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| 1973 Honda N600 as posted in the referenced article |
The oil crisis of the early seventies triggered the popularity of Japanese imports of which the featured Honda was one. This oil crisis precipitated the instigation of the US governments Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standard in 1975. It is this standard that we can thank for the introduction of many of our favorite econoboxes in the 80s and 90s.
I had four of these N600s over the course of about 15 years, all 1972 models. Two green ones, a red one for parts, and a nasty mustard yellow one to end the string. Really quirky, in an endearing way. 4-speed shifter hung from the bottom of the dash, roller bearing crank, and an honest 36 hp on tap from 36 cubic inches, but it required a little patience waiting for the pot to boil. Slow as Christmas, sometimes scary to drive in metro Atlanta traffic, but otherwise just a hoot. They've actually become sort of collectible lately. Bought my first one new for US$1475. Paid no more than $275 for any of the others. Can't get 'em for those prices now.
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