In the world of small sports cars, the Honda S500 is a legend. Born from an unbridled ambition and a strong taste for performance, it marked Honda’s debut in the automotive industry. A roadster with undeniable charm that, despite its short career, paved the way for a new era for the Japanese manufacturer.
The beginnings of an icon
Honda, now perceived as a titan of the automotive industry, is ultimately just a young player in this world, with barely 60 years of existence in car manufacturing. Its story truly begins with the S500, a model that embodies all the boldness and innovation of the brand.
Before venturing into the automotive adventure, Honda had already proven itself as a motorcycle manufacturer. As early as 1959, it surpassed NSU to become the world’s largest manufacturer by production volume. Not bad for a company founded in 1948!
The path to the S500
However, not everything was easy. Before the S500, Honda had already produced the T360, a small kei truck, but the brand’s story in the automotive sector really begins with the S500 roadster. Indeed, in post-war Japan, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) sought to streamline the automotive market, threatening Honda’s ambitions.
Soichiro Honda, the founder, a car enthusiast since childhood, could not bear to see his dream stifled by restrictive laws. In 1958, he secretly launched an automotive development program, defying MITI and committing to making Honda a key player in the automotive world.
Daring engineering
To design the S500, Honda did not cut corners. Rather than giving in to ease, the R&D team experimented with several mechanical solutions before opting for a water-cooled DOHC inline four-cylinder engine, fed by four carburetors. At a time when kei cars were often powered by rudimentary two-stroke engines, Honda bet on sophistication.
With a rear-wheel-drive chassis and innovative architecture, the S500 stands out for its dynamic road behavior. Choosing a roadster was bold for the time, but it allowed Honda to make a splash at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1962, where the S500 made a strong impression.
A memorable launch
Officially presented at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1963, the S500 represents Honda’s first non-kei vehicle. Although compact, it was not meant to be too small; a slightly larger model was therefore developed, leading to the S500. Sales began in January 1964, but production was quickly overshadowed by that of the S600, which followed shortly after.
The S500’s engine underwent some last-minute adjustments: initially planned with a displacement of 492 cc to develop 40 horsepower, it was ultimately increased to 531 cc to reach 44 horsepower at its launch. A small beast capable of reaching 130 km/h, an achievement for the time!
A fleeting but significant legacy
Despite its short career, the S500 played a crucial role in Honda’s rise among Japanese manufacturers. Although limited in production and reserved for the Japanese market, it symbolizes a period when Honda defied conventions and established itself in a nascent automotive landscape.
The brand had to face challenges, including the importation of canvas roofs for its roadsters, as no local company was capable of producing these elements at the time. But regardless, the quality of the design and engineering allowed the S500 to stand out.
The mystery of the numbers
How many S500s were sold during its first year? The figures vary between 500 and 1300 units according to sources. In any case, it is clear that this roadster has become a prized collector’s item, especially today when it is harder to find than some legendary models like the Toyota 2000GT.
Surviving examples are few and far between, and those who have had the chance to see one in pristine condition can attest to the timeless beauty of this model. A roadster with an engine capable of reaching 8000 rpm certainly deserves to be taken for a spin!
Conclusion
The Honda S500 is more than just a car: it represents the beginning of a fascinating and inspiring automotive adventure. If you come across an S500 in your life, take a moment to admire this little masterpiece that has so much to tell. It is much more than a museum piece; it is a living legend that continues to inspire generations of enthusiasts.
