1965 Honda S600 for $5,900 – Is This Project Car Worth the Climb?
1965 Honda S600 for $5,900 – Is This Project Car Worth the Climb?
Image: 1965 Honda S600 for $5,900 – Is This Project Car Worth the Climb? – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Bottom line: The 1965 Honda S600 listed at $5,900 is a rare, lightweight roadster that offers a fun restoration project, but its modest power, scarce parts, and potential hidden rust mean you should be ready for a hands‑on adventure before deciding.
Design & Looks
The S600 looks like a snapshot of 1960s Japanese sports car ambition. Its short, rounded hood, tiny pop‑up headlights, and low‑slung roofline give it a cute, almost cartoonish charm. The original paint often shows a soft pastel hue—think baby blue or mint green—so a fresh paint job can really make it pop. Inside, the cockpit is minimalist: a small three‑spoke steering wheel, basic gauges, and no frills. If you love classic styling and don’t need modern tech, the S600’s design hits the sweet spot.
- Compact two‑seat roadster layout
- Classic double‑dome headlights
- Short wheelbase (79.5 in) for agile handling
- Original interior is spartan but functional
Performance & Mileage
Under the tiny bonnet sits a 598 cc inline‑four that makes about 57 hp at 9,500 rpm. It’s not a speed demon, but the low weight (≈1,800 lb) lets the S600 zip around town with a lively feel. Real‑world fuel consumption hovers around 30‑35 mpg, which is decent for a vintage sports car. Expect the engine to need a rebuild after a few thousand miles if it’s not been serviced recently—common for cars this old.
- Engine: 598 cc DOHC I4
- Power: ~57 hp @ 9,500 rpm
- Weight: ~1,800 lb (dry)
- Mileage: ~30‑35 mpg (mixed driving)
Price & Rivals
At $5,900, the S600 is priced well below many other classic Japanese roadsters like the Datsun 510 or early Mazda rotary models, which often start north of $10,000. However, the low price reflects the car’s condition—likely needing rust repair, engine work, and interior refurbishment. Compare it to a 1965 MG Midget, which can cost $8,000‑$12,000 but usually arrives in better shape. If you enjoy a project and want a rare badge, the S600 is a compelling bargain.
- Listed price: $5,900
- Potential hidden costs: rust repair, engine rebuild, interior restoration
- Rival models: Datsun 510, MG Midget, early Mazda rotary roadsters
| Engine | Mileage | Price | Top Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 598 cc DOHC I4 | ≈30‑35 mpg | $5,900 |
|
FAQ
What is the fuel economy of the 1965 Honda S600?
Expect around 30‑35 miles per gallon in mixed city‑highway driving.
Is the 1965 Honda S600 a good project car for beginners?
It’s a great learning platform if you have basic mechanical skills, but be ready for rust and engine work; a mentor or detailed guide helps.
How does the S600 compare to other classic roadsters in price?
At $5,900 it’s cheaper than most rivals like the MG Midget or Datsun 510, but the lower price usually means more restoration needed.
What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below—would you take on the S600 climb?
Source: Read Official News
