This 1965 Honda S600 Coupe is a rare Japanese sports car finished in a striking red colour scheme and matching chassis and engine. Under the bonnet lies a naturally-aspirated and high-revving 606cc four-cylinder engine complete with Keihin carburettors. This engine produces 43kW (57hp) which is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission. The odometer currently displays 51,679 miles. The Honda S600 was the first mass market car from the then-little Japanese manufacturer; styled to look like its contemporary rivals from Europe and featuring a cracking four-cylinder engine. Though initially only produced in right-hand drive, it soon became available for worldwide export in markets like Europe. Soichiro Honda (the company’s founder) didn’t want to build a car like every other car maker, so what followed was a unique water-cooled DOHC aluminium four-cylinder engine which revved up to 8000rpm. This was particularly revolutionary at a time when all other sports cars utilised cast-iron engines.

But the innovations didn’t stop there: the car employed a unique independent rear suspension system with motorcycle-like swing arms to power the rear wheels by chain. It was only produced for a few short years in limited numbers, making examples hard to come by today. This example is painted in the gorgeous Royal Red and features a black vinyl and carpeted interior. It’s said to be a highly original example with factory fitted features like Denso gauges, dashboard toggle switchgear, push-out rear quarter windows, and a locking glovebox. This car now sports a Nardi steering wheel with Honda boss cap. It rides on a set of 13-inch steel wheels with chrome Honda hub caps, which come wrapped in Continental ComfortContact tyres. Manufactured in Japan as one of 1519 examples produced in 1965, this Honda S600 presents in great mechanical condition with no current issues, according to the owner.

It has been with the owner for the past three years and was last serviced by Prestige Motor Servicing in September 2023. During this service it underwent a radiator repair due to a minor leak, replaced driveshaft, new NGK spark plugs, rear differential bushings replaced, and the engine and transmission oils were changed. The brakes and clutch was reconditioned and plate machined, and the battery and tyres were also replaced at this time. Exterior presentation is clean especially given this little Honda’s age. However, there are finer points of imperfection seen on its bodywork. Royal Red paintwork produces clean reflections in the light and appears nicely from a distance, but closer inspection reveals some light flaking and a rough finish. The owner notes a minor dent on the left-hand-side rear quarter panel, and minor touch-ups and bubbling on the roof and bonnet.

Exterior chrome is polished to a high shine, while its wheels show no obvious damage. Inside the cabin this car has been remarkably well preserved with taut vinyl seats that hold their original shape. The carpeting is also clean and shows no major stains or scuffs. There is some light cracking to the steering wheel badge and minor scratches on the aluminium instrument panel, as expected with age. This car will come with some maintenance invoices and inspection reports, a Bosch battery charger, the operator’s manual and parts book, three keys, and a genuine key blank. As per Trading Garage’s Terms and Conditions, although Trading Garage have completed the following checks, bidders must satisfy themselves to the accuracy of the description and do any research, they feel necessary before bidding. All listings are sold in Australian dollars.

This vehicle is currently registered in QLD until 14/11/23. There is no security interests registered on the PPSR against the serial number and it is not recorded as written off or stolen.