1972 Honda 600 Coupe Z600

Description

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This “Pop Orange” Honda was bought new on August 1, 1972 Enderson Motor Co. in Burien Washington. According to the documents that came with the car, the original owner used a Honda SL70 motorcycle plus $150 cash for his down payment. The story goes that the car was towed behind a motorhome for years. As a result, although there are just over 100,000 miles on the odometer, mechanically the car has been driven far fewer. The original owner garaged the car when it was not being used until shortly before he sold it when he was parked it outside under a cover.

If you’re reading this you probably know but just in case – the Honda 600 Coupe and Sedan were the first automobiles marketed in the United States by Honda Motor Co., Inc. These little 2-cylinder air-cooled cars were the precursor to the Civic that launched in ’73.

In 2005 a gentleman in Oregon purchased the car from the original owner then offered it for sale. I bought it from him in May of that year.

When I acquired the car I replaced the CV boots, had the brake booster, master cylinder and wheels cylinders overhauled, replaced the front and rear brake hoses, cleaned the fuel tank, overhauled the carburetor and installed new tires. The car roared back to life and has been driven sparingly for the last 13 years and garaged while not in use. In 2012 the car was treated to a tune-up by Tim Mings, noted 600 specialist. Plugs, point and condenser were replaced, as was the fuel pump.

This car is certainly unique but what makes this one stand out from the rest is that it’s an original survivor. It still wears its factory paint that polished up nicely. Does it have some patina from years of being towed behind a motorhome? Yes. But cars are only original once and I have tried my best to keep it that way. The paint on the front of the car – especially below the bumper - has suffered from road debris. There are small spots on the body that have surface rust but in the Oregon climate that is hard to avoid. There are a few small dents here and there but I elected to enjoy the car in its current state and people love it just the way it is! There is some light pitting on the chrome-plated parts – a bit heavier on the rear bumper. The next owner might elect to give it a new paint job. If so, there isn’t any of the structural rust that commonly plagues these little cars. Left as is or restored – this is an amazing little piece of history.

This interior is original as well with the exception of a carpet kit that was meticulously crafted to look just like the original. All the lights and gauges work as they should as does the AM radio and overhead console with map light. Items commonly damaged or lost are present in the car like the covers for the rearsetback latches and the plastic panel in the cargoarea covering the tail lights. Please have a close look at all the detailed photos.

I did dress the car up a bit by replacing the front Honda emblem, front grill and rear license plate holder with new old stock parts from Honda. I recently powercoated the wheels to look factory fresh.

I have owned Honda 600s since the 70’s and I can tell you they are a joy to drive! The 2-cylinder air-cooled four-stroke engine is rated at about 35 hp so you won’t be breaking any acceleration records but what they lack in off the line performance they more than make up for in personality and curb appeal. The transmission and clutch are operating as they should. This Coupe is running and driving great and recently had its rear wheel cylinders replaced so it stops as well as it goes.

The car comes with terrific documentation like the original window sticker, bill of sale, owner’s manual and warranty booklet as well as the installation instructions for the factory AM radio, the jack and tool kit. Even the original keys are included! I’m going to miss this little car but it’s time for someone else to enjoy it.

This is a great opportunity to own and enjoy an iconic Japanese kei car that started it all for Honda in the US. We want there to be no misunderstandings or disappointments. This is a 46 year old automobile that have been driven and enjoyed. I have done my best to represent it accurately. The personalized "Z600" plates are not included with the sale. The winner of the auction is purchasing it as-is - no warranty is offered. The buyer is responsible for local pick-up and/or transport of the vehicle. I reserve the right to end the auction early as the car is for sale locally. Payment should be a bank-issued cashier's check or wire transfer. A non-refundable $500 deposit is due within 24 hours after the auction. Balance must be settled within 7 days. Please ask all questions before the auction ends.