HONDA S800 Inevitably, Honda's early cars echoed motor cycle practices, and none more so that th

Inevitably, Honda's early cars echoed motor cycle practices, and none more so that the little sports cars which spread the name of this then-new car manufacturer widely during the mid-1960s. High-revving engines, with needle roller cranks and con-rod bear-ings and very close tolerances, were the norm for the little Hondas and most sports Hondas had chain final drive, none of these features being commonly favoured among the majority of the world's automotive manufacturers. The first cars had a 360cc engine (33bhp at 9000rpm) or a 492cc 40bhp unit, a five-speed gearbox and chain drive from the differen-tial via outboard sprockets — housed in 'chain cases' which ensured correct alignment and acted as trailing link suspension members —to each of the rear wheels. The first Honda car exported to Europe was the S500, which had a 531cc 44bhp engine. The neat aluminium chain-driven ohc engine was then taken out to 606cc, to give 57bhp at 8500rpm in the S600 of 1964. This model had a 145kph (90mph) top speed. In the 5800 engine she was further increased, to 791cc: this gave 70bhp at 8000rpm, with a wider torque band than the smaller unit and hence less need for constant gear-changing (four gears were standard, a five-speed gearbox being optional in this model). A conventional hypoid bevel transmission was fitted. The suspension, ifs and live rear axle, gave good handling but the ride varied con-siderably according to load. The cockpit was inevitably a little more cramped than that of the S800's rivals, such as the Midget, but it was better equipped. In performance terms it matched those market sector rivals, which had larger engines, with a maximum speed of 155kph (95mph). Always more popular in export markets than in its native Japan through its 1967-70 life, the S800 became familiar in open and coupe forms. It was also raced at both club and international level, enjoying some success, particularly in class awards. After 1970, however, Honda's attentions turned to larger models (based on the Civic range) and the 5800 seemed to fade away rapidly while out-wardly similar British models with considerably less advanced engines continued to find buyers.

Specification Engine: straight-four; 60 x 70mm, 791cc; twin ohc; four Keihin carburettors; 70bhp at 8000rpm. Gearbox: four-speed manual. Chassis: ladder frame, with separate body; front suspension independent by wishbones, longitudinal torsion bars, dampers and anti-roll bar; rear suspension by live axle, trailing arms, Panhard rod, coil springs and dampers; disc front/drum rear brakes. Dimensions: wheelbase 200cm/78i in; front track 116cm/45-iin; rear track 118cm/461in.