Honda S800 succeeded the S600, debuting at the 1965 Tokyo Motor Show and rolling off the production line in Honda's Suzuka Plant in Mie, Japan from 1966 to 1970. Like its predecessor, this sports car was also available as a coupe and roadster and had the same front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout.
Powertrain & Performance
The 2-door sports car boasted of a 791cc straight-4 engine that could reach peak outputs of 52 kW at 8,000 rpm and 69 Nm at 5,800 rpm and accelerate from standstill to 97km/hr in 13.4sec. It had a consumption rate of 6.7L/100km, which was quite economical. Honda claimed that it was their first-ever model to get to a speed of 160 km/h. In optimal conditions, it could rev up to 10,000rpm, which made it the world’s fastest 1-litre car in mass production in 1967.
During the first few years of production, Honda employed the previous model’s chain rear-drive and independent rear suspension, applying it to a total of 752 roadsters and 242 coupes. The Japanese automaker later shifted to an updated rear chain and a conventional live rear axle and fitted this setup to 605 roadsters and 69 coupes.
Honda S800 Changed the Game
Before the S800, the MG Midget ruled the roads. But then Honda used its motorbike experience to come up with a baby sports car. Honda pitched the S800 with the likes of the Austin-Healey Sprite, Fiat 850 Spider, Triumph Spitfire, and the MG Midget, although the S800 was in a class of its own.
Under its hood was an all-alloy powerplant with twin-choke carburetors, overhead camshaft, and a roller-bearing crankshaft. However, due to its high-revving engine, the S800 produced illegally high levels of hydrocarbons. These high emissions ran contrary to regulations and prompted Honda to end the car’s production in May 1970 after producing 11,536 units.
The S800 was Honda’s last S-segment vehicle to come out of its plants for nearly three decades until the production start of the S2000 in 1999.
Want to Restore One? You May Want to Know Where to Get Parts
The thing about the S800 is that it has a solid build. If you happen to find one, corrosion will be an unlikely issue. However, if the engine is damaged, you’ll have to be patient. S800 engine rebuilds are costly, so you will have to have the budget for that. Since there were very few produced, finding spare parts would not be a walk in the park. That’s were Carpart.com.au comes in. Sellers and buyers converge here, and the classic car you're looking for or its components could be just around the corner. Contact us now, and we’ll help you find the car parts you need.
-Eric Anyega