The Honda N360 "kei" (city compact) car was produced from March 1967 through 1970, while the larger N600 was marketed through 1973. After a January 1970 facelift, the N360 became the NIII360 and continued in production until 1972. The "N" prefix stood for the Japanese word norimono (vehicle), while the numerals referred to the approximate engine size in cubic centimetres.
The car featured front wheel drive and an air-cooled, four stroke, 354 cc, 31 hp (23 kW) two-cylinder engine, borrowed from the Honda CB450 motorcycle. The displacement was reduced so as to comply with Japanese "kei" car legislation which stipulated maximum allowable engine size. This same engine was also used in the Honda Vamos, with a beam axle/leaf spring rear suspension. The exterior dimensions were in compliance with Japanese government regulations concerning kei cars, however, vehicles installed with the 402 cc and 599 cc engines were too large for the category, and were largely intended for international sales. The N600 was introduced to the US in 1969 as a 1970 model, and was the first Honda automobile to be officially exported there. (adapted from wikipedia)
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