Honda

The Honda S500, introduced in October 1963, was Honda’s first passenger car and showcased the company’s motorcycle-inspired engineering philosophy. Developed from the unbuilt S360 prototype, the compact roadster featured a sophisticated twin-cam four-cylinder engine with four carburettors and an exceptionally high rev limit. Its unusual chain-driven independent rear suspension further reflected Honda’s background in motorcycle technology. In March 1964 the S500 evolved into the more powerful Honda S600, now fitted with a larger 606 cc engine. The S600 retained the lively character of its predecessor and became Honda’s first mass-marketed sports car, later also offered as a fastback coupé from 1965. It was additionally the first Honda officially sold in Europe, helping establish the brand internationally. Production of the S600 ended in 1966 as Honda introduced the even more powerful S800.