The car initially performed impressively, winning in its first-ever World Championship race, the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

[1] Honda continued with the RA300 for the remainder of the 1967 season, Surtees finishing fourth at the final race in Mexico.

In spite of weighing 740 kg (dry), it was capable of spinning the rear tyres at 100 mph in third gear.

With cylinder dimensions of 78.0 x 52.2 mm and a displacement of 2,993.17 cc, a target of 400-440 bhp at 12,000 rpm was quoted.

The engine used by Surtees at Monza in 1967 was quoted by Motoring News as developing only 396 bhp, but with improved torque and response.