Investment Grade One-Owner Unmodified NSX 3.0L V6 5-spd A/C

When you think of Honda/Acura, what do you see? Better yet, when you think of Honda/Acura in the '90s, what do you see? Fun and pragmatic runabouts like the Integra and Prelude? Well, that's to be expected, since everyone's favorite manufacturer of high-revving imports has built quite the reputation for technological and industrious transportation. And that reputation is exactly why classics like this first-year NSX are such cool finds. Virtually every automaker has to build its fair share of vanilla appliances. But there's just something incredibly exciting when a 'big seven' behemoth throws caution to the wind and lets its engineers do the talking. Sporting only 15,515 miles that were logged by one enthusiastic owner, this NSX is an unmodified beauty that's always resided in the mild confines of the southern United States. Want an incredible modern classic that's virtually guaranteed to build equity? This well-preserved Acura is your hot ticket!

HISTORY/CONDITION

During the late '80s and early '90s, Toyota, Honda and Nissan enjoyed unprecedented success as they built powerhouse brands that could compete with the world's biggest automakers. That success inspired Honda, already well-known for its efficiency and engineering expertise, to create what they considered an 'everyman's super car'. Enter the elegant NSX, with its highly advanced engine, forged aluminum suspension and all-aluminum body. This super clean NSX is a first-year model that was ordered by its one and only owner three years before production even started. That's right, the owner, who had carefully followed development of the car, was such a fan that he decided to just show up at his local dealer with cash in hand. The salesperson he spoke with had no idea the car was even being engineered but, upon checking with his manager, was happy to take the deposit. When the beloved NSX arrived, the owner traded in his early '60s Corvette. And today, this Acura rolls as an unmodified, low-mileage garage queen that, residing in the southern United States, has never seen snow and rarely seen rain.

ENGINE

To many folks, the sign of a true super car is exclusivity, and exclusivity is one area where the NSX has major chops. Toss this coupe's hatch and you'll find a 3.0 liter C30A V6 that, due to its cost and complexity, was never fitted to another production Honda. That's virtually unheard of in the modern era of platform sharing, global propulsion systems and government certifications. Mixing the brand's proven V-TEC variable valve timing with variable volume induction, that all-aluminum mill turns a respectable 270 horses and an impressive 210 lb./ft. of torque into a pleasingly flat power curve that tops out at 8,000 RPM. That level of revolution can be reliably maintained thanks to iron-sleeved cylinders, a lightweight rotating assembly and the C30A being one of the first mass-produced powerplants to utilize titanium connecting rods. Those meritorious powertrain characteristics, the same mindset shared by the car's high-strung S2000 brethren, are no doubt aided by 24-valve heads, which are wired with electronic fuel injection and direct ignition. And, as you can see from our high-resolution photos, the engine is every bit as fresh as a 26-year-old classic can be, with most of its ancillary components showing minimal wear.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Park this NSX on a lift and you'll find a well-preserved undercarriage that, according to the car's current owner, has only seen one rain event. Behind the V6, a twin-plate clutch kicks a row-it-yourself 5-speed, which spins a limited-slip differential around aggressive, 3.18 gears. Below that drivetrain, a forged aluminum, fully independent suspension, which remains exactly as it was back in 1991, benefits from standard traction control. That chassis turns thanks to electronically assisted rack-and-pinion steering. At the corners, power disc brakes utilize 4-channel ABS to increase stopping performance. There's a pristine exhaust system, which gives the engine a signature growl. And everything rides on forged alloy wheels, which, benefitting from the car's well-known tire recall, spin 205/50ZR15 Yokohamas in front of 225/50ZR16 Yokohamas.

INTERIOR

Behind the doors, a weather-free interior offers a great balance between daily and high performance needs. Original bucket seats wrap tight leather around 4-way power adjustment. Between those seats, a molded console centers a leather-wrapped shifter behind a choice Bose sound system, which has been fully rebuilt, and automatic climate control, which benefits from a new compressor. The car's sculpted, color-keyed dashboard is in great shape and free of cracks and scratches. The carpet, protected by NSX themed floor mats, and leather door panels, framing controls for an array of power accessories, retain their showroom charm. In front of the driver, a leather-wrapped, Acura-branded steering wheel laps a tilt and telescopic column. Behind the passengers, a carpeted cargo hold hides a factory air compressor and aluminum jack with enough room for a couple of weekend bags or even a set of golf clubs. And everything, from the car's factory Cruise Control to its standard theft deterrent system, is lucid and ready to hit the road.

PROVENANCE

Our sale includes this Acura's original Window Sticker. Here's a thorough breakdown of the car's long list of standard equipment.

1991 NSX
BLACK EXTERIOR PAINT
BLACK INTERIOR TRIM
182 CUBIC INCH V6 WITH ELECTRONIC FUEL INJECTION
5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSON
DELIVERED TO: AMHERST MOTORCAR COMPANY OF AMHERST, NEW YORK

* 3.0 liter 24-valve, DOHC V6
* -- Variable valve timing
* -- Lift electronic control (V-TEC)
* -- Programmed fuel injection
* 5-speed manual transmission
* -- Twin-plate clutch
* -- Tachometer
* Forged aluminum double wishbone suspension
* -- Front and rear stabilizer bars
* -- Gas pressure shock absorbers
* -- Traction control system
* Forged aluminum alloy wheels
* Yokohama A022 Z-rated high performance radial tires
* Limited-slip differential
* 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes
* -- 4-channel anti-lock braking system
* Tilt and telescopic steering column
* -- Driver's side airbag
* Rack-and-pinion steering
* Automatic climate control
* Cruise Control
* Variable intermittent wipers
* Bose acoustically-tuned music system
* -- AM/FM stereo
* -- Full logic cassette deck with CD changer control
* -- Seek/skip function
* -- Automatic power antenna with FM density tuning
* Leather trimmed seats, door inserts and steering wheel
* 4-way power seats
* Power mirrors
* Rear spoiler with LED stop light
* Theft deterrent system
* Map lights
* Courtesy lights
* Retractable projector beam halogen headlights
* -- Headlight flasher
* Side window defoggers
* Electric rear window defroster
* Compact spare tire
* -- Air compressor
* -- Aluminum jack
* Remote fuel filler door release
* Remote trunk release
* Valet key
* Pre-wiring for optional CD changer and cellular phone
* Destination and handling charge ($600)

MANUFACTURER'S SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: $61,000
TOTAL RETAIL PRICE: $61,600

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OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES

* Vintage marketing literature
* The aforementioned Window Sticker
* The car's Pre-Delivery Inspection form
* The car's original Owner's Manual
* The car's original factory accessory literature
* Factory paperwork pertaining to the car's tire recall
* A stack of service invoices
* Miscellaneous literature about the NSX
* Spare keys
* The car's original front tag bracket
* An aftermarket car bra
* A wheel lock socket

If you were to ask us about newer metal that will appreciate in the coming years, the Acura NSX would be at the top of the list. Well-maintained examples like this low-mileage, first-year coupe are becoming increasingly hard to find, especially if you're looking for something this nice. If you've been searching for a choice modern classic that you can preserve and enjoy, here's your car!

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SUMMARY

* One-owner, first-year NSX that's logged only 15,515 miles
* 3.0L DOHC V6
* 5-speed manual transmission
* Original Black paint
* Original Black leather interior
* Air conditioning
* Bose acoustically-tuned music system
* Original Window Sticker
* Service records