Photography Courtesy of Silverstone Auctions
What do you get when you mix Honda F1 technology, free rein from money clenching bean counters, development assistance from Ayrton Senna, and a “one-super-car-to-do-it-all” mission statement? You get the NSX, a sports car that was so ahead of the competition when it debuted at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show, its production lasted from 1990 to 2005—with only minor changes made throughout its lifespan.
Honda, having never produced a super car, approached the New Sportscar eXperimental program from an angle that had yet to be the primary focus of a super car: practicality. Yes, the 3.0-liter dual overhead cam V6 featured variable valve timing and lift electronic control (VTEC) and was the first production engine to contain titanium connecting rods, but it also featured an F-16 inspired near 360-degree view cockpit thanks to its thin, blind spot-minimizing pillars.
It also revved to 8,ooo rpm—all day long—but it’d still fire up with the reliability of a Civic: Every. Single. Day. Try that driving routine with something Italian from the era. Did I mention the NSX was also the first production car with all-aluminum monocoque body construction? When a Honda influences the design of the world’s most singularly perfect super car, the McLaren F1, you know it’s something special. General rule of thumb: if Gordon Murray likes it, it’s damn good.
You’d think the racing technology stuffed into the space frame aluminum/high strength steel chassis and beautiful lightweight minimalistic body would be perfect, right? Well, Honda refused to make compromises, so it hired Formula One legend Ayrton Senna for a double check. Honda flew Senna out to Suzuka circuit, tossed him keys to a near production ready NSX prototype, and let the man work his magic.
The result? “I’m not sure I can really give you appropriate advice on a mass-production car, but I feel it’s a little fragile”—Honda listened and modified the chassis to get Senna’s approval before beginning production—that won’t happen again. Senna was later gifted a red NA1 NSX for his help in perfecting Honda’s greatest performance achievement.
This 2005 Honda NSX is one of the last twelve NSX to be delivered new to the United Kingdom. In total, only 85 facelift models (NA2) made their way to the UK between 2002 and 2005. Final year NSX were offered in special color options—this being the only British order in pearl white and vibrant red leather cabin. With just 48k miles since new, this late one-owner NSX presents in impeccable condition and comes with complete service record history—with all maintenance performed by Honda dealers or the NSX gurus at Plans Performance.
Included in the sale are all booklets, keys, and MOT inspection good through November 2016. To this day, there hasn’t been a direct NSX “replacement” offered. Fast (enough), beautifully aggressive and elegant, comfortable, perfectly balanced, high build quality, and turnkey reliable, the Honda NSX is “The Power of Dreams.”
History
– One of the last twelve Honda NSX delivered to the United Kingdom
– Only pearl white on red leather example ordered for the United Kingdom
Specifications
~280 horsepower 3.2-liter DOHC VTEC six-cylinder, five-speed manual transmission with LSD, four wheel independent suspension, front and rear disc brakes. Wheelbase: 2530 mm.
Vehicle information
Chassis no.: JHMNA214055200015
Engine no.: 632B23141115
Valuation
Auction house: Silverstone Auctions
Estimate: £80,000 – £100,000 ($115,000 – $150,000 Usd.)
Price realized: Auction on May 20
