Japan's first modern supercar, the high-tech Honda NSX was introduced in 1989 to a rapturous reception, before going on sale to the public the following year. The NSX was a real lightweight thanks to the extensive use of aluminium, and still assembled by hand in a land where mass production was the norm.
Famously developed with input from Ayrton Senna and endorsed as ‘monumental’ by Gordon Murray, the Honda NSX was, and still is, an automotive legend. Murray even purchased and drove one on a daily basis, which he described as being, ‘very dear to his heart’. The beauty of the NSX was not a headline-grabbing top speed or a colossal power output, but rather the expertly balanced combination of its chassis and powertrain. It is the byword for a useable and approachable supercar, and as such is all but immune to the passing of time and progression of technology.
Powering the NSX was a real jewel of an engine, a DOHC 90-degree V6 drawing from Honda's long racing heritage. Mounted transversely, the all-alloy unit could rev safely to 8000 rpm - something achieved with titanium rods - but was docile enough to pull cleanly from 1000 rpm, making the NSX a pleasure to drive around town.
Inside, the NSX showcased Honda's renowned ergonomics, albeit with higher grade materials and plenty of technology - for example electric seats and climate control were standard - and combined a supremely comfortable driving position with cleverly thought out controls. The cockpit set new benchmarks for supercars and unquestionably caused competitors like Ferrari and Porsche to lift their game.
In 2005, after 16 years of production, Honda finally pulled the plug on this first-generation NSX, ending a remarkable chapter in the history of Japanese engineering. The NSX proven remarkably trouble free from a maintenance point of view, its V6 engine being totally reliable and capable of doing big mileage without any issues. Values of the NSX have also held up remarkably well, and they are, without doubt, now regarded as a sought-after modern classic.
Year: 1999
Body: 2 Doors Coupe
Exterior: Red
Interior: Black
Driver's Side: RHD
Transmission: 6 Speed Manual
Indicated Mileage: 12,158 KM (Actual Mileage 34,000 KM)
Location: Hong Kong
Registration: Soon to be registered in Hong Kong
This Motor Car: Finished in Formula Red with contrasting black roof and black leather interior, this beautifully NSX comes with the more powerful 3.2 Litre Engine as well as the highly desirable 6 Speed Manual Transmission. A "4 Point" car at Japanese inspection before exported to Hong Kong in 2019 and undergone a 2-year restoration to ensure that any and all minor mechanical faults were rectified as well as giving the car a fresh new coat of paint. New bushing, tie-rod, control arms, coolant, gearbox oil as well as an engine-out service was included. Additionally the car has had its alignment done as well as having new tires fitted. Arrived in Hong Kong in 2019, tax assessment completed and ready to be registered for rd use. This NSX we are offering today is in good condition. The interior is well preserved and very good for the age except for minor wear on trims and seat leather. Available for viewing by appointment only.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Classic NSX colour combination of Formula Red over Black on a Pininfarina designed body
A rare and one of the last First-generation bodied (Pop-up lights) second-generation (NA2) NSX
3.2L Motor, 6 Speed Manual Transmission, uprated Original 16/17 inches Wheel-tire combo
Classic Insider condition score: 85 points out of 100
CONDITION REPORT:
Largely Original. Freshly repainted, well-cared for and consistently maintained. Exterior has new paint, looks shiny and fresh. The seals around the door are leak-free but a bit worn and could be replaced. The original alloy wheels are painted in black, largely unmarked and shod with brand new 2018 tires. The Interior is original, seats, dash, carpets and door cards showing some signs of correct wear and tear for the age. Front driver's seat is slightly more worn than others. The trim surrounding the centre console and some buttons on the control interface are more used than other. Mechanical and suspension are excellent and all bushings, tie-rods, freshly replaced. Engine bay is very clean and tidy with a newly repainted Red Honda valve cover.
Available Exclusively at Classic Insider. For more info, please contact:
Kenneth Wong
Email: Kenneth@classicinsider.com
Telephone Or Whatsapp: +852 9013 2536
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SERVICE HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS
** All available previous Service records available upon request
BACKGROUND AND HISTORY:
The Honda NSX was produced between 1990 and 2005 and is equipped with a mid-engined, rear-wheel drive layout powered by an all-aluminium V6 featuring Honda's Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) system.
In 1984, Honda commissioned the Italian car designer Pininfarina to design the HPX (Honda Pininfarina Experimental), which had a mid-mounted 2.0 litre, V6 configuration. Following Honda's decision to pursue the project, the management informed the engineers that the new car would have to be as good as anything coming from both Italy and Germany.
The HPX concept car evolved into the NSX (New Sportscar experimental). The original performance target for the NSX was the Ferrari 328; subsequently revised to the 348 as the design neared completion. The bodywork design had been specifically researched after studying the 360° visibility inside an F-16 fighter jet. The car's strong chassis, rigidity and handling capabilities were the results of three times F1 World Champion Ayrton Senna's input with NSX's chief engineers while testing the prototype car at Honda's Suzuka Circuit during the development stages.
The NSX featured a state of the art 3.0-litre V6 ‘VTEC’ engine (variable valve timing) and an all-aluminium monocoque body, encompassing a revolutionary extruded aluminium alloy frame and suspension. This made the car extremely light and extremely strong. Other game-changing features included 4 channel ABS brakes, titanium connecting rods in the engine and later in the model’s life – an electric power steering system as well as an upgrade to a 3.2-litre V6 engine. The car was the first real Japanese ‘Supercar’, proving itself and quickly establishing respect from its key competitors. Production continued right up until 2005, with only subtle changes made throughout its life.
Today, the NSX is still considered by owners of the marque as one of the most reliable exotic cars ever manufactured with many examples comfortably exceeding 100,000 miles without serious reliability issues.
MODEL HISTORY
The Honda NA1 NSX was initially available as a mid-engined coupe. Manufactured in a purpose-built factory in Tochigi, Japan, the rear-wheel drive NSX was powered by a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine that was mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.
C30A
The original 3.0-litre C30A V6 petrol engine had an open-deck design, an aluminium block and cylinder head, double overhead camshafts (per cylinder bank), titanium connecting rods for reliable high-rpm operation (a world first), forged pistons with molybdenum coating, four valves per cylinder, direct ignition (individual coils mounted atop each spark plug) and a compression ratio of 10.2:1. The C30A engine also featured Honda’s
Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) which was designed to engage between 5800 and 6000 rpm; and,
Variable Volume Induction System (VVIS) which used a secondary intake plenum to create an inertia ram tuning effect from 4800 rpm.
While engines with manual transmissions had an 8000 rpm redline; engines with automatic transmissions, however, had less aggressive cam timing and the redline was reduced to 7200 rpm.
The five-speed manual transmission had a twin-disc clutch, double-cone synchroniser in second gear and a synchronised reverse gear. The four-speed automatic transmission, however, had a lock-up torque co