Japan, as model car enthusiasts know, is the source of many fine collector models and kits. "HobbyLink Japan" is a company that ships a wide variety of interesting hobby toys and kits direct from Japan for prices that appear to be, at a glance, lower than if purchased here. Cars are only one item in their huge stock, which includes aircraft, naval, military toys and all sorts of action figures. You might want to make note of their "Website" as a future source of birthday gifts.

HobbyLink's automobiles come in various scales, such as this "1/12 Honda RA273" from 1967, with John Surtees at the wheel. Americans Ronnie Bucknam and Richie Ginther were also in the Honda team during the RA273's brief two-year career. The car was designed by 25 year old engineer Irimagiri and was driven by a 3.0 liter 90-degree V-12 of 360 hp through a 5-speed gearbox. Heavier than its rivals, it had eleven starts with one fastest lap and a best finish of third. As a reminder that Honda enjoys a lengthy tradition of Grand Prix racing, this nicely detailed reissue would make a splendid companion piece to a contemporary F1 model.