Nestled in the hills of Tochigi, Japan is a gem hidden among the tall forest trees. As part of the Turbo Tokyo Auto Salon Tour we took an excursion three hours from urban Shinagawa, Tokyo, prefecture to a vastly different landscape. Tall buildings gave way to farms and small villages. Packed expressways turned into small winding roads. At the end of this trek we reached our destination, the Twin Ring Motegi racetrack, home to the Honda Collection Hall. Never in a million years would I have guessed that the world's largest Honda museum is tucked away into the rural outskirts of Japan.
This three-story museum is a walk through time. You learn the complete history of how Honda as we know it was created by one man, founder Soichiro Honda. The Collection Hall was established in 1998 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Honda. The hall exhibits every model Honda has ever made, from the first bicycle to F1 race cars. All vehicles have been restored to original condition and most are not roped off; you can get right up close to appreciate the details and interior aspects. There is even a restoration room where you can see how the technicians complete the process as it happens.
For the rest of the story, along with technical specifications, photos, and more, pick up the June 2006 issue of Turbo & High Tech Performance, on news stands now!