Honda S800 Racing

In the early 1960's, Honda began venturing into the world of motor car racing after it had received ovations in the manufacturing of motorcycles. In 1962 Honda revealed its first four wheeled vehicles, the S360 and S500, at a Japanese motor show. Capitalizing on advanced technical know-how gained in the motorcycle World Grand Prix races, Honda's aluminum four cylinder DOHC engine boasted a crankshaft rotating on needle roller bearings. The top-of-the-line 2-seat sports car S800 debuted in a 1965 motor show and appeared on the markets in January of the following year. The high revving engine was capable of yielding 70 horsepower, propelling the lightweight 710kg vehicle up to 160km/h. Right after its debut, numerous S800s were observed in various motorsport events such as gymkhana, hill-climb and circuit races, showing off its tremendous performance. Among them, RSC (Racing Service Club) tuned S800 was one of the most successful versions. Its doors, front hood and trunk lid were changed to aluminum ones, and a low and sleek hard top, specially made by RSC, contributed to obtain even better aerodynamics. The engine was coupled with a racing-type carburetor specially designed by RSC to yield more power. With its many successes, not only on domestic tracks but also on tracks overseas, the S800 Racing was one of the earliest example of the Honda's success in the motorsports history.