Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) is thrilled to introduce a premium collector’s edition scale model of the legendary Honda RA272 (chassis #103) Formula One race car — the very machine that powered Honda to its first-ever F1 victory at the 1965 Mexico Grand Prix.
Created in collaboration with Amalgam Collection, the world-renowned maker of precision scale models, this masterpiece captures every curve, color, and component of the original. From the authentic race livery and hand-built bodywork to over 1,600 precisely engineered parts — including a fully replicated Honda V12 engine — every detail is crafted to perfection.
“This RA272 model is more than a tribute, it’s an invitation to own a piece of our motorsport history. Racing is deeply embedded in the DNA of Honda, and this model is a reminder where our success began.” – Koji Watanabe, President, Honda Racing Corporation (HRC)
The RA272 model will be available in two exclusive sizes:
1:8 scale – limited to just 30 pieces ($28,995 USD¹)
1:18 scale – limited to 300 pieces ($1,735 USD¹)
Each comes with a bespoke display case, a certificate of authenticity, and a commemorative booklet signed by HRC President Koji Watanabe. Collectors will get their first chance to own one during Monterey Car Week, at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering and the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion this August.
“We are so excited to offer this unique piece of Honda racing history to the fans. The RA272 model is a great addition to the growing HRC collectibles and we can’t wait for people to see it in person during Monterey Car Week.” – Meliza Humphrey, General Manager, Merchandise and Memorabilia, HRC US
Founded in 1985, Amalgam Collection sets the standard for world-class model making, using only the finest materials. For this project, their team traveled to the Honda Collection Hall in Motegi, Japan, to digitally scan the original RA272 — ensuring absolute accuracy. More than 4,500 hours went into development, and each individual model requires 450 hours to hand-build.
This is more than a model — it’s a piece of motorsport history, meticulously recreated for those who live and breathe racing heritage.
About the RA272
Built for Honda’s second season in Formula 1, the RA272 was the successor to the RA271 — and a bold leap forward in racing innovation. Development of its V12 engine began in 1962, before Honda had even sold its first car, led by a small team of motorcycle engineers under the vision of company founder Soichiro Honda.
At its heart was a technically advanced 1.5-liter V12 producing an impressive 230 hp — the most powerful engine in the sport at the time. Transversely mounted and capable of revving to a blistering 12,000 rpm, it became known for its groundbreaking engineering and unmistakable sound.
In 1965, with Honda still in just its second year as an automaker, the RA272 embodied the company’s fearless spirit: setting audacious goals and charging headfirst into new challenges. That October, it stunned the motorsport world when Richie Ginther drove chassis RA272F-103 to victory at the Mexico Grand Prix — marking the first Formula 1 win for a Japanese car, engine, and team.
That win didn’t just make history; it reshaped perceptions of Japanese engineering on the global stage. The RA272 became a symbol of innovation, craftsmanship, and the relentless pursuit of excellence — values that continue to define Honda today.
