The New York Times came out with their take on Honda’s 50 years in America recently. We disagree with the conclusion that they won’t be classics (the same thing was said about every Chevy, Ford and Dodge to come out of Detroit) but it’s a great read on the raw genius and unabashed ambition of Soichiro Honda and his motor company.

Accompanying the article are slideshows covering 50 years of American Honda and potentially collectible Hondas. Oddly, an S600 appears in the former even though it was never sold in the US and despite what the caption says, the T360 pickup was actually the first four-wheeled Honda product. Unfortunately, the Times also calls the cars “primitive” despite their advanced, high-revving engines and unique drivetrains.

Thanks to Brian Baker, who tipped us off to the article and actually owns the white S600 shown in the slideshow. Brian also informs us that the red S600 has an S800 motor and was purchased by ex-Honda F1 driver Jenson Button for a ridiculous price at Bonham’s auction.

When the last Honda S800 was sold in 1970, who knew it would be 30 years before Honda would continue the lineage with another FR roadster? Well, after 10 years in production, that lineage is coming to another end when the S2000 ceases production this fall. There is no known successor. (more…)

Our bonus weekend coverage in celebraton of American Honda’s 50th anniversary continues.

If you followed last week’s Event Horizon to Middletown, New York, then you saw this awesome collection of Hondas and Acuras at the This Old Honda Honda & Acura show at Formula H Motorworks.

On the photo to the right there’s a 1964 Honda T500 pickup with a bed full of Honda Kick N Go scooters, an S800 Coupe, an S600 roadster, and a JDM Beat kei car. And in case you missed it, here is a gallery of minty fresh S800, CR-X and Accord goodness. Honestly speaking, this was a better showcase of vintage Hondas than the official American Honda event!

Thanks to Brian Baker of Formula H Motorworks, who hosted the show and sent us these great photos (a couple more after the jump). (more…)

On Sunday, June 7 This Old Honda will be hosting a Honda & Acura Car Show at Formula H Motorworks in Middletown, New York. It’ll be the perfect opportunity to check out classic S600s, JDM Beats, and more! Doors open at 10am. For more information visit the links above. Admission is free!

We just got a hot tip from Brian Baker that tomorrow, Sunday May 3 at 10:00am Eastern Time, Speed Channel will be broadcasting an episode of My Classic Car called “Jay Leno’s Little Cars.” Of course, that would include one of his prized possessions, a 1965 Honda SM600 that we profiled before it found its way into Leno’s hands. Also, we are using any excuse available to link to this photo again.

The episode will be run again on May 4 at 3:00am and May 5 at 3:00pm. The website has a full schedule.

This backyard stash of J-tin was just sitting about on a quiet suburban side street. The owner of this trove may not want to be revealed so I won’t mention any names, but he did say that the majority of these cars will, one day, be restored. A few are too far gone, like the black S30 Crown and the blue Sports 800, but the rest should keep him busy for a while. Amazingly, he said that the neighbors don’t complain at all. Instead, they think it’s cool to see the old cars. Nobody tell them about HOAs.

More pics after the jump. (more…)

If you like dogs and nostalgics, this Honda Dog wallpaper gallery has everything you need. Full gallery after the jump.

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How about a nice Honda screensaver, illustrated by master automotive artist Bow? It’s called “Dream,” a charming little story in which a vintage S800 has a coastal rendezvous with a new S2000. Unfortunately the S-car lineage has just ended for the second time, but Honda is great at drawing the historical connection for its loyal Japanese customers. Hopefully it’ll return when the economy recovers. “Dream” is available at Honda’s website for Windows PCs and Macs.

Honda has just announced that 2009 will the the last year for the S2000 and there is no known replacement in the works. R.I.P. Honda’s brief statement acknowledged that the S2000 was originally conceived as a limited edition model for the company’s 50th anniversary back in 1999, and we were thrilled with the revival of the high-revving S-series roadsters after the last S800 was built in 1970. Let’s hope we don’t have to wait another 30 years.

[Image: Honda User's Voice]

This is a ways off, but we thought you Subaru 360, Honda N/Z/S and various kei-car owners might be interested in making plans for the World Micro/Mini Car meet. It’s the brainchild of Ken & Sylvia Weger, owners/curators of the Small Wonders Microcar Museum and will take place in downtown Crystal Lake, IL at the University Center, located at 100 S. Main Street, on August 21-22, 2010.

From the website:

This will be the first ever WORLD MEET of its kind. Microcar and Minicar owners and their cars, will gather from all over the world to share their enthusiasm for these small wonders. The Weger’s are expecting over 500 Micro and Mini cars. Those cars under 500cc are considered to be “Microcars”, and those between 500-1500cc are considered “Minicars”. Many marques are expected to fill the lush lawns surrounding the University Center. Vendors will provide food and beverages. Alongside the car show, workshops and classes/seminars are being planned.

[Edmunds]