This 1:8 scale model of F1 racer costs more than a brand-new Honda Civic

The Honda RA272 Formula 1 race car is available in 1:8 scale, of which only 30 will be produced, as well as a less-expensive 1:18 scale model.

Honda RA272 1:8 scale model — *Honda is releasing just 30 units of its 1:8 scale model of the RA272 racer. – Honda Canada photo*

It appears Honda fans can spend more on a toy car than on a brand-new Honda Civic.

We use the term “toy” loosely as we’re talking about a collectible scale model that is not likely to ever be driven on a living room rug, though it would be fun.

The toy we’re talking about is a scale model of the Honda RA272 Formula 1 race car.

There are two sizes to choose from.

One version is a 1:18 scale model with a U.S. retail price of $1,735 ($2,385 Canadian) of which 300 will be made.

The other is a 1:8 scale model, of which only 30 will be produced. This one has a U.S. retail price of $28,995 ($39,859 Canadian).

That exceeds the price of a brand-new Civic, which has a starting price of $24,595 in the U.S., or $31,306 in Canada.

Real-life Honda RA272

The scale model honours Honda’s first car to earn a Formula 1 victory, when the car was driven to victory at the 1965 Mexico Grand Prix.

The car was powered by a 1.5-litre V12 engine that could scream up to 12,000 rpm. It had 230 hp, which made it the most powerful F1 engine at the time.

Scale model of Honda RA272

The scale models were produced in partnership with Amalgam Collection.

The 1:8 scale cars feature authentic painted livery, hand-built bodywork and more than 1,600 engineered parts, including a replica of Honda’s V12 engine.

Honda said more than 4,500 hours were spent to develop the 1:8 scale model and each one takes 450 hours to create.

The team creating these scale models used genuine car paints and used archive colour references.

“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,” said Koji Watanabe, president of Honda Racing Corporation, in a news release.

Availability

The cars will be available for purchase on Aug. 15 and 16 during Monterey Car Week, at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering and Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion in Monterey California.

Each car comes with a bespoke display case, a certificate of authenticity and a commemorative booklet signed by Watanabe.