The 1971 Honda N600 “Woodie” Wagon is a fascinating example of an early Japanese compact car that was unique not just for its engineering but also for its quirky styling. The Honda N600 itself was a small, economy-focused vehicle, produced by Honda between 1967 and 1972. The 1971 version of this car stands out even more due to its rare “Woodie” wagon variant, which incorporated elements of wood paneling—a styling trend inspired by luxury station wagons popular in the mid-20th century.
Key Features and Characteristics of the 1971 Honda N600 ‘Woodie’ Wagon
Engine and Performance:
- The Honda N600 was powered by a 602 cc, air-cooled, 4-cylinder engine, which was a small, efficient powerplant. It produced about 36 horsepower and was paired with a 4-speed manual transmission, giving the car its basic, utilitarian performance characteristics.
- The small engine and light weight made the N600 very economical, perfect for urban environments and markets that prioritized fuel efficiency, especially during an era when gas prices were becoming more of a concern.
- The N600’s performance was modest—0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) was achieved in just under 20 seconds, with a top speed of around 65 mph (105 km/h). While not a performance car by any stretch, the N600 was designed for practicality and was more than capable of handling city driving.
Design and Styling:
- The 1971 Honda N600 is a subcompact car with classic 1960s design lines—a compact, boxy shape that was very common for small economy cars of that era. It had a short, upright stance, short overhangs, and a wide track, all contributing to its compact and functional appearance.
- The “Woodie” wagon version of the N600 stood out because of its wood paneling on the sides of the car. This feature was inspired by the luxury wood-panel wagons that were popular in the U.S. during the 1940s and 1950s, especially in cars like the Ford Country Squire.
- The wood panels were made from vinyl that imitated real wood, which was a common practice in the era for creating a “woodie” look without the heavy cost and maintenance of actual wood. The use of wood-style panels gave the car a unique and slightly whimsical appeal, making it a standout among the more utilitarian designs of the time.
- The front grille was simple, with the Honda emblem prominently displayed, and the round headlights gave the car a charming, vintage look. The small, boxy design of the body was well-suited for tight urban spaces, with a modest rear hatch opening up into a small but surprisingly practical cargo area.
Interior and Features:
- The interior of the 1971 Honda N600 was basic but functional. It was designed for economy and efficiency, with simple upholstery, a basic dashboard, and essential features only. The “Woodie” version had a somewhat more upscale feel thanks to the faux wood paneling that gave the interior a more classic, vintage atmosphere.
- The interior space was tight, typical for cars of its class. The front seats were designed for basic comfort with very little in the way of luxury or high-end features. However, the N600 made the most of its limited space, with a surprisingly roomy rear area, which could be used for cargo or an additional set of rear-facing seats.
- The dashboard was utilitarian, with a large speedometer, fuel gauge, and a few other basic controls, such as the heater and windshield wiper controls. There were no fancy digital displays or advanced features, but it was simple and easy to operate.
Handling and Suspension:
- The 1971 Honda N600 featured a simple front-wheel-drive layout, with a 4-wheel independent suspension, which made it stable and maneuverable for its size. The car was designed to be very light, and the N600 excelled in tight turns and urban driving.
- With its small size, the N600 was highly agile and perfect for crowded city streets. The steering was light, and the short wheelbase made it easy to park and navigate through traffic. However, because of its small engine and light frame, it wasn’t built for high-speed driving or aggressive handling.
Fuel Efficiency:
- One of the standout features of the Honda N600 was its exceptional fuel efficiency. It was designed to be an economical car, and its small engine paired with the lightweight design made it highly fuel-efficient. Drivers could expect to get around 40-50 miles per gallon (mpg), making it an ideal car for those looking to save on fuel costs during a time when gas prices were climbing.
Legacy and Impact:
- The 1971 Honda N600 was one of the first Japanese cars to gain significant attention in the U.S. market. It showcased Honda’s ability to create small, efficient, and reliable cars that were perfect for urban environments, especially at a time when American automakers were largely focused on larger, less fuel-efficient vehicles.
- While the Honda N600 was small and not particularly powerful, it laid the groundwork for Honda’s success in the U.S. It showed that Japanese automakers could compete with American and European brands in the small car market, which was becoming increasingly popular during the 1960s and 1970s.
- The “Woodie” wagon version of the N600 was a rare and quirky take on a typically utilitarian vehicle, and it remains a collector’s item today. The wood paneling, though vinyl and not real wood, gave the car a distinctive and charming character that set it apart from other compact cars of the era.
- The N600 was eventually replaced by the Honda N360 and later by the Honda Civic, which went on to become one of the best-selling compact cars in history. However, the N600 remains a piece of Honda history, reflecting the brand’s early years in the U.S. and its growing influence in the compact car market.
Collectibility:
- The 1971 Honda N600 “Woodie” Wagon is a rare and highly collectible car, especially in well-preserved or restored condition. Because of its limited production and quirky style, it has become a sought-after model among classic car enthusiasts, particularly those who specialize in Japanese vehicles from the 1960s and 1970s.
- Finding a well-maintained example of the Woodie version of the N600 can be a challenge, as most were driven as daily commuters or city cars and have been lost to time. However, those that have survived, particularly in good condition, are considered rare gems.
- Its unique appearance, economical engine, and distinctive wood paneling make it a fun and interesting car to own and display, with its historical importance adding to its value in the collector’s market.
Conclusion:
The 1971 Honda N600 “Woodie” Wagon is a fascinating piece of automotive history. Though it wasn’t a high-performance machine, it offered exceptional fuel economy, a quirky design, and an important step in Honda’s expansion into the U.S. market. The Woodie version, with its distinctive vinyl wood paneling, stands out as a fun, unique take on the compact car, and it has become a rare collectible today.
The Honda N600 itself may have been small, but it left a big mark on the automotive world, setting the stage for future success stories like the Honda Civic. Today, the 1971 N600 “Woodie” Wagon is a charming reminder of Honda’s early days in the U.S. and remains an interesting and collectible vehicle for enthusiasts of both classic cars and Japanese automotive history.
