| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Lightweight Sports Car / Roadster |
| Released At | 1966 |
| Built At | Hamamatsu, Japan |
| Engine | 0.8L Inline-4 (AS800E) |
| Position | Front-Engine, Longitudinal |
| Aspiration | Natural Aspiration |
| Block Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder |
| Fuel Feed | Twin Keihin Carburetors |
| Displacement | 791 cc / 48.3 cu in |
| Power | 70 hp / 52 kW @ 8000 rpm |
| Specific Output | 88.5 hp per liter |
| Torque | 66 Nm / 49 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm |
| Top Speed | 160 km/h / 99 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | 13.5 seconds |
| 0 – 100 km/h | 13.9 seconds |
| Body / Frame | Steel Body on Ladder Frame |
| Driven Wheels | RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive) |
| Wheel Type | Steel Wheels with Chrome Hubcaps |
| Front Tires | 5.20-13 |
| Rear Tires | 5.20-13 |
| Front Brakes | Drum Brakes (early) / Disc Brakes (later) |
| Rear Brakes | Drum Brakes |
| Front Wheels | 13 x 4.5 in |
| Rear Wheels | 13 x 4.5 in |
| Front Suspension | Independent with Coil Springs and Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Live Axle with Radius Rods and Coil Springs |
| Curb Weight | 720 kg / 1587 lbs |
| Weight Distribution | Front 53% / Rear 47% (approx.) |
| Wheelbase | 2000 mm / 78.7 in |
| Length | 3335 mm / 131.3 in |
| Width | 1400 mm / 55.1 in |
| Height | 1200 mm / 47.2 in |
| Transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | 6.0 L/100 km / 39.2 mpg (US) |
| Fuel Capacity | 31 liters / 8.2 gallons |

Honda’s First 100+ mph Car The Honda S800, introduced in 1966, was Honda’s first production car capable of exceeding 100 mph (160 km/h) — a major milestone for the young automaker.
High-Revving Engine Inspired by Motorcycles The S800 featured a 791cc inline-4 engine with a roller-bearing crankshaft and dual overhead cams, revving up to a screaming 9,500 rpm, reflecting Honda’s motorcycle racing heritage.
Compact Yet Capable Powerplant Despite its tiny size, the S800 produced 70 horsepower, giving it impressive performance for a sub-1.0L car, and earning it the nickname “mini-Ferrari”.
Available as a Coupe or Roadster Honda offered the S800 in both open-top roadster and fixed-roof coupe versions, catering to buyers who wanted either sporty fun or a slightly more practical grand tourer.
Early Models Had Chain Drive and Independent Rear Suspension The first versions of the S800 (like the S600) had a chain-driven rear axle and IRS, before Honda switched to a conventional driveshaft and live axle setup in later models for simplicity.
Weighed Under 800 kg (1,760 lbs) Thanks to its ultralight construction, the S800 delivered nimble handling, quick acceleration, and outstanding fuel economy for the time.
Impressive Fuel Efficiency In addition to performance, the S800 was highly fuel-efficient, achieving over 35 mpg (US), making it both fun and practical — rare for sports cars of its era.
Advanced Instrumentation and Interior for Its Class The S800 had full instrumentation, a wood-rimmed steering wheel, and sporty bucket seats, giving it a more premium and race-inspired feel compared to its rivals.
Competed with European Roadsters The S800 directly challenged cars like the MG Midget, Austin-Healey Sprite, and Triumph Spitfire, often outperforming them with less displacement.
A Rare and Collectible Classic Today Only around 11,500 S800s were produced, making it rare outside Japan. Clean examples are now highly collectible, prized for their unique engineering and retro charm.

Honda S800 (1966–1970) – EU Price Guide (2024)
The Honda S800 is a rare and beloved Japanese classic, known for its high-revving 800cc inline-4 engine, precise handling, and timeless design. With only 11,536 units produced, it’s a rising star in the collector market. Here’s the latest EU pricing and trends:
1. Price Ranges (EUR, Mid-2024)
By Condition & Model
Honda S800 Coupe (Rarer, More Valuable)
Project Car (needs full restoration): €15,000 – €30,000(Rust in floors, fenders, or missing parts.)
Good Driver (running, minor flaws): €30,000 – €50,000
Concours-Quality (fully restored): €50,000 – €80,000+
Honda S800 Roadster (More Common, Slightly Less Valuable)
Project: €12,000 – €25,000
Driver-Quality: €25,000 – €45,000
Show-Quality: €45,000 – €70,000+
Special Models
Early "Silver Top" Engine (1966–1967): +10–15% premium.
RHD (Japanese Domestic Market): Often €5k–€10k cheaper than LHD EU-spec cars.
2. Key Factors Affecting Value
✅ Originality
Matching-Numbers Engine (800cc, 71hp): Critical for top value.
Factory Colors (Honda Silver Blue, Milano Red) fetch premiums.
✅ Rust & Structural Issues
Critical Areas: Floor pans, wheel arches, trunk lid.
Replacement Body Panels: Rare—check for hand-fabricated repairs.
✅ Provenance
Japanese Auction Sheets (if imported) help verify mileage/history.
Original Handbook & Tools: Adds €2k–€5k to value.
3. Where to Buy in the EU?
Classifieds: Mobile.de, Classic Trader.
Japanese Importers: Specialists like Japanese Classic Cars or The Import Guys.
Honda Clubs: Honda S800 Club Europe (private sales).
4. Market Trends
📈 Steady Appreciation:
Prices up 10–15% yearly since 2020 (now €40k+ for clean Roadsters).
Coupes rarer—demand rising faster than Roadsters.
⚠️ Watch Out For:
Fake Mileage: Common on JDM imports (verify via auction sheets).
Engine Swaps: Original 800cc engine is key—avoid S600/S2000 conversions.
5. Replicas & Tributes
No significant replica market (unlike Cobras), but check for: S600-based "clones" (less valuable). Non-original paint/trim (hurts resale).
Pro Tip: A compression test is a must—the S800’s engine is robust but expensive to rebuild (€10k+ if worn).
(Fun Fact: The S800 revs to 9,500 rpm—higher than most modern supercars!)
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