Vehicle Description
Chassis No. NA1-1200106
Upon its release in 1990, the Honda NSX quickly established itself
as the benchmark for the mid-engine sports car segment. Its blend
of performance and everyday usability earned widespread acclaim,
with Car and Driver calling it "the most precise and attuned
mid-engined machine we've ever driven." Yet for some enthusiasts in
Japan, the standard NSX didn't go far enough. They craved a more
focused machine-one that prioritized track performance over daily
comfort.
Honda answered that call in 1992 with the NA1 generation NSX-R: a
stripped-down, track-optimized version of the NSX, built
exclusively for the Japanese market until 1995. In pursuit of
performance, Honda removed virtually all creature comforts-air
conditioning, airbags, radio, spare tire, traction control, and
sound deadening-all sacrificed to save weight and sharpen the
driving experience. Additional measures included lightweight
carbon-Kevlar Recaro bucket seats and forged Enkei alloy wheels,
shedding around 120 kilograms (265 pounds) from the curb
weight.
Underneath, the NSX-R received a meticulously blueprinted and
balanced version of the 3.0-liter V6 engine. Though officially
rated at 276 horsepower due to Japan's manufacturers' gentleman's
agreement, it was widely believed to produce closer to 290.
Handling was similarly enhanced with stiffer springs and dampers, a
larger diameter front sway bar, and a locking limited-slip
differential, transforming the NSX into a precise, aggressive
machine that lived for the racetrack.
Only 483 examples of the NSX-R were produced, all right-hand drive
and identifiable by a unique ten-character chassis code. Chassis
number NA1-1200106-serial R-0207-is one such example. Finished in
Championship White, it rides on matching 16-inch front and 17-inch
rear Enkei seven-spoke wheels, while subtle red Honda badges hint
at its enhanced capabilities.
Inside, the transformation continues. Black Alcantara trimmed
Recaro seats set performance-oriented tone, along with the
three-spoke non-airbag MOMO steering wheel. Other interior
highlights include Alcantara-lined door panels and dashboard, and a
titanium shift knob. The car deviates slightly from the ultimate in
weight savings with the now highly sought-after air conditioning
and a stereo added back to this car.
The car's history file shows its first registration on 14 April
1993 in Nihama City. Staying in the Ehime Prefecture, it later
moved to Matsuyama City in December 1996, where it remained for
nearly 14 years with its second caretaker. The car was then
acquired by a Honda dealership in Takamatsu City in November 2010.
In January 2011, it passed to a private owner in Kobe City with
just 43,625 kilometers (27,048 miles). It was last registered in
Japan in the Ora District of Gunma Prefecture in January 2025
before being imported to the U.S. shortly after.
Today, well-preserved NSX-Rs like this example remain highly sought
after by collectors due to their raw, unfiltered dynamics and
rarity. The presence of optional air conditioning and a Bose stereo
only enhances usability, making this a particularly desirable
example of one of the most exclusive variants to emerge from the
1990s Japanese performance car wars. As a result, the NSX-R is a
true "must-have" for any collection focused on the rarest JDM
performance icons.
