention. Small and beautiful. Very elegant bodyline with the right curves in the right places. Getting in is not really a problem and when you are in, well this car feels spacious. There is a nice history included in the paperwork. Large history file documenting all recent expenditure, old MOT’s etc, with photographic record of previous restoration. This car has been restored in the past. Good job done. See included in the paperwork. The paint is good but shows some imperfections. The nose has tempting eyes looking straight at you. The body panels are very well. All components are there, lights, glass, etc and in good condition. All door gaps are very good. Doors open and closes on the spot as does the bonnet and boot. Opening the really very small doors and thinking by yourself, I will never get into this, you just have to slide in and there it is, the big wooden steering wheel. The story goes that all steering wheels of every Honda S was made by a company making violins. True or not, it’s a nice thought. In front behind the steering wheel there is a race like dashboard. All round dials at the right place, all working. All you need to drive this car is there, but no more. The bare essential, as we like it. Starting procedure, insert the key, turn the key and enjoy the sound. The rev meter jumps up high, you already know that this engine is designed to go 10000 rpm plus. The seats are small and grab you in place to never let go again. The inside trim is good, and light turns on.