Miguel Sánchez
Months ago we carried out a article about the possibilities of Mini 850 As a collector's vehicle. Always appealing and attractive, this is a classic full of reasons to own, especially considering it was also produced in Spain thanks to the assembly lines at Authi.
However, it is precisely the high demand for units that is responsible for shooting their prices above the adjusted amount for a whim in the form of a historic vehicle with possibilities urban or possible exits.
So our conclusion was as clear as it was clear: buy a Renault Twingo. Buy a Renault Twingo Because it is undoubtedly an option endowed with the same spirit as the Mini, although with budgets, availability, and adaptations that are much more affordable for the average enthusiast.
And yes, as a finishing touch, don't hesitate to adapt it to a raid in order to enjoy it in one of the increasingly abundant - and well-organized - events. Off-Road disputed both in Morocco and in the Iberian Peninsula.
BEYOND RECURRING OPTIONS
If our advice didn't seem like a joke, we thank you. And if it didn't convince you, even though you're a true Mini fanatic, please stay and read the following lines, as we're going to offer you a alternative.
A really interesting alternative not only because it is almost comparable to the Mini in many aspects, but also because it is -at least in Spain– a much less seen option and therefore collectible and distinguishable.
This is the Honda N600A small Japanese utility vehicle designed for Western markets back in 1970; by which time the Englishman had fully consolidated his presence not only on the streets but also on the tracks, having already become a rally champion. Montecarlo thanks to its excellent combination of light weight and high maneuverability in the hands of tuners like John Cooper.
HONDA N360, THE ECONOMIC OPTION TO THE MINI IN JAPAN
Putting our minds on a Honda model, one can fall into the recurrence of classifying it as a strictly JapaneseBut that's not the case. That's because, in the case of the Honda N600, we're looking at a design much more focused on exports—and therefore Western tastes—than on the possibilities and possibilities available in the local market.
That said, we must focus on the mid-20s. sesentaA time when the Mini was slowly making its way into Japanese dealerships thanks to its excellent urban character, ideal for Japan's increasingly congested cities.
However, although the engine capacities offered in the Mini could well seem modest from a European perspective - let alone from an American one - the truth is that they were much more generous than those displayed in the Kei car local.
THE EFFECTIVE COMPETITION OF KEI CARS
Yes, those interesting low-displacement vehicles born in the heat of the post-war economy and parking problems; a flagship segment for the Japanese market, which cannot imagine its vehicle fleet without them while constantly improving them with new versions that are absolutely prodigious in terms of performance. habitability, consumption and efficiency.
With all this, although the Mini was achieving an interesting share in Japan in the sixties, it had little to do against the Kei Cars; less powerful but at the same time much cheaper thanks to the advantages tax, registration and insurance around which these typically Japanese vehicles flourished - and continue to flourish.
Likewise, any slightest hint of greater success for the Mini ended with the launch of the Honda N360 in the late 354s; almost identical in terms of roominess and equipment, while meeting the legal limits inherent to Kei Cars thanks to its 31 cc, XNUMX hp twin-cylinder engine.
HONDA N600, DEDICATED TO WESTERN MARKETS
By the late 1960s, Honda had become one of the world's most powerful companies. A true financier, it had gone from producing small cars to producing small cars in just a few years. engines to become one of the biggest motorcycle giants.
In this context, Honda was not only dominating the 250 World Championship with up to three consecutive victories; it was also producing excellent urban, off-road and sport-road motorcycles to the point of sweeping the competition at home. British and American producers.
By the way, all this was accompanied by a fantastic debut in motorsport, entering the field of four wheels as a manufacturer of F1 in 1964 to soon establish itself among the most experienced manufacturers when it comes to urban and compact models.
In short, a set of reasons capable of emboldening Honda in the face of the conquest of the automotive markets Western, being tempted in 1970 to export its new N600 model as a credible option to the established Mini range.
To do this, he used the chassis already seen in the more concise N360, this time incorporating an engine that was also two-cylinder - and air-cooled - although perforated to the 598 cc to deliver 45 hp with good power delivery from low revs.
A CONCLUSION
It's not bad at all compared to the spec sheet of the Mini 850 assembled at Authi in Pamplona: 34 hp despite its 848 cc. A fact that can make us reflect, since the N360 is even a little bit smaller. lighter In addition to being -of course- much more original and scarce in our parts.
The main problem we see is the shortage of units - forget about the Spanish market - although, to tell the truth, spare parts are not a problem due to the abundance of Honda-related ones from various suppliers. U.S..
In short, it's something to consider as an alternative to the Mini. Of course, here the treat will cost you about three times as much—a good one in the United States can cost up to $30.000—so we'll tell you the same old story: buy a Twingo.
Images: RM Sotheby's
