A Legendary Sebring Winner Just Got a Second Life—Here's How

Wouter Smit · 2026-08-12

When a race car wins at Sebring, it earns a permanent place in motorsport history. But history can be fragile. Cars get damaged, parts get lost, and the passage of time takes its toll. That's why Honda's new Historic Racing Program matters so much. They just brought the 2007 Acura ARX-01a back from the brink, restoring it to full track-ready condition. And here's the kicker: they're willing to sell it to you, complete with track support. If you've ever dreamed of owning a piece of racing heritage, this is about as close as it gets. But let's break down what this actually means, why it's such a big deal, and what it could mean for your own racing ambitions. ### Why the Acura ARX-01a Matters The ARX-01a isn't just any prototype. It's a car that proved itself on one of the toughest circuits in the world. Sebring is brutal—it's a 3.7-mile course that punishes every component, every driver, and every team. Winning there takes more than speed; it takes endurance, strategy, and a car that can absorb punishment for 12 straight hours. The 2007 season was a turning point for Acura's sports car program. The ARX-01a was their first real shot at competing at the highest level of American endurance racing. And it delivered. The car's success at Sebring helped establish Acura as a serious contender in the prototype class, not just a manufacturer dabbling in sports cars. ### What the Restoration Actually Involved Restoring a historic race car isn't like restoring a classic street car. You can't just polish the paint and call it a day. The Historic Racing Program had to go through every system with a fine-tooth comb. Here's what that typically involves: - **Chassis and tub inspection**: Checking for cracks, fatigue, or structural damage from years of hard racing - **Engine rebuild**: Full teardown, new bearings, fresh seals, and dyno testing to verify output - **Gearbox and drivetrain**: Replacing worn gears, synchros, and bearings to ensure reliable shifts - **Suspension and brakes**: New bushings, refreshed dampers, and fresh brake lines with proper fluid - **Safety equipment**: New belts, updated fire suppression, and a full electrical system check - **Data and electronics**: Reprogramming the ECU and verifying all sensors and displays work It's painstaking work, and it's not cheap. But when you're dealing with a car that has genuine racing pedigree, you don't cut corners. The goal is to make it not just look right, but to perform right—exactly as it did in its prime. ### What "Track Support" Means for You Here's where this gets interesting. Honda isn't just handing you the keys and wishing you luck. The Historic Racing Program is offering ongoing support to help you actually race the car. That could include anything from technical advice and spare parts availability to having factory-trained mechanics on hand at events. For a private owner, that's huge. Racing a prototype from the mid-2000s on your own is a logistical nightmare. Parts are rare, knowledge is scarce, and one bad weekend can set you back months. With factory support, you're not just buying a car—you're buying peace of mind. ### The Cost Question Let's talk numbers, because that's what everyone really wants to know. While Honda hasn't publicly listed a price for this specific car, restored LMP2 prototypes from this era typically sell in the range of $500,000 to $1.5 million. The Sebring-winning history adds a significant premium. And that's before you factor in the track support package, which could add tens of thousands of dollars per season depending on the level of involvement. Of course, you're also looking at running costs. A car like this will burn through about 12 to 15 gallons of fuel per hour of running, and a full race weekend with tires, brakes, and consumables can easily run $50,000 to $100,000. This is not a hobby for the faint of heart—or the thin of wallet. ### Is This Right for You? If you're a serious collector with a passion for endurance racing, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The car is historically significant, mechanically sound, and backed by the manufacturer. That's a combination you almost never see. But if you're looking for a weekend toy to take to track days, this probably isn't it. The ARX-01a is a full-blooded race car. It's loud, hot, and demanding. It requires a professional crew or at least a very dedicated team to run properly. There's no air conditioning, no cup holders, and no mercy. Still, for the right person, this is the chance to own a genuine Sebring winner and actually race it. Honda's Historic Racing Program is doing something rare here—they're not just preserving history, they're keeping it alive. And if you've got the budget and the desire, that's an invitation you might not want to turn down.