N360 looks like a new car
We found a Honda N360 that looked like it had just stepped out of a time capsule. What a miracle, this unit has a mileage of 21,000 km. It is probably the only other car that has been kept in such good condition. The owner, Mr. Tsukiyama, who used to drive a ‘Step Van’, acquired this car 33 years ago.
Early model with details from its debut
An unrebuilt prototype of the Honda N360, which looks like a brand new car, was discovered at the “360! All Together in OSAKA” venue in Osaka.
The Honda N360 underwent two major model changes in the three and a half years between its launch in March 1967 and September 1970, with Type I up to December 1968, Type II from January to December 1969, and Type III from January 1970. The model introduced here, owned by Mr. Tsukiyama, is a Type I 1968 N360.
The engine was developed based on that for the CB450 motorbike, and the Type I and Type II have the same dog transmission as the motorbike.
The front face, with its distinctive front grille connected to the headlights, became famous as the design motif for the recently launched ‘N-BOX’ and other models.
Want to avoid riding in the rain?
The 1968 model owned by Mr. Tsukiyama has surprisingly never been restored, retaining its original paint and original interior from when it was new, and the odometer reads an astonishing 21,000 km, making it an unrestored prototype. While some luxury passenger cars can be found in excellent condition with low mileage, there is probably no other N360 in such good condition. It is literally a miracle.
Mr. Tsukiyama, who used to drive a “Step Van”, acquired this vehicle about 33 years ago. Even back then, there must have been very few cars like this, but he has carefully maintained this 1968 model for more than 30 years since he acquired it. There was a reason for its amazing condition.
The goal is to preserve this car for future generations
For the ‘N360 I’ had a choice of three body colors: sand blue, light scarlet, and this ivory white. The Ivory White body is not only the original paint, except for some repaired areas, but there is no rust at all on the wings, rocker areas, and other vulnerable areas.
The interior is also in miraculous condition, with the passenger door panel still retaining the vinyl from the new car and showing little deterioration. Only the steering wheel has been replaced with a Type S wood steering wheel, but the car is said to be basically as new.
Mr. Tsukiyama is a member of the N360 ENJOY CLUB,
he says.
“As expected, it would be impossible to maintain it in this condition without the existence of the club. I get help from my friends.”
It is truly one of the most valuable cars in the history of the club, which continues to be maintained with its friends.
translated by DeepL