1971 Honda 1300 Coupe 7 (Project)

Description

Of all the Japanese manufacturers, Soichiro Honda’s eponymous company has always been at the forefront of cutting-edge technology, entering Formula One racing at a time when few Westerners were even aware of this remarkable man and his products.  Honda had a background in racing and a lifelong passion for both automobiles and motorcycles, something reflected in every product to wear his name.  Having established the brand with the diminutive S500 sports car and Kei-class N360, Honda launched the 1300 at the 1968 Tokyo Motor Show, competing with rivals like Nissan’s Bluebird and Toyota’s Corona.  Initially launched in sedan form, the 1300 was powered by an air-cooled SOHC four-cylinder engine employing Honda’s patented DDAC (Duo Dynamic Air Cooling) system, along with dry sump lubrication and a high rev band.  Sold in two versions, the 77 employed a single Keihin carburettor and was rated at 99 horsepower whereas the more powerful 99 employed four Keihin carburettors that boosted power output to 113 horsepower.  A fastback coupe version joined the four-door sedan in early 1970, powered by the same 1300 engine in both 95hp and 113hp versions, badged as the Coupe 7 or Coupe 9 respectively.  The two-door Honda looked quite different to the sedan, particularly the Pontiac-inspired nose - reportedly Soichiro Honda owned a Firebird and had a soft spot for the American make.  Technically advanced, the front-wheel drive 1300 Coupe 7 boasted independent front suspension with MacPherson struts and swing axles located by semi-elliptic leaf springs at the rear, along with disc brakes up front, rack and pinion steering and an electric fuel pump.  Generously equipped with a well-stocked wraparound dashboard, the 1300 Coupe’s build quality was also head and shoulders above its Japanese contemporaries.  Although Honda never marketed the 1300 in the US market and made little attempt to sell the car in Europe, a small number did make their way to Australia where it was well received by the contemporary motoring press.  Sadly there are few survivors left on the road and, in line with rising interest in early Japanese cars generally, values of these very pretty Honda sports coupes have begun appreciating rapidly in recent years.