What is the oldest Honda car?
Honda, a name synonymous with reliability and innovation, has a rich history in the automotive world. While today Honda is known for its diverse lineup of cars, motorcycles, and power equipment, it all began with a single vehicle that marked the company's entry into the automobile market. In this article, we’ll explore the oldest Honda car and its significance in automotive history.
The Honda T360: Honda's First Production Car
The oldest Honda car is the Honda T360, a small pickup truck that debuted in 1963. This vehicle marked Honda's transition from being a motorcycle manufacturer to an automobile producer. The T360 was a kei truck, a category of small vehicles in Japan designed to comply with specific size and engine displacement regulations.
Key Features of the Honda T360
The Honda T360 was a groundbreaking vehicle for its time, showcasing Honda's engineering prowess and innovative spirit. Here are some of its notable features:
- Engine: The T360 was powered by a 356cc, four-cylinder, DOHC engine, which was unusual for kei trucks at the time. It produced 30 horsepower and could reach a top speed of 62 mph.
- Design: The T360 had a compact and functional design, making it ideal for small businesses and urban use.
- Production: The T360 was produced from 1963 to 1967, with approximately 108,920 units manufactured during its run.
- Variants: The T360 came in several body styles, including a flatbed and a covered van, catering to different customer needs.
The T360's innovative design and engineering set the stage for Honda's future success in the automotive industry. It demonstrated Honda's ability to create reliable and efficient vehicles, even in its earliest days.
The Legacy of the Honda T360
The Honda T360 holds a special place in automotive history as Honda's first production car. It paved the way for the company's expansion into the global automobile market and laid the foundation for iconic models like the Honda Civic and Accord. Today, the T360 is a collector's item and a symbol of Honda's humble beginnings and ambitious vision.
In conclusion, the Honda T360 is not just the oldest Honda car but also a testament to the company's innovative spirit and commitment to quality. Its legacy continues to inspire Honda's modern vehicles, making it a significant milestone in the history of automotive engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Honda N600 a Civic?
The classic N600 still lives on in the garages of vintage car enthusiasts. And its spirit lives on in its iconic successor: the Honda Civic. The Civic line has been leading the way for affordable small sedans for three decades.
How much did the Honda N600 cost?
The 599 cc Honda N600 was launched in late 1967, offering 42 hp and a claimed top speed of over 80 mph. U.S. price was $1,275 at launch, and $1,522 with an automatic transmission.
How much did a Honda 50 cost in 1964?
“The price of a Honda 50 was $295.
What was the first thing Honda made?
1948 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. is established with co-founders Soichiro Honda and Takeo Fujisawa and introduces (in 1949) its first original designed and engineered product which Mr. Honda appropriately names the "Dream" D-type motorcycle.
What was the first Honda car in the US?
The N600
The N600, the first Honda car sold in the U.S., was marketed through American Honda's motorcycle sales network. In those days, N600s were displayed alongside their two-wheeled cousins.
What is Honda's most iconic car?
The Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is one of the most important automobiles in the history of Honda and the automotive industry. Without the Civic, you could not understand the evolution in the compact vehicle segment. It all started in 1972 when a small 2-door coupe appeared in Japan.
What is the oldest Honda model?
Honda Motor Company grew in a short time to become the world's largest manufacturer of motorcycles by 1964. The first production automobile from Honda was the T360 mini pick-up truck, which went on sale in August 1963.
What does Honda mean in Japanese?
root ricefield
Honda (Hondo) (written: 本田 literally "root ricefield" or "origin ricefield", 本多 lit.
What was Honda's first luxury car?
Acura
1986: Legend-ary
The first Honda luxury car is launched – along with, in the USA, a new brand to sell it under: Acura. This makes Honda the first Japanese car company to launch a standalone premium division.
What was Hyundai's first car?
the Cortina
In 1968, the Cortina was the very first vehicle successfully assembled by Hyundai at its Ulsan plant, in cooperation with Ford Motor Company.
