Honda 1300
Soichiro Honda's air-cooled masterpiece and the most powerful 1.3-litre car of its era.
- Power
- 115 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 11.7 s
- Top speed
- 109 mph
- Est. value
- $12k–$28k
About the Honda 1300
The Honda 1300 was the final project personally spearheaded by Soichiro Honda, representing his uncompromising belief in air-cooling over water-cooling. The '99' trim was the high-performance variant, featuring a sophisticated Duo Dyna Air Cooling (DDAC) system and four Keihin carburetors to produce a remarkable 115 hp. Its high-revving engine, dry-sump lubrication, and front-wheel-drive layout made it a technical marvel that outperformed much larger rivals like the Toyota Corona. Though its complexity and high price led to modest sales, it remains a significant milestone that paved the way for the Civic and Accord.
Honda 1300 specs
The Honda 1300 produces 115 bhp (86 kW) and 118 Nm (87 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 11.7 seconds and has a top speed of 109 mph (175 km/h).
| Make | Honda |
|---|---|
| Model | 1300 |
| Trim | 99 |
| Years | 1969–1972 |
| Type | JDM |
| Body style | Saloon |
| Country | Japan |
| Engine | 1.3-litre air-cooled SOHC inline-4 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,298 cc (1.3 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 115 bhp (86 kW) at 7,500 rpm |
| Torque | 118 Nm (87 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 8,000 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 11.7 s |
| Top speed | 109 mph (175 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Weight | 935 kg (2,061 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 123 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Honda 1300 worth?
A typical Honda 1300 is estimated to be worth $12,000 – $28,000 (about £8,900 – £21,000).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Honda 1300 rarity in CarSpot
The Honda 1300 is an Uncommon card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 25 out of 100. Hot hatches and premium sporty cars. An Uncommon card is worth 20 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Honda 1300 fun facts
- The 1300's DDAC system used a double-walled engine block to channel air, effectively mimicking the cooling properties of a water jacket without the weight of a radiator.
- The front-end styling, featuring a distinctive split-grille design, was inspired by Soichiro Honda's personal 1968 Pontiac Firebird.
- Despite its 1.3-litre displacement, the 99 Series engine produced more power than many contemporary 2.0-litre European and Japanese saloons.
