Honda RA272
Honda's transverse V12 racer, the first Japanese car to win a Formula One Grand Prix.
- Power
- 230 bhp
About the Honda RA272
Designed by Yoshio Nakamura and Shoichi Sano as an evolution of the RA271, the RA272 carried a water-cooled 1,495 cc V12 mounted transversely behind the driver, with 48 valves and an output Honda quoted at 230 bhp, the highest of the 1.5-litre era. Lighter alloys in the engine and monocoque cut its weight to 498 kg, 27 kg less than its predecessor. Richie Ginther scored Honda's first points with sixth at Spa and qualified in the top three four times. At the 1965 Mexican Grand Prix, the last race of the 1.5-litre formula, he passed Jim Clark and Dan Gurney at the start and led all 65 laps for Honda's first win, with Ronnie Bucknum fifth.
Honda RA272 specs
The Honda RA272 produces 230 bhp (172 kW).
| Make | Honda |
|---|---|
| Model | RA272 |
| Years | 1965 |
| Type | Race car |
| Body style | Open-wheel single-seater |
| Country | Japan |
| Production | About 3 built |
| Engine | 1.5L naturally aspirated V12 (Honda RA272E) |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,495 cc (1.5 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 230 bhp (172 kW) |
| Redline | 14,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual (Honda) |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 498 kg (1,098 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 462 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
Honda RA272 rarity in CarSpot
The Honda RA272 is a Unicorn card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 100 out of 100. The rarest tier: hypercars, one-offs and cars built in tiny numbers, typically fewer than about 500. A Unicorn card is worth 320 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 RA272 fun facts
- After the Mexico win, team manager Yoshio Nakamura sent Honda's Tokyo headquarters the message 'Veni, vidi, vici'.
- Richie Ginther's Mexico victory was also tyre supplier Goodyear's first Formula One win.
- Red Bull ran liveries inspired by the RA272 at the 2021 Turkish and 2025 Japanese Grands Prix.