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
Interested in something else? Search these similar vehicles...
ClassicCars.com has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the United States, successfully making the Inc. 5000 list in both 2015,
2016, 2017 and 2018. This prestigious accolade represents the continued growth of the company, and ClassicCars.com's dominance as the world's largest online marketplace for
buying and selling classic and collector vehicles.
The Stevie Awards, the world's premier business awards recognized
ClassicCars.com's first-class Customer Support team with a Stevie Bronze Award in 2019, celebrating the team's skills as exemplary customer support specialists.
In 2016 The Journal, brought to you by ClassicCars.com, was celebrated as the SECOND MOST INFLUENTIAL automotive blog in the world by NFC Performance.