Description
Description and strengths of this model: - More than 40 years of history - Less than 80, 000 original km - Mechanics completely rebuilt 10, 000 km ago - Sound chassis and base Experienced motorbike manufacturer, Honda decided to enter the automotive sector in the 1960s. After 2 models produced exclusively for the Japanese market, Honda produced the S800 and launched itself on the European market with a technology that was very different from that used on the old continent. The model surprised, seduced and quickly became a collector's item. Originally from the French market, this Honda S800, launched on 10 May 1967, is one of the rare coupé versions of the Japanese car still in good condition. The well-preserved bodywork is in very good condition, but the chrome on the front and rear and on the rims is slightly corroded. The bodywork is finished in Alpine Blue, which is not the original colour, and numerous stickers add a sporty touch to the car. Having passed through the hands of 5 different owners, this Honda S800 was sold in 1990 after being held for 23 years by its first owner, and then in 2008, 2011, January 2016 and April 2016. The interior of this example is in very good condition, well preserved by its various owners despite its great age. The black upholstery is of good quality and in good condition with no major signs of wear. The 3-spoke steering wheel and dashboard, with its corked aluminium centre console, are in perfect condition, and all the on-board instrumentation is functional. Renowned in part for its astonishing engine that can reach over 9, 000 rpm and a rare sound for 78 hp, the mechanics of the Honda S800 give this model a real soul. Our model is in perfect working order. It benefited from a complete mechanical overhaul for its 70, 000 km, and now has 79, 000 km on the clock. All the chassis components are sound and the various opening parts are well aligned. Maintained by classic car specialists, this Honda S800 has a history spanning more than 40 years, with a full file of invoices. Last serviced in 2021, the tyres and brakes are in good condition. Model History: The 1967 Honda S800 coupé is an iconic model, representing one of Honda's earliest forays into the automotive sector, having been preceded only by the S500 and S600. Rooted in a quest for precision and performance, it exemplifies the technical ingenuity and vision of the brand's founder, Soichiro Honda. The S800 emerged in the context of the 1960s, a period characterised by economic expansion and technical innovation in Japan. First unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1965, it was initially available as a roadster, but the coupé followed shortly afterwards in 1967. Under the bonnet, the S800 was powered by a 791cc DOHC in-line four-cylinder engine capable of generating 78bhp at 8000rpm. The engine's small displacement was offset by a lightweight design, enabling the car to reach speeds in excess of 160 km/ h. Fuel consumption was estimated at around 7 litres per 100 km, a remarkable performance for the time. The sophisticated suspension system, comprising torsion bars at the front and a rigid axle at the rear, provided an optimum balance between comfort and handling. Disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear ensured effective braking that matched the vehicle's performance. Its compact, elegant design, with clean lines and harmonious proportions, stood in stark contrast to competing models of the time. The simple yet refined body design, with its attention to detail, reflected Honda's commitment to quality and style. Production of the S800 was challenged by the strict emissions and safety standards that began to be imposed in international markets, particularly in the USA. As a result, production of the S800 ended in 1970, after approximately 11, 536 units had been produced. The S800's influence transcends its physical existence; it paved the way for Honda's global expansion as a car manufacturer. As such, it remains a symbol of Honda's precise engineering and innovation, serving as a fundamental pillar in the brand's evolution. The 1967 Honda S800 coupé remains a masterpiece of automotive history, embodying a period of optimism, technological advancement and stylistic refinement. Its advanced technical features, timeless design and enduring heritage are all testament to the...
