Vitesse 1/43 Scale Honda S800 (1966) – Classic Model Car

The Vitesse 1/43 scale Honda S800 (1966) is a finely detailed diecast model of one of Honda’s most iconic early sports cars. Vitesse is known for creating high-quality scale models with an emphasis on precision and craftsmanship, making this model a valuable addition to any collection of classic cars, especially for fans of vintage Japanese sports cars.

Key Features:

• Exterior Detailing: The Honda S800 is known for its sleek, compact design, and Vitesse’s model accurately reflects this. The body shape features the classic lines of the S800 with its distinctive front grille, round headlights, and chrome bumpers. The model is true to the real car’s proportions and often comes in classic paint colors like red, white, or silver, with a glossy finish that highlights the car’s iconic look. Chrome accents, detailed door handles, and accurate badging add to the authenticity of the model.
• Interior: Though the scale is smaller (1/43), Vitesse is known for packing fine details into their models. The interior of the Honda S800 should include elements like racing-inspired seats, a detailed dashboard, a three-spoke steering wheel, and console dials. The compact yet sporty cockpit design of the real car is well-captured in this miniature form.
• Wheels and Tires: The model features small, period-correct wheels with realistic rubber tires. The wheels should replicate the S800’s distinctive hubcaps and slim design, giving the car its nimble and lightweight appearance.
• Paint Finish and Detailing: Vitesse models are known for their high-quality paint jobs and fine detailing. Expect a clean, glossy finish with detailed elements like Honda badging, chrome trim, and grille work. The S800’s classic sports car aesthetic is faithfully replicated.

Historical Context – 1966 Honda S800:

The Honda S800, introduced in the mid-1960s, was one of Honda’s first forays into the sports car market. The car featured a 791 cc inline-4 engine with dual overhead cams, producing around 70 horsepower, impressive for a small-displacement engine at the time. The S800 was known for its high-revving engine, capable of reaching 10,000 RPM, a hallmark of Honda’s engineering prowess.

The S800 was available as both a coupe and a roadster, and it was praised for its nimble handling, light weight, and build quality. It became a symbol of Honda’s growing reputation as a serious automaker, showing that the company could compete with established European and American brands in the sports car segment.

Collectibility:

The Vitesse 1/43 scale Honda S800 (1966) is a sought-after model due to its connection to Honda’s early history and the rising interest in vintage Japanese cars. The model’s small scale and fine detailing make it perfect for collectors who value precision and historical significance. As a classic car that helped shape Honda’s reputation for innovation and performance, the S800 holds a special place in automotive history, making this model a must-have for enthusiasts.