Honda’s first Grand Prix-winning car was the RA272, which triumphed at the 1965 Mexican Grand Prix.
The victory came in Honda’s second Formula One season. American driver Richie Ginther started third at Mexico City and took the lead immediately, then led all 65 laps. The RA272’s reliability was crucial at high altitude, where several rivals suffered engine trouble.
The car evolved from Honda’s RA271, its first F1 machine. Its technically ambitious 1.5-liter, naturally aspirated V12 engine was transversely mounted behind the driver and produced roughly 230 horsepower. Honda entered the final race of the 1.5-liter engine era with a car that was fast, distinctive and finally dependable.
The RA272’s win is often described as the first Formula One victory for a Japanese car, Japanese constructor and Japanese engine manufacturer. The RA273 was its 1966 successor, while the RA271 was the earlier 1964 car, so neither is the answer to this question.