Unraveling the Early Honda Super Cub Catalogs [Catalogs: A Rearview Mirror of Their Time, Part 17]

The first-generation Super Cub C100 was released in August 1958.

Equipped with a 50cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke OHV engine, it combined fuel efficiency with high performance.

It became a massive hit as an innovative vehicle and remains a long-selling, "super" moped model to this day.

We’d like to explore the historical context of that era through catalogs produced during the early days of the Super Cub’s release.

The First Catalog, Rich in Illustrations

In 2008, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Super Cub’s debut, Honda Motorcycle Japan created a pamphlet that included a reprint of what is believed to be the very first catalog ever produced.

Super Cub 50th Anniversary Pamphlet

The reprinted catalog was included

The cover features both a woman and a man. From the very beginning, this catalog was designed with women in mind.

Back in 1958, the model name "Super Cub" was also used.

The first catalog consists mostly of illustrations, with few photographs.

I recall hearing from Mr. Jozo Kimura himself that he drew the illustrations for this model.

Illustrations tend to convey a more familiar image of a vehicle than photographs do.

The model name "C100" does not appear in this catalog.

The C102 with a starter motor is introduced

In April 1960, the Super Cub C102, a C100 equipped with an electric starter, was added to the lineup.
*Please note that as this catalog is privately owned, it may show signs of wear or damage.

In this 1961 catalog left to me by a friend, a woman graces the cover as the main feature.

The C100, which served as both the model number and the model name, is listed in the catalog.

A date on a Super Cub. The woman is riding a C102 equipped with an electric starter.

Here are photos showing the Super Cub being used for hunting in the United States. With the Suzuka Plant fully operational as a dedicated Super Cub factory, the catalog also features a graph showing that monthly production exceeded 60,000 units in October 1960.

An introduction page that also explains how to shift gears.

The Sports Cub Joins the Lineup

In October 1960, the 50cc Sport Cub C110 and C111 were released.

The frame has a different shape than that of the Super Cub.

The Sport Cub became particularly popular among young men.

A catalog for the Sport Cub 50, produced in 1960 or 1961.

Since helmets were not mandatory at the time, this photo was taken without one.

Promoting a new vehicle that combines the feel of a motorcycle.

Explanation of features and specifications for each model.

The C110 features an up-exhaust configuration and a 3-speed manual clutch. The C111 features a down-exhaust and a rear carrier, and is a 3-speed model with an automatic centrifugal clutch, distinguishing the two models by their character.

The 55cc C105, capable of carrying two riders, is introduced

In August 1961, the 55cc Super Cub C105 was released.
The catalog features copy announcing that Super Cub production had reached 1 million units in June of that year.

A major factor behind reaching 1 million units in just under three years since the launch of the first-generation Super Cub C100 was the strong performance of overseas exports.

Cover of the Super Cub 50 and 55 catalog, published in 1961 or early 1962.

A Cub model believed to be the predecessor of the C105H Hunter Cub—which was developed based on the Super Cub C105 (55cc)—is featured here.

A page announcing the cumulative production of 1 million units.

Class 2 mopeds had a legal speed limit of 40 km/h, which differs from current regulations.

The C105 was also available in a variety of colorful body colors.

The Super Cub Family: So Many Models

In June 1962, Honda released the Cub Racing CR110, a truly unique model within the Cub family. This catalog features the CR110.

A comprehensive catalog for the Super Cub 50 and 55, published in 1962. A woman appears as the main subject on the cover.

Highlighting the excellence of the 4-stroke engine that won the 1961 Isle of Man TT race.

The CD105 is a model based on the 55cc C105, equipped with an electric starter.

A page explaining just how economical the Super Cub's 4-stroke engine is.

The C105H Hunter Cub for leisure use and the Cub Racing CR110 model equipped with safety parts have also joined the lineup.

The table of key specifications for the 11 models in the Cub family is impressive.

The Super Cub series reduced production costs through a wide range of variations, offering high-performance, low-cost products tailored to customer preferences.

This strategy made the Super Cub series popular not only in Japan but also overseas, solidifying Honda’s business foundation.

The massive success of the Super Cub enabled Honda to enter the automotive industry and played a major role in the company’s challenge to compete in the F1 World Championship.