Tamiya 12032 - 1:12 Honda RA273

Honda RA273 Formula 1 car plastic model kit in 1:12 scale

The Honda RA273 was the car with which the Japanese marque entered Formula 1 with a complete in-house package: body, chassis and a powerful, naturally aspirated V12 of Honda's own design. Tamiya 12032 recreates the machine in 1:12 scale, where every detail of the drivetrain and suspension can be studied up close.

The mould dates from 1967, and in 2006 the kit was released in a version enhanced with photo-etched parts. The current 2025 edition includes new instructions and a double-sided A3 booklet with photographs of the original car — valuable reference material for painting and finishing.

The kit reproduces the V12 engine together with fuel lines and ignition wiring, aluminium intake trumpets and a photo-etched oil cooler. Front and rear suspension remain movable thanks to metal springs, and the steering wheel turns the front wheels.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues
• Photo-etched parts: brake discs, oil cooler, steering wheel spokes
• Aluminium intake trumpets
• Metal suspension springs
• Rubber tyres with moulded tread
• Fuel lines and ignition wiring
• Decal sheet
• Double-sided A3 booklet with photographs of the original car
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:12
• Item number: 12032
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled model size: 333 × 143 × 70 mm
• Skill level: intermediate (a large kit with a very high number of details — fully reproduced engine, wiring, photo-etched parts and working suspension)

Please note: The kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Assembly:

Despite the excellent parts fit typical of Tamiya, this is a large, multi-part kit that rewards systematic work. The V12 engine deserves the most attention — much of it remains visible on the finished model, so it is worth painting its components before assembling the sub-units. Fuel lines and ignition wiring are added at the end of that stage; precision modelling tweezers will help. Cyanoacrylate glue is recommended for the photo-etched parts and the aluminium intake trumpets.

The bodywork of the RA273 is typically finished in gloss. Applying decals over a gloss base helps to avoid decal silvering, and sealing them with a further coat of clear afterwards protects the finish. Engine, suspension and exhaust parts can be varied with metallic paints and washes to bring out the detail. The instructions provide Tamiya paint codes for the marking scheme.

Tools required:

• Modelling side cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up sprue gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Cyanoacrylate glue for photo-etched and metal parts
• Precision modelling tweezers
• Brushes in various sizes
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel), including metallic shades
• Gloss clear coat as a base for the decals
• Decal setting solution
• Modelling wash to emphasise the detail

About the car – Honda RA273:

The Honda RA273 was a development of the Formula 1 programme the Japanese manufacturer had been running since the mid-1960s. It was designed for the era of the new regulations permitting 3-litre engines. At its heart was Honda's own power unit — a 90-degree V12 of 2993 cc producing around 400 hp at 10,000 rpm.

The car made its debut at the 1966 Italian Grand Prix with Richie Ginther at the wheel. It continued to race in 1967, when John Surtees took third place with it at the South African Grand Prix. The car was relatively heavy by the standards of the day (around 743 kg), but impressed with its power and the distinctive sound of its V12.

Original car specifications (Honda RA273):

• Racing years: 1966–1967
• Engine: 90-degree V12, 2993 cc
• Power: approx. 400 hp at 10,000 rpm
• Weight: approx. 743 kg
• Debut: 1966 Italian Grand Prix (Richie Ginther)
• Best 1967 result: 3rd place at the South African Grand Prix (John Surtees)

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 by Yoshio Tamiya in Shizuoka, a city regarded as the centre of the Japanese model industry. The business began in the timber trade and wooden model production, releasing its first plastic model kit in 1960. The brand became known for its precise injection moulds and excellent parts fit, which is why its kits are chosen by beginners and experienced modellers alike. The large 1:12 car kits are among the most elaborate items in the company's catalogue, combining finely reproduced engines, working suspension on metal springs and photo-etched parts. Many of them were developed from studies of the original racing cars, carried out in cooperation with teams and manufacturers. Alongside plastic kits, Tamiya offers a full range of modelling accessories: paints, glues, tools and brushes. The company is present in dozens of countries today and remains one of the most recognisable brands in the hobby.