A Legendary F1 Car, Reborn in Exquisite Detail
Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) has unveiled an ultra-premium 1:8 scale model of the legendary Honda RA272 Formula 1 car (chassis #103), commemorating Honda’s first-ever F1 victory at the 1965 Mexico Grand Prix. This historic moment marked the beginning of Honda’s dominance in international motorsport.
Crafted in collaboration with Amalgam Collection, the world-renowned producer of luxury scale models, this masterpiece features authentic paintwork, a handcrafted body, and over 1,600 precision-engineered parts, including a fully replicated Honda V12 engine.
Exclusive Models With Eye-Watering Price Tags
The RA272 model is offered in two sizes:
- 1:8 Scale — Limited to just 30 units, priced at USD 28,995 (RM123,059.45)
- 1:18 Scale — Limited to 300 units, priced at USD 1,735 (RM7,356.49)
For perspective, a brand-new Honda Civic 2.0L Sport in the US costs USD 27,790 (RM117,825), meaning the 1:8 RA272 scale model is more expensive than a real Civic.
Each model comes with a special display case, a certificate of authenticity, and a commemorative book signed by Koji Watanabe, President of Honda Racing Corporation.
Craftsmanship That Mirrors the Original
Founded in 1985, Amalgam Collection is famous for producing some of the most iconic and luxurious model cars in the world.
To ensure complete accuracy, Amalgam visited the Honda Collection Hall in Motegi, Japan, where they conducted high-precision digital scans of the original RA272. This allowed them to replicate every detail in miniature form.
The creation process is nothing short of meticulous:
- 4,500 hours spent developing the tools for the 1:8 scale model
- 450 hours to build, paint, and assemble each individual unit
- Handcrafted using resin prototypes, CNC-machined metal parts, and original F1 paint references
- Limited-run silicone molds producing only 20–30 components before being replaced to maintain precision
The RA272’s Place in F1 History
Designed for Honda’s second Formula 1 season, the RA272 replaced the RA271 and featured an advanced 1.5-liter V12 engine producing 230 hp — the most powerful in F1 at the time. Capable of 12,000 rpm, this transverse-mounted engine stunned the racing world when Richie Ginther drove it to victory in Mexico on October 24, 1965.
This win made the RA272 the first Japanese car, engine, and team to win a Formula 1 Grand Prix, cementing its place in motorsport history and inspiring global respect for Japanese engineering.
A Collector’s Dream for F1 Enthusiasts
With only 30 units of the 1:8 model available worldwide, owning one is not just a purchase — it’s an investment in motorsport heritage. The Honda RA272 1:8 scale model is a celebration of engineering brilliance, historical achievement, and artisanal craftsmanship, making it a must-have for serious collectors.
