Classic 1972 N600 with Motorcycle Engine Achieves Legend Status

Legendary Win

The Hot Wheels Legends Tour has officially wrapped up for the season following a successful stop in Los Angeles. It was also there that Honda chose a 1972 Honda N600 owned by Stephen Mines as its first-ever Honda Super Tuner Legends Series winner. As a result, Mine's amazing little ride was featured on display at the 2019 SEMA show.

Photos: Honda  

High Revvin' Heart

On the outside, this N600 looks essentially like a mostly-stock original example. But pop the hood, and you'll quickly notice that it's perhaps the most unique version of this early Honda model you'll ever see. That's because it's actually powered by a Honda VFR 800cc V4 motorcycle engine, which sends power to the car's rear wheels and revs to a lofty 12,000 rpm.

Photos: Honda 

>>Join the conversation on this engine swapped N600 on the Hot Wheels Tour right here in the forum.

Humbling Experience

It took Mines a full five years to bring his dream to fruition. Still, he seemed rather humbled by the whole experience. "When I arrived at the Hot Wheels Legends Tour, I was truly impressed by the amount of work from the other Honda tuners," Mines said. "I’m thrilled, and humbled, that my N600 not only stood out but was selected as the winner of the first-ever Honda Super Tuner Legends Series. As a longtime Honda fan, and owner of more than a few Hondas, it will be an incredible honor to see my car at Honda’s booth at SEMA."

Photos: Honda-Tech 

>>Join the conversation on this engine swapped N600 on the Hot Wheels Tour right here in the forum.

Unique Characteristics

In addition to the unique engine powering this N600, it also features a host of interesting details. They include the suspension from a Mazda Miata, Polaris RZR seats, and modified bumpers from a 1967/1968 Chevrolet Camaro. It's the perfect example of a modern-day hot rod, and one of the coolest things we've ever seen.

Photos: Honda-Tech 

>>Join the conversation on this engine swapped N600 on the Hot Wheels Tour right here in the forum.

Fitting Build

Mine's N600 is also a perfect representative for Honda's 60th anniversary in the U.S. After all, the brand was already America's top motorcycle manufacturer prior to the N600's debut in 1970. The tiny hatch was the brand's very first passenger car offering in the U.S., and obviously paved the way for some serious success.

Photos: Honda-Tech

>>Join the conversation on this engine swapped N600 on the Hot Wheels Tour right here in the forum.

Purple Classic

Regardless, Mine faced some stiff competition in the Legends Series. That included this custom 1978 Honda Civic, which won top honors at the Hot Wheels Legends Tour in Seattle, Washington on August 24. The classic purple hatch retains many of its original styling features, yet also has a highly modern stance.

Photos: Honda

>>Join the conversation on this engine swapped N600 on the Hot Wheels Tour right here in the forum.

Take It to the Track

Another runner up was this pristine 2003 AP1 S2000, which features a host of racy external add-ons and a track-inspired paint job, for starters. This particular car took home the gold at the Hot Wheels Legends Tour stop in Denver, Colorado back on September 14.

Photos: Honda

>>Join the conversation on this engine swapped N600 on the Hot Wheels Tour right here in the forum.

Why So Serious?

The final runner up in Honda's inaugural Legends Series was this 2015 Civic Si, painted up to pay tribute to a certain famous movie character we all know as the Joker. The Si took home a win at Santa Clarita's Hot Wheels stop on October 19. Pretty tough choices, we'd say, but we think that Honda and Hot Wheels got this one right!

Photos: Honda

>>Join the conversation on this engine swapped N600 on the Hot Wheels Tour right here in the forum.