Honda RA272

The Honda RA272 was a F1 racing car used in 1965, a successor to the Honda RA271.

It was noticeable mainly for its technically-advanced (though rather wide and heavy) 1500cc V12 engine, a water-cooled, transversely mounted unit which reportedly gave about 220 - 230 BHP, and could rev up to about 12.000 RPM, which was unusually high for a 1960's engine design. It won the 1965 Mexican Grand Prix, driven by Richie Ginther, making it the first Japanese car to win a Grand Prix in Formula 1.

In 2004, the RA272 was simulated in driveable form in the Grand Prix Legends racing simulation game, appearing in the freely-available '1965 Mod' expansion. The RA272 could also be seen in the Honda marketing film "The Impossible Dream".