S800 COUPE (KE KG KF KT KB KU KP KD KA KC KO)
Number of cylinders: 4 (twin OHC) Cubic capacity: 791cc C/R: 9.2:1 BHP: 70 Maximum speed: 100mph Fuel tank capacity 6.6 Imp gals Kerb weight: 756.8kg. More of a novelty when first imported into Europe in 1966, that novelty value of the S800 though was soon tempered with respect for the exquisite engineering integrity that allowed a mere car engine to rev safely to 8500rpm and with exotic DOHC valve actuation! This coupe model followed the Sports drop-head a year later. The car handled poorly by European standards but many specialist companies soon offered suspension and damper systems and these models soon found themselves competing against much larger sports cars on track and sprint hill climbs. Honda themselves offered tuning kits which although did not do much for the handling certainly lightened the car and increased the power and with a close ratio 5 speed gear box helped to keep the peaky engine within its power band. The engine was so strong that Brabham racing built the BT18 model using a tuned version of the engine, and went on to win many Formula 3 World championship events. The S800 also possessed an intoxicating exhaust note, more reminiscent of Honda’s Grand Prix motorcycles than a sports car. From # AS800CF-1000753~
