1969 Honda S800

Introducing the ancestor of the modern Honda Civic CRX: the 1969 Honda S800. This model stands as the final and most robust iteration of one of Honda's earliest multi-wheeled vehicles.

The S800 began its journey as the S360, a concept unveiled at the 1962 Tokyo Auto Show, alongside Honda's inaugural production car, the air-cooled, front-wheel-drive 1300.

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The S360 was designed for the 'light car' category, which was the largest market segment domestically at the time. These compact two-cylinder sedans were crafted to benefit from significant tax incentives under government rules. However, some officials viewed the small two-seater convertible as a 'performance' vehicle, leading to its exclusion from the 'light car' classification.

Honda responded by upgrading the four-carburetor, hemispherical-head engine to 531cc for the 44-horsepower S500. This model became a major success. With dimensions of just 130 inches in length, 56.3 inches in width, and 47.3 inches in height, it was built on a compact 79.0-inch wheelbase.

Power was delivered to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission and a chain drive similar to those used in motorcycles. The suspension system featured fully independent A-arms and torsion bars at the front, while the rear utilized trailing links, coil springs, and an anti-roll bar. Steering was managed by a rack-and-pinion mechanism.

In 1964, the S600 was introduced, boasting a 606cc engine, 57 horsepower, subtle design updates, and a new coupe option alongside the roadster. Approximately 12,000 units were sold domestically and internationally—though not in the U.S.—by the close of 1965.

Following recommendations from renowned race car drivers Denny Hulme and Bruce McLaren, Honda increased the engine's power. The upgraded 791cc S800 produced around 72 horsepower, reaching its peak at approximately 8,000 rpm. The chain drive was replaced with a standard live rear axle, and front drum brakes were swapped for disc brakes, though most other specifications remained the same. Production concluded in 1970 after roughly 11,400 units were built.

The featured 1969 Honda S800 was purchased in 1982 by Norm Reeves Honda in Lakewood/Bellflower, California, who traded it for a new Accord with the original owner. Only about 200 S800s are known to be in the U.S., all privately imported. The dealership has valued this meticulously restored red model at $15,000, and it remains a centerpiece in their showroom. Admire it? Unfortunately, it’s not available for purchase.

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