Serial One: First Honda Automobile in U.S. is Being Restored

Meet Serial One, the first Honda automobile imported to the United States. It was one of the first Honda test vehicles for America and it is getting a new life as Honda brings it back to its original glory. After collecting dust in a junk pile for nearly 50 years, it is safe to say this hidden gem has seen better days. Through fate, this vehicle found its way to the only man who could bring it back to life, Tim Mings, the only full-time Honda N600 mechanic for the last 20 years.

Honda is documenting Mings’ progress and sharing some special surprises along the way. Mings’ progress is documented with photos of the project at www.serialone.com. The project began around March, and is expected to be complete around this time next summer.
History:
In 1969, Honda embarked on a new mission, to change the public perception of cars. At the time, most automobiles had high emissions and were far from fuel-efficient, which was not practical.

Enter the Honda N600. It was roughly three feet shorter than most vehicles on the road in America at that time and weighed nearly half of what that year’s best-selling car weighed. It was simple, masterfully designed, and truly ahead of its time. Little did the public know, this little Honda N600 was only the beginning.
The N600 has been out of production for more than 40 years, but has not been forgotten about as it is a profound piece of Honda’s History.