Rare cars in the Honda museum
Curtiss Special (1924) – The Embodiment of a Passion for Motorsports
The Curtiss Special is the ultimate racing car. These models were true works of art, combining power and elegance.
The Curtiss Special was built on a custom chassis. It was powered by an 8.2-liter overhead-valve Curtiss V8 engine, which was originally developed for aviation purposes. This engine stood out for its power and reliability, making it the ideal choice for a race car*.
Honda S360 (1962) – Innovation and Great Potential
The Honda S360 is a small sports car that became one of the first models in the company’s history. Its development incorporated cutting-edge technologies used in motorcycles. This was an important step in the evolution of the automotive industry.
The car was equipped with a 356-cubic-centimeter DOHC four-stroke engine. This engine boasted cutting-edge performance and delivered high power. The combination of chain-driven rear-wheel drive and the car’s light weight (just 510 kilograms) allowed it to achieve high performance and excellent handling on the road.
Honda S500 (1963) – Power and a Drive for Performance
The Honda S500 was one of the first cars to attract consumers with its high performance and power. The car was equipped with a 530-cubic-centimeter, direct-drive, four-cylinder engine featuring four carburetors and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC).
This model weighed 680 kilograms. With 44 l. s. of power, it could reach a speed of at least 85 miles per hour. The manufacturer’s previous experience in the production of motor vehicles was taken into account during the development of the car’s engine. As a result, the engine’s crankshaft is capable of reaching a peak speed of 9,500 revolutions per minute.
Honda N360 (1967) – Maximum Comfort in a Compact Package
The Honda N360 hatchback was designed by the manufacturer with maximum comfort in mind. This car offered a 30% increase in performance compared to competing models. Its 356-cubic-centimeter engine was air-cooled and located in the rear of the vehicle. The engine produced up to 31 l. s. Thanks to its 4-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive, the car delivered excellent performance and maneuverability.
Honda 1300 (1969) – Comfort, Substance, and Power
The Honda 1300 sedan was the largest car ever produced by the company; in the Deluxe trim, its dimensions reached 3,885 × 1,465 × 1,345 cm. The front-wheel-drive model was equipped with a 1.3-liter engine. The car featured an innovative air-cooling system.
Civic (1972) – A New Era of Compact Cars
The Honda Civic set a new standard for compact cars worldwide. A key feature of the 1972 Honda Civic was its innovative CVCC engine. As a result, in 1973 it became the brand’s first car to meet the new U.S. environmental standards. The new technology helped reduce emissions and ensured more efficient fuel combustion.
Honda Z (1970) – A Vibrant and Stylish Mini-SUV for the City
The Honda Z attracted attention with its unusual design; the models were painted in the bright colors popular in the 1970s. Initially, the cars were sold through motorcycle dealers, but later a more popular version of the Civic appeared on the market. The model was produced with various small engines, first air-cooled and later water-cooled. This city car offered a comfortable ride and excellent maneuverability.
Honda Beat (1991) – A Legend Among Sports Roadsters
The Honda Beat was the last model created by the original designer. It was one of the company’s first sports cars released after 1970. It attracted attention with its unique design and compact dimensions. The car was equipped with a 656 cc three-cylinder engine with a belt drive. Weighing just 760 kilograms and producing 63 l. s., the car offered excellent maneuverability and responsiveness. It could reach a top speed of 84 miles per hour.
Honda Indy 500 (2004)—A Spectacular Dominance and Success
This race car proved its effectiveness and reliability. The engine design was so successful that the following year, Toyota and Chevrolet withdrew from the IndyCar Series, leaving Honda as the sole manufacturer for five years.
Honda NSX at Le Mans (1995) – The Best Car for Challenging Conditions
In 1995, the car competed in the Le Mans race and won in its GT2 class. Among the Honda NSX’s design features were an aluminum chassis and body, as well as fully electronic power steering and a throttle pedal. The engine was equipped with titanium connecting rods, and the ignition system featured platinum spark plugs. Using this upgraded version, the Japanese team of specialists managed to stand out from the competition in the market.
