The Honda Z600 was a keicar coupe designed and built by Honda. It was sold between the years of 1970 and 1974, before the introduction of the Civic and after production of the N600 was halted. Total production was 40,586 units.
In Japan it was marketed as a keicar with an air cooled, 354 cc 2 cylinder engine with a 4 or 5 speed transmission driving the front wheels. Exported cars were given a 598 cc engine, which was rated at 35 hp (26 kW). The powerplant was almost humorously small, but it got excellent gas mileage, one car magazine recording 136 mpg (1.7 L/100 km) when they didn't exceed 30 mph (48 km/h), which came at almost the perfect time with a gasoline shortage looming.
Despite its small size and low powered engine, it had no problem maintaining freeway speeds and serving its purpose as a commuter. The only frequent complaint about the car was that it had a very harsh ride, which was largely due to its short wheelbase. The interior fit two adults comfortably, though the back seat was not nearly so.
The car featured a black plastic hatchback that revealed a small shallow boot. Below the boot was a locker that was accessed via a hatch hidden behind the number plate. This locker contained the spare wheel and tools.
Front suspension was coil sprung and independent the rear has leaf springs on a beam axle. The rear springing contributed to the poor handling. In the UK the Z600 was only available in orange with a black stripe up the side.
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