Honda Motor Company was already well known for its high-performance motorcycles in the early 1960s when company founder Soichiro Honda began developing prototypes for automobiles. Released in 1963, the S500 was Honda’s first production automobile. A sporty two-seat roadster that resembled British racers of the period, the S500’s 531-cc four cylinder engine and rear wheel chain drive were inspired by the company’s motorcycles. Only available in Japan and Europe, thus with right-hand steering, the S500 was packed full of high-tech complexity for its time. Nevertheless Honda debuted the much-improved S600 about three months later.

The S600 was Honda’s first mass-marketed automobile, and the first to be made available in two versions, convertible and fastback coupe. Powered by a DOHC, water-cooled, in-line 4 cylinder engine with four carburetors, engine capacity was 606 cc, producing 57 hp that redlined between 9,500 to 11,000 rpm. Honda claimed that the S600 could go 0 to 60 mph in 17 seconds, reaching top speeds of over 90, enough to keep up with a Sprite, Spitfire or Elan. The engine was linked to a differential that ran a sealed roller chain drive set-up to each rear wheel, giving it virtual independent suspension.

Honda sold about 13,000 S600s until production ceased in 1966. Sadly, they were never officially imported to the U.S., though a few were brought over, mostly by military guys, who would have paid roughly $1800 U.S. for the car in Japan. Jay was incredibly lucky to run across his SM600 - the M indicating the upgrade package, including exclusive paint colors, and a “high tech” radio antenna in the passenger side sun visor, which doesn’t quite work. Although the car had already been restored, the team at Big Dog Garage decided to do a complete top to bottom restoration when it caught fire while Jay was driving it.