And Sohichiro Honda suggested something new

On October 25, 1962, Tokyo Hall opens its doors with a novelty that will change many things, that will break many prejudices.

We are in 1962. On radio stations you hear “Some One to love, someone new…”. The Beatles rocked the fans’ bodies with their “Love me do”.

The Tokyo Motor Show will open its doors from October 25 to November 7, with more than 400 cars on display and, for the first time, the
number of visitors exceeds the one million mark. One of the reasons is at the Honda booth, where the crowd flocks. The company founded by Sohichiro since 1948 has established an important place in the motorcycle world. At competition level, in 1961, and in the 125cc category, Australian Tom Phillis becomes the first rider to win a world championship on a Honda (GP of Spain), taking the 125 title in the final. in 1962 he dies on the Isle of Man and his ashes will be scattered on the starting line of the Tourist Trophy). And the legendary Mike Hailwood, Mike “The Bike,” has been the 250 World Champion in the 1961 season with the four-cylinder of the Hamamatsu company. And in 1962, Brit Jim Redman won the championship title on his Honda 350, the first of five consecutive titles he will take in “three and a half”.

But now it’s not about two but about four wheels. The reason that
focus on public interest It is a small (2.99 meters long) convertible, with two seats and only 510 kilos. It is the first car with the Honda logo. Its attractive lines hide no less interesting mechanics. Under the hood is a beautiful and small 356 cc four-cylinder, with double overhead camshafts, made entirely of light alloy, which offers 33 hp at an incredible 9000 rpm, that is to say: it is an engine of more than 93 hp per liter of cylinder capacity. The technique, the experience in competition motorcycles, is evident.

With this mechanical masterpiece in its beating power, the Honda Sport 360 exceeds 120 km/h. In addition, Honda also presents the Sport 500. It is twenty-one centimeters longer and has a 492 cc engine that produces 40 hp at 8000 rpm, as in a motorcycle is transmitted to the rear wheels via a chain. And in terms of rolling stock, all four wheels are independent, something to be reckoned with at a time when rigid rear axles were commonplace, including in sports cars. Behind the show, behind the wheel of the S360, Soichiro Honda himself attends the General Assembly of the Honda National Meeting. In the spirit of the former mechanic and pilot, there is entering the world of four wheels as a car manufacturer and, as with motorcycles, accompanying this initiative with participation in competition, with Formula 1.

Of these two prototypes, 360 and 500, are born at the 1963 Tokyo Motor Show, the serial number S500 and the S600.

Seen from the outside, the final S 500 sees its wing mirrors swept away from the windshield, and includes one-piece bumpers with shields, as well as several hubcaps. The engine, which ultimately has a displacement of 531 cc, produces 44 hp at 8500 rpm and a maximum torque of 4.6 mkg at 4500 rpm. Fifteen hundred units of the S500 are produced until March 1964, when it is replaced by the S600.

Thanks to its 606 cc engine, the S600 has 57 hp at 8,500 rpm, which is the best performance of the entire “S” series. Externally it differs from the S500 by its wheels, its widened grille with seven chrome bars instead of three, and a different bumper. In the spring of 1965 it gets new round headlights and a coupé body variant appears. By keeping the same dimensions, the coupe produces very different sensations in sight. The imbalance between the driver and passenger compartment in relation to the bonnet makes it appear longer, creating a very sporty image.

The latest series S600 will have a double chain transmission, into which its successor, the S800, will be integrated.

The S800, the pinnacle of the S series, is presented at the 1965 Tokyo Motor Show in convertible and coupé bodies, but the S600 will remain in production for another year until it reaches thirteen thousand units in total.

The S800 debuts with a new variant of the four-cylinder, with 791 cc and 70 hp at 8,000 rpm, giving it a top speed of 160 km/h. The relationships of the four-speed gearbox logically change and the first is already synchronized. The wheel sizes differ, but the suspensions are virtually identical to the S600.

Outwardly, the design of the S800 changes slightly. It is distinguished at first glance by the bulge on the hood, the optics on the front and the rear lights, and by a grille consisting of a black grille decorated with two chrome bars that receive the oval turn signals.

In May 1966 the double chain transmission was replaced by a more classic shaft drive. Models sold in Japan have drum brakes, but S800s for export have front discs.

In April 1968, the final evolution of the S800 arrived. Some unattractive side lights appear and the rear lights change. The chassis has been improved, the engine has been fitted with a new carburettor and the front discs are also included in the models sold in Japan. The front suspensions get some tweaks which, along with some new covers, serve to improve handling. The driver, reclining in the small seat, has before his eyes two large counters: the speedometer up to 200 km/h and the tachometer up to 10,000 rpm, with a white surface, not red, from 8500 rpm… And a sound that falls in love, a sound that will be appreciated by lovers of powerful Japanese motorcycles.

There is a small series of the S800 called Racing, with power increased to 103 hp, without bumpers, with magnesium wheels and a five-speed gearbox.

After 11,523 units, the S800 disappeared from the catalog in 1970, ending a saga that put Honda on four wheels.

Put yourself in a situation, think of a time when, apart from the cameras and motorcycles, the Japanese word related to cars was mentioned, caused over-the-shoulder looks in Europe… And the S800 was the prelude to which many things were about change.

“Well, you know, we all want to change the world. You tell me it’s evolution…’ (Well, you know, we all want to change the world. You tell me it’s evolution…), proclaimed the Beatles in 1968 with their ‘Revolution’ . And Honda was ready to revolutionize…

Source: La Verdad

Ida

I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.