1965 Honda S800 Coupe - The High-Revving Rebel That Put Japan on the Map

In post-war Japan, Honda was already dominating the motorcycle scene with high-revving engineering and Grand Prix wins under its belt - but the real turning point came in the late 1950s. Behind the scenes, murmurs within Japan’s Ministry of International Trade and Industry hinted at closing the door to new automotive entrants after 1961. The move was meant to consolidate the market, preserve keiretsu powerhouses, and keep the national focus on postwar recovery. But Honda, ever the outsider and always the racer at heart, wasn’t about to be boxed out.

Instead of waiting to see how the political chips would fall, Honda’s leadership, led by the legendary Soichiro Honda himself, pushed two moonshot programs into overdrive: the T360 Kei-truck - quirky, compact, and commercial - and something more ambitious: the S-series sports cars. First came the S360 prototype (never sold), followed closely by the S500, a machine that turned heads not just because it came from a motorcycle company, but because it revved to 9,500 rpm. That was unheard of for a street car at the time, especially one with chain-driven rear wheels and a DOHC setup inspired by racing tech.

The S-series evolved quickly, culminating in the S800, which brought 100 mph performance and jewel-like reliability to the table. Hand-assembled, lightweight, and race-proven, the S800, a novelty, became Honda’s declaration that they belonged in the conversation with the greats.

And here’s the kicker most people miss: had that regulatory threat never surfaced, Honda might’ve stayed in its motorcycle comfort zone. Instead, it lit the fuse that ignited Japan’s sports car revolution. A revolution that would eventually lead to legends like the NSX, the S2000, and yes, even influence the modern GT-R and Supra philosophies. In many ways, the S800 is the grandfather of JDM greatness.

Let’s get something straight: the 1965 Honda S800 wasn’t built to play nice. It was built to prove a point - and it did, with an 8500 rpm snarl and a precision that most European rivals of the era could only dream of. While the rest of the world was still treating Japanese automakers like upstarts, Honda showed up with this - a chain-driven, high-revving, engineering-overkill masterpiece in a tailored coupe shell.

And it didn't just show up. It outperformed. It outlasted. And now, it's out-collecting.

This isn’t your average “cute classic” for Sunday coffee runs. Under the bonnet is an inline-four 791cc DOHC screamer producing 70 horsepower. Doesn't sound like much until you realize it weighs just 771 kg, revs to 8500 rpm, and handles like it’s wired directly into your nervous system.

Honda was obsessed - roller-bearing crankshaft, quad carbs, dual cams, and a redline most cars wouldn’t dare dream of until decades later. Early examples (like this one) were even equipped with a motorcycle-style chain final drive and independent rear suspension. Who else would have had the vision - and audacity - to attempt that back in the ’60s?

It’s the kind of car you don’t just drive - you wring it out. And it begs you to do it again.

The S800 Coupe has presence. Long hood, short deck, delicate curves - nothing flashy, but everything just right. The coupe variant gave it a bit more bite and poise compared to the roadster.

Inside? All analog. All business. Thin-rimmed wheel, crisp gauges, close-set pedals. It’s not trying to coddle you. It’s inviting you to connect. Every bolt feels intentional. Every sound from that little motor feels earned.

This particular S800 Coupe comes with serious provenance. Originally registered at Sherwood Garage in Birmingham, it found its way to South Africa before landing here in Singapore. Along the way, it’s been properly rebuilt - engine, drivetrain, gearbox, suspension, brakes - you name it. It's been loved, not just kept.

You’re getting a battle-tested, expertly maintained survivor that’s ready to be driven, shown, or simply admired as the work of automotive art it is.

Here’s what the seasoned collectors already recognize: Japanese classics are solidifying their place as smart, future-proof investments. The Honda S800 is steering the movement.

The S800 marks a pivotal chapter in Honda’s transition from motorcycles to world-class sports cars, making it a cornerstone piece for any serious collection. The Classic.com Market Benchmark (CMB) data reveals a growing appreciation for the model, reflecting its historical significance and rarity.

In short: if you’re looking for a historically significant, mechanically delightful, and increasingly rare icon to put your money into - you just found it. While everyone else is still chasing 911s and soft-roading Defenders, the sharp eyes are locking onto rare, technically brilliant machines like this. Especially examples with restoration pedigree, low production numbers, and a story worth telling.

The S800 was Honda's mic-drop moment, long before VTEC hit the streets and Type R became a badge of honor. It’s the car that proved Honda wasn’t here to make appliances. It was here to build legends.
If you know, you know. If you don’t - well, this one isn’t for you then.

But if you want a car that:

...then this 1965 S800 Coupe is your kind of car.

Auto Icons curates machines that matter. Machines that shaped eras, challenged norms, and like this Honda that punches far above its weight. If you're looking to invest in rare, appreciating icons with impeccable provenance, we are your trusted curator for international buyers. This 1965 Honda S800 Coupe has been spoken for - but if you're looking for something with this level of heritage, rarity, and charm, private viewings are available by appointment via Whatsapp, email, or on the contact form.