The Honda S800 is a sports car manufactured by Honda from 1965 to 1970. It succeeded the Honda S600 and was Honda’s first vehicle to feature a 4-stroke engine. Available in coupe and roadster configurations, the S800 gained recognition for its performance and handling characteristics.
The S800 was equipped with a 791cc inline-four engine producing 70 horsepower. While this output may seem modest by contemporary standards, it was competitive in the 1960s, allowing the S800 to perform well on both roads and racetracks. The car featured advanced technology for its time, including four-wheel independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes, which were uncommon in its size and price category.
A key feature of the S800 was its high-revving engine, capable of reaching 10,000 rpm. This characteristic would later become a hallmark of Honda’s performance vehicles. The car’s lightweight construction and well-tuned suspension contributed to its precise and responsive handling, making it adept at cornering and maneuvering.
The Honda S800’s combination of a high-revving engine, agile handling, and advanced features established it as a driver-focused vehicle. Its impact on the automotive industry was significant, and it remains a desirable classic car among enthusiasts today.
Key Takeaways
- The Honda S800 was a sports car produced by Honda from 1965 to 1970, known for its high-revving engine and nimble handling.
- The design of the Honda S800 was influenced by European sports cars of the time, featuring a sleek and compact body with a distinctive front grille and round headlights.
- With a 0-60 mph time of around 12 seconds and a top speed of 100 mph, the Honda S800 offered impressive performance and handling for its era.
- The Honda S800 left a lasting impact on the automotive world, showcasing Honda’s engineering prowess and setting the stage for future sports car models.
- Today, the Honda S800 is a highly collectible and sought-after classic car, with well-maintained examples commanding high values in the market.
- Owning and maintaining a Honda S800 requires attention to detail and access to specialized parts and expertise, but the experience of driving this iconic sports car is truly timeless.
- The Honda S800 continues to captivate enthusiasts with its blend of style, performance, and heritage, ensuring its enduring allure for generations to come.
Design and Styling of the Honda S800
Versatility and Refined Looks
The roadster version of the S800 comes with a removable hardtop, adding to its versatility and giving it a more refined look when desired. The overall design of the S800 is both elegant and purposeful, with every detail serving to enhance its performance and visual appeal.
Driver-Centric Interior
The interior of the Honda S800 is designed with a focus on driver engagement and comfort. The cockpit features a simple yet functional layout, with a three-spoke steering wheel, clear and easy-to-read gauges, and supportive bucket seats that provide excellent visibility and support during spirited driving. The materials used in the interior are of high quality, with attention to detail evident throughout.
A Standout in Its Class
The combination of its striking exterior design and well-crafted interior makes the Honda S800 a standout in its class and contributes to its enduring appeal as a classic sports car.
Performance and Handling of the Honda S800
The Honda S800 was renowned for its impressive performance and handling capabilities. Its 791cc inline-four engine may have been small in displacement, but it was capable of revving up to 10,000 rpm, producing 70 horsepower in the process. This high-revving engine gave the S800 an exhilarating driving experience, with plenty of power on tap throughout the rev range.
The engine was mated to a slick-shifting 4-speed manual transmission that allowed drivers to make the most of the engine’s power and torque. The combination of the high-revving engine and responsive transmission made the S800 a joy to drive, whether it was on twisty back roads or on the racetrack. In addition to its potent engine, the Honda S800 also featured advanced suspension and braking systems that contributed to its impressive handling capabilities.
The S800 was equipped with four-wheel independent suspension, which provided excellent stability and control through corners while maintaining a comfortable ride quality. The four-wheel disc brake system offered strong and consistent stopping power, giving drivers confidence when pushing the car to its limits. The combination of its high-revving engine, responsive transmission, and advanced suspension and braking systems made the Honda S800 a formidable performer on both road and track.
Its nimble handling and precise steering made it a favorite among driving enthusiasts, and its performance capabilities continue to be admired by collectors and enthusiasts today.
Legacy and Impact of the Honda S800
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Production Years | 1966-1970 |
| Engine | 0.8 L inline 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | Around 70 hp |
| Top Speed | Around 100 mph |
| Legacy | First Honda car to enter the US market |
| Impact | Helped establish Honda’s reputation for quality and performance |
The Honda S800 left a lasting legacy in the automotive world as one of the first Japanese sports cars to gain international recognition for its performance and design. It helped establish Honda as a serious player in the sports car market and set the stage for future performance-oriented models from the company. The S800’s high-revving engine technology became a hallmark of Honda’s performance vehicles, influencing subsequent models such as the S2000 and Civic Type R.
Its success on the racetrack also helped solidify Honda’s reputation as a manufacturer capable of producing competitive racing machines. The impact of the Honda S800 extended beyond its performance capabilities, as it also played a significant role in shaping popular perceptions of Japanese cars. At a time when European sports cars dominated the market, the S800 demonstrated that Japanese automakers were capable of producing high-quality, high-performance vehicles that could compete with their European counterparts.
This helped pave the way for future Japanese sports cars to gain acceptance in global markets and contributed to changing perceptions about Japanese automotive engineering.
Collectibility and Value of the Honda S800
The Honda S800 has become increasingly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts in recent years, leading to a rise in its value on the classic car market. Its combination of rarity, performance capabilities, and timeless design has made it a highly desirable classic sports car. Well-preserved examples of the S800 are particularly prized by collectors, with originality and low mileage being key factors in determining their value.
The limited production numbers of the S800 also contribute to its collectibility, as only a relatively small number were produced during its five-year production run. This rarity has made well-maintained examples of the S800 increasingly difficult to find, further driving up their value in the classic car market. As interest in Japanese classic cars continues to grow, particularly among younger enthusiasts, the demand for iconic models like the S800 is expected to remain strong.
Ownership and Maintenance of the Honda S800
The Importance of Finding a Well-Maintained Example
Finding a well-maintained example is crucial when considering purchasing an S800, as neglected or poorly maintained cars can be costly to restore to their original condition.
Regular Maintenance is Key
Regular maintenance is essential for keeping an S800 in top condition, particularly given its age. This includes regular servicing of its high-revving engine, as well as attention to its suspension and braking systems. Finding a knowledgeable mechanic who is familiar with classic Japanese sports cars is important for ensuring that an S800 receives proper care.
Overcoming the Challenges of Replacement Parts
In addition to regular maintenance, finding replacement parts for an S800 can be challenging due to its relative rarity. Enthusiasts may need to rely on specialist suppliers or even source parts from other countries in order to keep their cars running smoothly. Despite these challenges, owning an S800 can be a deeply rewarding experience for enthusiasts who appreciate its unique blend of performance, design, and engineering.
The Timeless Allure of the Honda S800
The Honda S800 remains an iconic classic sports car that continues to captivate enthusiasts with its timeless design, impressive performance capabilities, and lasting impact on automotive history. Its sleek styling, high-revving engine, nimble handling, and advanced features have made it a sought-after collector’s item that continues to be admired by enthusiasts around the world. As interest in classic Japanese sports cars continues to grow, particularly among younger enthusiasts, the allure of owning an iconic model like the S800 is expected to remain strong.
Its place in automotive history as one of the first Japanese sports cars to gain international recognition ensures that it will continue to be celebrated for years to come. Whether on display at car shows or carving through twisty back roads, the Honda S800’s timeless allure is sure to endure for generations to come.
If you’re interested in learning more about the history and impact of the Honda S800, be sure to check out the article “The Evolution of Honda’s S-Series Sports Cars” on Wisely Rooted. This article delves into the development of the S-Series sports cars, including the S800, and explores their significance in the automotive world. It’s a fascinating read for any Honda enthusiast or car history buff.
FAQs
What is the Honda S800?
The Honda S800 is a sports car produced by Honda from 1966 to 1970. It was the successor to the Honda S600 and was available as a coupe or a roadster.
What engine does the Honda S800 have?
The Honda S800 is powered by a 791 cc inline-four engine that produces around 70 horsepower. It is known for its high-revving nature and was one of the first Honda cars to feature a chain-driven overhead camshaft.
What are some notable features of the Honda S800?
The Honda S800 is known for its lightweight construction, independent suspension, and nimble handling. It also features a unique tachometer that redlines at 10,000 rpm, showcasing its high-revving engine.
How many Honda S800s were produced?
A total of 11,536 Honda S800s were produced during its production run from 1966 to 1970. It was primarily sold in the Japanese domestic market, but some were also exported to other countries.
Is the Honda S800 a collectible car?
Yes, the Honda S800 is considered a collectible car due to its rarity, unique features, and historical significance as one of Honda’s early sports cars. Well-maintained examples can command high prices in the collector car market.