Honda and Formula 1 go a long way back; in fact, more than six decades ago, the Japanese automotive giant won its first-ever F1 race. The 1965 Mexican Grand Prix brought accolades to the Asian subcontinent, sparking the start of a new racing era. To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the historic victory, Honda Racing Corporation has crafted a scaled model of the legendary Honda RA272 Formula One race car.
Honda chose Amalgam Collection for this unique creation, and for good reason. The Bristol-based maker of replica model cars has showcased its craft innumerable times in the past with creations like the shimmering Ferrari 296 GT3 and the timeless scissor-doored Lamborghini Countach. Fast forward to the current F1 generation engines, and Honda has a successful stint with last year’s Championship-winning Red Bull R20 engine supplier.
Designer: Honda and Amalgam Collection
According to Koji Watanabe, President, Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), “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 of where our success began.” The 1:8 scale model of the legendary motor racer will be made in a limited edition of 30 units for $28,995 each. For that amount, you could get yourself the humble Honda Civic and still save some cash. For collectors, this is a priceless possession to own, so someone with a fat bank account won’t mind. Amalgam will also make the 1:18 scale model of the car, which will be limited to 300 units priced at $1,735 each. Passionate F1 fans and motorheads can buy the replica model during the Monterey Car Week at the Quail from August 15-16.
Coming back to this intricate creation, the Amalgam team travelled to Honda Collection Hall in Motegi, Japan, for the accurate digital scans of the original model. The in-period photos of the RA272 were also scanned to mirror the fine curves and intricate details of the race car. Each section of the car’s pattern was used to create the silicon rubber mold, which was filled with prototyping resin to cast parts from the silicon molds. Each mold was used to craft 20-30 parts before creating a new one for the next batch.
A whopping 4,500 hours were invested in the consequent recreation, capturing every last detail. Each one of the models took 450 hours to handcraft from 1600 engineered components, which in itself is a testament to the level of craft of the design team. The scaled model is accompanied by the tiny replica of the 1.5-liter V12 engine, which produced 230 horsepower revving at 12,000 rpm back in those days. Of course, the engine is not functional, but it is one detailed piece as well. The paint job is as detailed as the structural build, with color references from the archives used to spray the bodywork.
The level of the car’s artisanry is well complemented by the bespoke display case, which has a certificate of authenticity and commemorative booklet signed by HRC President Koji Watanabe. According to the veteran, the RA272 is an invitation to own a piece of Honda’s motorsport history. This model is special because it represents the racing DNA of the brand and is a reminder of the time when success started gravitating.
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