In the 1980s, as the world saw the rise of legendary supercars like
the Ferrari
F40 and Porsche 959, Honda set its sights on something different.
The company,
proud of its achievements as a Formula One engine manufacturer,
aimed to create
a pure, driver-focused sports car that would demonstrate its
engineering
excellence and elevate its global reputation.
The Honda NS-X, short for "New Sportscar eXperimental", was above
all a car born
from engineering ambition. Designed to integrate several advanced
technologies
derived from Honda's F1 program, the NSX broke new ground. It was
the first
production car built with a lightweight aluminum monocoque chassis,
keeping the
structure at just 210 kg. At its core was a 3.0-liter, mid-mounted
V6 engine,
also made entirely of aluminum, while its connecting rods were made
of titanium,
a world first for a production vehicle. In its manual
configuration, the engine
produced 274 horsepower, while the four-speed automatic version
delivered a
slightly lower output of 255 horsepower. Everything in the NSX was
designed to
be light, fluid, and precise.
Even the car's visibility was treated as a performance feature.
Designers Ken
Okuyama and Shigeru Uehara drew inspiration from the F-16 fighter
jet cockpit,
aiming to provide a wide, unobstructed field of view.
Ayrton Senna, then Honda's official F1 driver powering the McLaren
MP4, played a
key public role in the development of the NSX. His feedback during
testing
sessions is said to have helped fine-tune the supercar. Senna was
given a
company NSX, registered in Japan, as his official car during Grand
Prix and test
sessions. Beyond his role as a Honda/Acura brand figure, he also
kept a personal
NSX in Brazil, a Formula Red model that was part of his private
life, far from
the track.
If this exotic sports car won over legends like Ayrton Senna,
Gordon Murray, and
Bill Gates, it was in Hollywood where it truly turned heads. George
Lucas
commissioned the very first new model in California, and among NSX
owners count
Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, and the late, much-missed Robert
Redford.
Fittingly, this NSX was delivered new in California through Golden
Gate Acura in
December 1990, as confirmed by the original window sticker
accompanying the car,
finished in striking Formula Red with a Black roof and Black
leather interior,
and fitted with the highly desirable manual transmission. The first
owners
parted with the car in 1996, having driven just over 5,000 miles.
The second
owner, believed to have kept it as part of a significant
collection, added only
200 miles before selling it in 2009.
From that point, the maintenance history has been meticulously
documented
through receipts and service records, available on file. Initially
serviced by
Acura in Los Gatos and Santa Cruz, California, it underwent a major
service in
May 2020 at Lyle Pearson Acura, including a timing belt replacement
at 7,188
miles, air conditioning servicing, and the application of XPEL
paint protection
film by Oakes Detail, at a cost of $7,500, to preserve the original
paint and
wheels. The car was serviced in December 2023 and fitted with four
new
Bridgestone tires, and again serviced in 2025 in preparation for
sale. According
to past service records, this example's transaxle number does not
fall within
the range of potential snap ring defects, meaning it is unlikely to
experience
the known issue.
Today, this NSX remains in exceptionally well-preserved original
condition,
consistent with just 7,751 miles on the odometer; its immaculate
leather
interior testifies to meticulous care since new. The car is
accompanied by the
original owner's manual, original set of four keys, the original
window sticker
and pre-delivery form, and previously mentioned service and
maintenance invoices
dating back to 2009, all verified by a clean CARFAX Vehicle History
Report.
A landmark of engineering and motorsport heritage, this
exceptionally preserved,
low-mileage NSX offers not just rarity and provenance, but the
chance to own a
car shaped by legends, driven by icons, and revered by enthusiasts
worldwide. A
true collector's opportunity.
Vehicle Details
1991 Acura NSX
Listing ID:CC-2008925
Price:Auction Vehicle
Location:Las Vegas, Nevada
Year:1991
Make:Acura
Model:NSX
Odometer:7751
Stock Number:LV25Lot_109
VIN:JH4NA1156MT000994
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