1965 Honda T500

reserve nearly met
46 Bids
6:43 PM, 24 Sep 2021Auction ended
Highest bid

€36,000

reserve nearly met

Background

Honda introduced the T360 in 1963 as a pickup truck, and this was at the time when Honda started to produce cars, making this Honda’s first production automobile, beating the S500 release by four months. The pickup had a mid-mounted, 356 cc, four-cylinder engine hidden under the bench seat, which produced 30 bhp at a screaming 8,500 rpm.

By 1964, it was time for Honda to introduce the more powerful T500, which featured a similar version of the sports engine used in the S600 and S800 cars. The 531 cc twin cam engine produces 38 bhp at a not so screaming 7,500 rpm. This engine was a tuned down version of the one used in the sports cars. It is coupled to a four-speed gearbox with the gear shift mounted to the steering column which then drives the rear wheels, propelling the T500 to a maximum speed of 65mph.

Colour options were limited, with the T360 available in May Blue and the T500 available in Moss Green. The pickup has drop down sides for easier loading and the canvas cover, keeping your load nice and dry.

Production for both models ran up until 1967, with the T360 breaking the 100,000 units produced. The T500 numbers are estimated to be around 10,200 units, making this little Honda pickup quite special.

  • 21378km
  • 531
  • Manual
  • Moss Green
  • Red
  • Right-hand drive

Vehicle location
Brugge, Belgium

Background

Honda introduced the T360 in 1963 as a pickup truck, and this was at the time when Honda started to produce cars, making this Honda’s first production automobile, beating the S500 release by four months. The pickup had a mid-mounted, 356 cc, four-cylinder engine hidden under the bench seat, which produced 30 bhp at a screaming 8,500 rpm.

By 1964, it was time for Honda to introduce the more powerful T500, which featured a similar version of the sports engine used in the S600 and S800 cars. The 531 cc twin cam engine produces 38 bhp at a not so screaming 7,500 rpm. This engine was a tuned down version of the one used in the sports cars. It is coupled to a four-speed gearbox with the gear shift mounted to the steering column which then drives the rear wheels, propelling the T500 to a maximum speed of 65mph.

Colour options were limited, with the T360 available in May Blue and the T500 available in Moss Green. The pickup has drop down sides for easier loading and the canvas cover, keeping your load nice and dry.

Production for both models ran up until 1967, with the T360 breaking the 100,000 units produced. The T500 numbers are estimated to be around 10,200 units, making this little Honda pickup quite special.

Overview

This 1965 Honda T500 was originally one of five imported in the mid 1960’s, and sold by Honda Benelux in Belgium, which is where the T500 is located.

Out of the five sold, this is the only one thought to have survived and was found in a barn in the Netherlands approximately 10 years ago. Since the find, the T500 has undergone a full restoration to restore it back to its former glory. This has been carried out by a true Honda enthusiast, so the attention to detail is second to none.

Exterior

Finished in the only colour available for the T500, Moss Green, the Honda is in lovely condition. There are a few small chips here and there where the pickup has been used since the restoration was carried out, and in a couple of areas there looks to be some debris on the panel which have been painted over.

From the front, the headlights and indicators have no cracks. The bumper has been finished in silver and is in good condition. The bonnet badge is the original and is also in good condition with just some minimal pitting to the finish.

Looking from the side profile of the Honda, the doors align nice and straight with an equal panel gap. The chrome door handles are slightly aged but in good condition,and the same can be said for the chrome surround for the quarter window. Drop down sides to enable easier loading are all in good condition.

The rear has the same door that will drop down, and there is a canvas cover that can attach to keep everything dry. The wheels have been finished in black with a silver centre and are in good condition. The tyres are all matching and have a good amount of tread remaining.

Interior

Inside, the seat and door cards have been finished in matching red vinyl, with the original door handles and window winders used. The dashboard is painted in the body colour, along with the floor which is all in a nice condition, with just some odd marks to the floor as you would expect. The odometer is reading in kilometres and shows a reading of 21,378. All the switchgear is reported to be working correctly. The steering wheel looks to be the original and is in good condition.

To access the engine there are two clips on either side of the seat which lifts up to reveal the 4-cylinder Honda engine.

Under the bonnet again is well presented and finished in Moss Green. This area stores the spare wheel and jack, which are both present.

Mechanical

Having been restored, the underside of the Honda is extremely well presented. Most of the chassis and suspension components have been finished in black, along with the rear axle. The engine you can see from the side looks to be in good order.

The Pickup fires up well and runs as it should without any noises that shouldn’t be there. The T500 is reported to drive well and the gear change is smooth.

History

One of five imported into Belgium by Honda Benelux, and this is the only one believed to have survived. It was found in the Netherlands around 10 years ago, and since then it has been fully restored to its former glory by a Honda enthusiast.

The Honda also comes with a rare workshop manual and parts catalogue.

Summary

Developed by Honda as one of their first cars, this is a rare chance to own a piece of Honda’s history. With only around 10,200 units produced in the early 1960’s, it’s safe to say that there's not too many left on the road today, especially in this condition thanks to the restoration. 


The Honda is running and ready to go. An ideal purchase for any Honda collector or enthusiast wanting to add to their collection. 


We estimate that this special Japanese Honda will bring in the region of €40,000 - €55,000.

Viewing is always encouraged and as stated this car is located at Brugge, Belgium. And to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing to make an appointment. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

About this auction

Seller

Private: tvpclassics


Viewings Welcome

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and is strictly by appointment. To book one in the diary, please get in contact.

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