Honda NSX | PH Auction Block

Even by the lofty standards of ’90s Japanese cars, there was something extra special about the Honda NSX. Supras, Skylines and RX-7s were (and still are) cool, no doubt, though they were front engined; there will always be something that bit more exotic about mid-engined, rear-drive two seaters. And don’t forget just how exciting a VTEC V6 would have been when John Major was PH, back when Type R might have sounded like a blood group to most.

Unlike those forbidden fruits of the Japanese Domestic Market, the NSX was on sale in Honda dealerships (or pricelists, at least) for 15 straight years, there alongside Civics, Accords and a couple of years of Jazzes as well. While the RX-7 was taken off sale, the GT-R imported in tiny numbers and the Evo only arriving once it was on its sixth take, the NSX soldiered on like it was just another Honda. 

Except, of course, it wasn’t just another Honda. It wasn’t just another sports car, either. It can be easy to forget now, given we haven’t talked about the NSX for at least six months and your great aunt could get a good lap from a Turbo S, but sports cars weren’t always accommodating. Particularly those with the engine behind the driver.

For a long time intimidating handling and recalcitrant powertrains were the price paid to look cool. The NSX proved those traits needn’t be mutually exclusive; while it wasn’t a flawless mid-engined machine, it was far more approachable and usable than was the norm at the time. Many were impressed, and it paved the way for everyday supercar as we now know it. 

Therefore despite sluggish sales when new, because people wanted expensive cars to have expensive badges on them, the significance of the NSX to the sports car story is now reflected in used values. They’re in demand, so much so in fact that Pininafarina has embarked on a restomod programme. One look at Honda’s current lineup would be enough to seek solace in the back catalogue, too. Furthermore, without wishing to play up to stereotypes too hard, which 30-something-year-old sports car would you rather have to maintain: a Honda NSX, or a Ferrari 348? Exactly. 

So there’s plenty going for a first gen car these days, even more than 20 years since the last one was sold. This is actually the first original NSX sold on PH Auctions, and it looks a fine example (as if it would be anything but): as a manual Targa in Formula Red, it would be very rare already. But add that to the 3.2-litre update (while keeping the pop up lights) and it’s going to make even the most heavily optioned 993 look pretty ordinary.

It comes from long term ownership, the current keeper having owned it since 2012 and covered a little more than 20,000 miles in that time. A smidge over 70k is comparable with others in the classifieds – one is rocking along showing 120,000 miles. NSX might be 8,000rpm sports cars, but they’re also Hondas, and with the right care they really can keep going. 

During their time with the car, the seller has invested in some smart upgrades, including Bilstein suspension, a phone-compatible stereo (instead of a cassette player!), new wheels and a spicier exhaust. Recent work including a cambelt will save the next owner a job, and the MOT history is pretty encouraging. All good to see. Speaking of which, those who want to inspect the NSX in person ahead of the auction will be able to see it at PH Annual Service next weekend. There’ll still be enough time ahead of the auction to make an offer, in fact…