1972 Honda 600 Coupe

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Introduced in late 1967, the Honda N600 represented a significant step for the Japanese manufacturer in the American market. This compact vehicle, powered by a 598 cc engine producing 36 horsepower, offered impressive fuel economy of 40 mpg, albeit with modest acceleration, requiring approximately 18 seconds to reach 60 mph. In 1971, Honda expanded the lineup with the Z600 coupe (marketed as the 600 Coupe in the U.S.). Notable features included pop-open rear windows, overhead console controls, and a distinctive rear hatch design. The Z600 retained the N600's performance figures but introduced McPherson strut front suspension and a leaf-spring located solid rear axle. Despite its compact dimensions—42-inch tread and 51-inch height—the Z600 found favor with American consumers. Sales figures reflect this success, with 9,509 units sold in 1971, climbing to 20,500 in 1972. These vehicles not only offer charm and handling competence in the microcar segment, but also represent a pivotal moment in automotive history, marking the nascent stages of Japanese manufacturers' establishment in the U.S. market.

Highlights 

• Charming early U.S.-market Japanese compact 

• 598 cc SOHC parallel twin cylinder engine rated at 36 horsepower 

• Four-speed manual transmission 

• Finished in beige with matching, beige-painted steel wheels under previous ownership 

• Beige-upholstered front seats with matching door panels redone under previous ownership 

Features 

• 10 inch steel wheels 

• Glass rear lift-gate 

• Driver’s-side rearview mirror 

• Chrome bumpers, front and rear 

• Front coil springs, rear leaf springs 

• Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes  

• Pop-out rear quarter windows 

• Door map pockets 

• 100 mph speedometer 

• 8,000 rpm tachometer 

• Four-spoke steering wheel 

• Heater/defroster 

• AM/FM radio with cassette player 

• Auxiliary, dash-mounted 12-volt power sockets 

• Dash-mounted Sirius portable satellite radio unit 

• Manual roll-up windows 

• Seat belts 

Known Imperfections 

• Rust bubbles present on the rocker panels, wheel arches, below the rear bumper, near the door shuts, and around the windshield frame 

• Minor surface rust on the front bumper rail 

• Significant rust and paint cracks around the left-rear wheel arch 

• Blemish and exposed primer on the upper right corner of the rear hatch 

• Blemish and exposed primer on the hood near the driver’s-side headlight 

• Surface rust present on the suspension components 

• Dash pad is worn and scuffed 

Included 

• Numerous spare parts including two starters 

• Spare wheel and tire 

Ownership History 

The consignor reports acquiring this 1972 Honda 600 Coupe in 2004.