Lot 401: Honda S800
The S800 was the first truly remarkable sports car from Honda. Introduced at the 1965 Tokyo Motor Show, the S800 would replace the successful Honda S600 as the company's image car. Like the S600, it was available as either a coupe or roadster and continued the advanced technology of its predecessors. The 791cc straight four cylinder engine produced 70bhp at 8000 rpm, pushing the car to 100 mph (160 km/h) but still allowing for 35mpg. Early examples continued to use the chain drive and independent suspension in the rear, but after these cars (752 roadsters and 242 coupes) were produced, Honda switched to a conventional live axle rear end with four radius rods and a Panhard rod. 604 roadsters and 69 coupes were built with this setup before disc brakes replaced the front drums. In 1968, the S800M was introduced with flush door handles and side marker lights outside, dual-circuit brakes and lean carburetion under the hood, and safety glass. These changes were made for the American market, but the car was never imported officially. Production ended in May 1970 with 11,536 S800s produced. Honda would not manufacture another S roadster for nearly thirty years until the release of the S2000 for the 2000 model year. This rare example was the previous owner's personal cars and as S800 restoration specialists, you can imagine the demands on its integrity that were placed upon it. It has been partially restored and described by the vendor as in very good condition throughout. It is complete with a full one years MoT test certificate and is tax exempt. It is now getting very hard to find for sale these S800s for sale and examples ready to be enjoyed like this one. This rare example of a Mk. II coupe is fitted with aftermarket alloy wheels for a sportier look and better grip.
| Auction |
Spring Classics Coys, Royal Horticultural Halls, London |
|---|---|
| Type | Car |
| Lot Number | 401 |
| Outcome | NOT SOLD |
| Hammer Price | - |
| Hammer Price (inc premium) | - |
| Year | 1968 |
| Condition rating | 2 |
| Registration number | RTX 557F |
| Mileage | - |
| Chassis number | |
| Engine number | |
| Engine capacity (cc) | |
| Engine - cylinders | |
| Number of doors | 2 |