Honda Reveals Fully Restored 'Serial One' in Online Documentary

Earlier this year, Honda launched “Serial One,” an ongoing online documentary about the restoration of the first Honda ever imported and sold in the United States: the N600. This historic journey follows restorer Tim Mings and his team as they revitalize the car with the 1000001 Vehicle Identification Number. The 12-episode documentary series culminated with the finale, which was revealed at the Japanese Classic Car Show.

About the N600 Sedan

The year was 1969 when Honda was on the brink of releasing its first car to the U.S. automotive market. Developed from Honda’s popular Japanese market N360, the N600 was extensively tested in the United States in preparation for its release. By 1967, 50 models were assembled and shipped to the United States, including the N600 with the 1000001-serial number. This was the very first Honda model every imported into America, making its modern restoration a historic, ambitious move.

For its time, the N600 was technologically advanced and unlike anything the U.S. market had seen. With its alloy engine, the car could achieve 9000 rpm and boasted an output of 36-45 horsepower. While this doesn’t seem like much now, the N600 could achieve 81 miles per hour, an impressive feat at the time.

With its compact dimensions, peppy performance, and lightweight design, the N600 ensured Honda’s prominence on the U.S. market, paving the way for the modern Hondas we enjoy driving today.

The Restoration Project

Restorer Tim Mings was the perfect man for the job since he specializes in restoring N600s and similar models. He’s even noted as the world’s sole full-time N600 mechanic. The project itself required a from-the-ground-up restoration, as the N600 was in pretty bad shape and hadn’t run in approximately 50 years.

Mings had owned the first N600 for several years before he inspected the serial number. Once he cleaned it off, he realized he was starting at the very first example of Honda’s entrance into the U.S. automotive market. Out of the first 50 models that Honda imported into the U.S., only three survive, and “Serial One” is among them.

Filming the Process

Because of the car’s historical significance, it’s no wonder that Honda wanted to document the restoration project. The entire Serial One documentary consists of short installments and can be viewed on YouTube. It follows Mings and his team on their yearlong journey of rebuilding and revitalizing the vintage beauty. Naturally, the first episode introduces Mings and showcases his experience in working on N600s, which is something he’s enjoyed doing since he was a kid. Mings even shares some special surprises along the way, making the documentary worth the watch for anyone interested in Honda or automotive history.

Following the restoration and the Serial One Reveal, the Honda N600 will go to its new home at the company’s museum, where Honda fans from all over the world can see the restored car in all its glory.

Honda has produced some impressive vehicles over the years. Stop by Honda of Sumner to see which one is right for you.