Honda has a long and storied history using its V8 in racing, spanning across multiple decades and multiple disciplines. The Tokyo based firm first introduced a V8 to racing with the 3-liter at the 1968 French Grand Prix.
In 1996 Honda won its first CART Manufacturer’s Championship with the HRH specification engine, securing 11 victories in 16 races. 2003 started a successful run in IndyCar with a 3.5-liter (later 3.0-liter) naturally-aspirated V8. From 2003 to 2005 Honda won 28 of 49 races.
In 2006, Honda returned as a constructor in Grand Prix racing with a 2.4-liter V8 engine (RA806E) on the RA106 race car. The innovative multinational conglomerate even debuted their first V8 outboard motor in 2024 with the BF350 and is one of only two engine suppliers for the 2025 Indy 500. It’s a shame the American market has never gotten a V8 powered Honda! Want to know more about Honda V8s? Check out this write up on Car Buzz here.
The seller states, “This specific example has no crankshaft, pistons, or cam. The out of view internals have been destroyed to a point that it can never be used as an engine again. The exterior of the engine displays all the intricate plumbing & throttle linkage from when actually used.”
The manufacture date appears to be November 12th 1996.
It is unknown if it was intended for IndyCar or CART. Iconic noticed a Lola stamping on the engine, it is possible this engine was produced for a Lola chassis car.
It is approximately 54 inches tall. Iconic is estimating the weight of the engine and stand at 250-300 pounds.
The engine is mounted on a two foot wide rolling stand in the shape of Honda’s iconic logo.
Two 17mm long machine threaded bolts hold the engine onto the stand and the seller notes, “2 people can easily pick up the engine by lifting from the securely fastened header pipes.”
Currently located in Santa Monica, California, this Honda engine is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Have any V8 engine stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
