Honda 600 Coupe 1972
I was not going to dwell in my past in this log, but I came across these old pictures of my Honda 600 Coupe and I couldn't resist revisiting it, since people still don't understand how great the car was. Before the civic, Honda, still a motorcylce company only, imported two 600 models this size. One was a squared off sedan, and this coupe, in green or bright orange.
I paid $1795 plus tax! It had 4 wheel disk anti-lock brakes, (comment corrected me to say it had front disks and rear drums) Michelin tires, 50mpg, hatchback, 600cc, front wheel drive, 5 speed, bucket seats, and pretty spirited. The second picture shows it beside the gargantuan Dodge Polara we had at the time. I drove it all over the state of Virginia, had very few repairs for about three years.
It was designed as a "throw-away car", according to early automotive lore. The idea was that Honda thought America was ready for a car cheap enough to drive a few years, junk it, then get a new one.
But the government spoiled that by requiring safer bumpers, lights, etc. and after adding these improvements, they had to design it bigger, forcing them to abandon these in favor of the Civic models.
Martha and Honda overlooking the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. Note the spiffy flag. We drove it through the first Lion country safari at Busch Gardens before they put in the monorail and a giraffe took a bite out of that flag. I kid you not.
Did I mention that is was a SMALL car? The maneuverability saved me one time when I veered out of line to avoid a 4 car queeze-play on a on-ramp to the interstate. I know larger vehicles have a safety advantage in a wreck, but I felt quite safe in this, I remember.
8 comments:
I remember this car! What amazed me was that there was actually a back seat, tiny though it was. I remember trying to imagine how small the Japanese children must be, who that seat was designed for. I pictured miniature humans, like little pixies, sitting back there with their legs dangling.
I have always loved little cars. I have a Toyota Echo now, but wish I were driving a SmartCar.
That's funny, when I thought of the tiny back seat, I always pictured a japanese person in the fetal poition. It was good for a dog, or groceries, but real people did get in it occasionally. Another story about this car was that I was working for Richmond Power Eqpt. at the time, and a salesman friend rolled me up on his flatbed trailer normally used for sample lawn tractors, and we traveled to a show about 60 miles away.
Your Honda looks to be just a little smaller than the Chevy Metro which I am driving now. Kali just traded in her leased SUV for the new Chevy Aveo, which looks, at first glance, like a Honda. Nice car!
Do you think people choose cars because of the names? For instance, didn't you raise chickens in the backyard when you owned the Coupe. And Leah's Echo is the perfect car for a singer. I had a Geo when I was doing lots of gardening, but now living in a city of 1 million, I own a Metro. Though I really don't know why John has a VW Golf.
You might have a connection here. Lets see, Dad had the Pacer once, might be able to connect that. Our buick century should belong to Grandma, and, well I can't push this any further tonight.
Some folks out there are STILL having fun with their Honda 600 Coupes... www.honda600coupe.com
BTW, your "four wheel disc antilock brakes" description is a bit of wishful thinking - actually just front wheel disc brakes, rear drums.
There might be something to this car model name theory. I drive a Chrysler Sebring and it's also my favorite season!
I reread this blog recently (May, '06) and am nostagic for this car even though I never had one.
I'll bet we all have cars we wish we STILL had.
My first car was a black Chevy Nova convertable, accented with chrome striping. Very cool car. The other ones I'd like still own are: a red VW microbus with factory camper conversion and a solid-as-a-rock '39 Chrysler with "suicide doors"
Ah, yes. Hard to avoid car infatuation.
-SMB
When I was a little girl in the 70's my dad had a bright yellow one. Always loved it! I got really mad wouldn't talk to him for days when he sold it. Now I have one of my own. I had two but couldn't save the other one! Love my bright orange little honda!! Thanks for posting. Love to see them.
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