Known for its success in motorcycling, Honda designed a Formula 1 car for the 1964 season. The V12 engine was mounted in a transversal position, a solution designed already years earlier by engineer Colombo for the Bugatti 251. The Honda RA271 made its debut in the 1964 German GP, revealing several youth problems. It was then thanks to the test ability of the American Ritchie Ginther that the car progressed considerably, also winning a GP in Mexico with the same Ginther. Among other things, that was the last race ever under the 1500cc regulations.