Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) has launched a Heritage Racing Program that restores and sells historic championship‑winning cars from Honda and Acura’s racing past, beginning with a 2007 Sebring winner.
First offering: the 2007 Sebring‑winning ARX‑01a
The inaugural vehicle on the market is the Andretti Green Racing No. 26 AGR Acura ARX‑01a. The car captured the LMP2 class victory at the 12 Hours of Sebring in its debut race, an achievement credited to drivers Dario Franchitti, Bryan Herta and Tony Kanaan.
HRC plans to display the restored ARX‑01a on Friday, August 14, at the Quail during Monterey Car Week. While the price has not been disclosed, the rarity of a race‑winning prototype suggests a high asking price.
Restoration approach and modern upgrades
The program rebuilds each vehicle’s powertrain and updates its electronics to comply with current track safety standards. Restoration work relies on original documentation, notes and photographs to match the car’s condition at the time of its first victory as closely as possible.
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Only the electronic control systems and safety equipment deviate from the original specification, reflecting the need to meet contemporary racing regulations. After restoration, each car undergoes thorough track testing by HRC engineers, who also remain on call to assist new owners with competition support.
HRC’s experience includes recent restorations of the 2019 Acura Team Penske ARX‑05 IMSA champion and the 2010 ARX‑01c Le Mans LMP2 winner, both of which will appear at the Monterey Motorsports Reunion at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
These earlier projects demonstrated that historic prototypes could be returned to competitive form, a result that spurred the creation of the Heritage Racing Program. The ARX‑01a will join more than 20 other Honda and Acura champion machines on display throughout the Monterey Car Week festivities, spanning categories such as Formula 1, IndyCar, IMSA, SCCA, Baja, MotoGP, Dakar and the Isle of Man.
Collectors appreciate authenticity.
The program aims to give enthusiasts the chance to own a track‑ready champion rather than simply view it on television. While most fans will continue to watch races from home, the restored cars offer a tangible link to motorsport history for those willing to invest.
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Future availability of such vehicles could influence the collector market, encouraging more private teams to field historic prototypes at club events and vintage races. This may also pressure other manufacturers to consider similar initiatives, though the cost and expertise required for authentic restoration could limit widespread adoption.
What buyers can expect
Prospective owners will receive a car that is mechanically new but historically faithful, with modern safety features integrated discreetly. HRC’s engineers will provide ongoing technical assistance, ensuring the vehicle remains competitive and reliable on the track.
Because the program emphasizes authenticity, each vehicle’s provenance is documented, and owners receive the same archival materials used during the restoration process. This transparency adds to the collector appeal and helps verify the car’s lineage.
For now, the ARX‑01a stands as the program’s flagship offering, showcasing HRC’s commitment to preserving racing heritage while adapting it for contemporary use. The upcoming display at the Quail will give interested parties a chance to see the work up close before the car potentially moves to a new owner.
