1970model Honda N360 NIII Custom

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1970 model

Honda N360 NIII Custom

This car, the 1970 Honda N360 NIII Custom, embodies the philosophy of the late Soichiro Honda and changed the course of Japan's automotive history! Even after half a century, it still retains its top-quality interior and continues to bring pure joy to its owner's daily life. It is a truly exhilarating machine that never fails to put a smile on your face!

What was the Honda N360 and why was it important in Japan’s automotive history?

The Honda N360 was a kei car produced by Honda from 1967 to 1970. It was designed as a small, affordable and fuel-efficient car that would appeal to a wide range of consumers, including families. The N360 was also significant because it represented the culmination of the “Honda Philosophy,” a set of design principles established by company founder Soichiro Honda that emphasized innovation, quality, and performance.

The N360 was successful in Japan because it was affordable and offered good fuel economy, which made it an attractive option for consumers. Its small size also made it easy to maneuver in Japan’s crowded urban areas. Additionally, the N360’s high-revving engine and nimble handling made it fun to drive, which helped to establish Honda’s reputation for building sporty and engaging cars.

The N360’s success helped to establish the kei car segment in Japan, which has since become an important part of the country’s automotive industry. It also paved the way for Honda’s continued success in the small car market, including the development of other iconic models such as the Civic and the Accord.

The owner still uses it for commuting except when it's raining... It's a fascinating presence that makes every day lively... Let's take a close look at the 1970 Honda N360 NIII Custom

Well, when the author was in elementary school, the N360 that used to run around the city is now a splendid domestic vintage car, with most of them being carefully maintained by collectors and occasionally taken to events. However, it has become an existence that spends most of its life in the garage, or so I thought… As expected from the enthusiastic owner who has mastered the enthusiast’s way by riding not only the finest American classics but also first-class European classics, they say, “Giving a ride to this vehicle is the best maintenance…” and “I use it for commuting to the shop every day except when it rains.” They are someone who has been facing their cars like that for many years.

The N360 had nostalgic grade names from the 1960s such as Deluxe, Super Deluxe, Standard, and Custom, with S, but this particular vehicle is the Custom model of the final III type.

In the N360 with a simple mechanical structure, the four-speed manual transmission from the early model to the II type was a constant-mesh dog transmission where the engine and transmission were arranged in a straight line like a motorcycle, and the gears always meshed. However, the III type was changed to a synchronized mesh transmission that could handle a transmission like a passenger car. Furthermore, as a feature of the top-of-the-line Custom model, it has a crash pad covered with a thick pad, a wood-grained dashboard, reclining seats with a reclining function, a car radio, heated glass, and two-speed wipers, etc.

Although the body color was originally in the blue range, the interior painting of the A, B, and C pillars leaves traces of it. However, it is said that this vehicle underwent a complete painting of the exterior a few years ago. While there is no rust or corrosion seen in places such as under the floor or where rain passes, it has already been a few years. The natural-looking and good image of moderate fading is in keeping with the age. The front fender is filled with rivets, which is where the Custom model’s molding fits. The molding remains on the left and right doors and rear fenders, but it is said to be missing on the front.

And the most surprising and impressive thing about this vehicle is its interior condition! No matter where you go, whether it’s an event venue or a local convenience store, people are surprised by the interior condition! It is beautiful with no tears, and the glossy feeling of being used is also beautiful… Although there is one theory that the front and rear seats were “reupholstered,” the owner got their hands on it…

1970 Honda N360 NIII Custom - Post Interview Notes -

In researching for this introduction article on the 1970 Honda N360 NIII Custom, the author was deeply moved by the message of the late Soichiro Honda at that time and proceeded to write the introduction article from the perspective of the passion for craftsmanship. Below is a quote that the author would like to share as a thought to keep in mind:

“Our company’s policy is to always have a global perspective, and that policy will not change in the future. Today, in order to start exporting the N series, we must quickly build a system. At that time, light vehicles in Japan were priced at 370,000 yen, but we set the price at 313,000 yen. Even now, the N series can sell well for 370,000 yen. However, our product’s target is not only Japan’s population. Products that are the culmination of technology, intelligence, and creativity should be loved not only by the Japanese people, who are our roots, but also by the 3 billion people on this earth. Therefore, we want the price to be internationally respected and at a price that brings profits to the factory and is viable as a business. The pricing of the N series is for this purpose. If the feasibility cannot be guaranteed at that price, we cannot call ourselves true entrepreneurs.”

(Quote from the 50th anniversary ceremony message published in Honda internal newsletter, issue 121, October 1967)

The passionate feelings of the creator can still move people even after half a century, and this is a great flavor that only old things created with passion can have, which is something that today’s manufacturing has forgotten. It has also been elevated over time to a clear “attraction.”

The 1970 Honda N360 NIII Custom, which embodies the ideology of the late Soichiro Honda and changed the history of Japanese automobiles, is a truly remarkable vehicle! Even after half a century, the N360 NIII Custom, with its exquisite interior, never fails to bring joy and excitement to its owner's daily life, making it a truly enjoyable and memorable car.

If you want to experience the thrill of driving the N360, we highly recommend coming to Gunma Prefecture! Gunma has some great scenic routes and roads that are perfect for taking the N360 for a spin. With its compact size and nimble handling, the N360 is a blast to drive on winding roads and through tight corners. So come and experience the excitement and joy of driving this iconic car in Gunma!

This fantastic "1970 Honda N360 NIII Custom" is currently located in Gunma Prefecture and is being sold privately, so there are no consumption taxes or other fees involved. Upon purchasing the vehicle, the buyer will need to pay a prorated adjustment of the automobile tax and the recycling deposit.

This vehicle is featured on the cross-border EC site for classic and collectible cars, “Estate Sale® Supremacy”. What is the Estate Sale…Supremacy?

Estate Sale® Supremacy is the Japanese version of North American cultural estate sales, which introduce the owner’s car, imbued with their emotions, through manuscript creation based on interviews, and helps organize their physical and emotional possessions. Unlike low-price buyouts that leave nothing of the culture or the next generation, we accurately express the owner’s feelings and provide guidance and mediation to ensure that their memories are securely passed on to the next generation.

We have conducted a detailed hearing with the current owner, including past maintenance records and repair history, and conducted interviews to determine the presence or absence of accidents. If there was a significant accident history or if the current owner’s ownership history was extremely short and the details were unknown, we declined to interview and have implemented measures to provide as much peace of mind as possible to customers who purchase the vehicle.

The contents of this article were written based on an interview with the owner and a passenger seat test drive experience on a sunny day for about three hours on April 13, 2023. Note that the description of the vehicle’s condition may not be 100% accurate due to the limited time for confirmation, and the writing may not be fully supported. Also, please be aware that comments on the condition are based on the weather and situation at the time of the interview and the author’s subjective opinion.

Please contact us at the bottom of this page for inquiries about the featured vehicle or to arrange an inspection. As this is a private transaction, we will only allow vehicle inspections by customers who are considering purchasing the vehicle to prevent casual visits.

Thank you for your consideration.