There was a time when an Acura NSX was considered an “affordable” exotic. You could buy a driver-quality example from the 1991-1992 model years for $40,000 or so, and sometimes even less if the odometer had crossed into the 100K mile range. No longer, sadly, as those drivers are now kissing $80,000 and cars like this low-mileage, original paint 1992 NSX listed here on eBay are safely clearing a six-figure price of entry. Still, with Honda-grade reliability, it remains an outstanding value.
Of course, there’s always the question as to why it took the automotive universe so long to recognize that the NSX was severely undervalued compared to other sports cars of the era. But really, it’s not rocket science: people are persuaded by badges and logos every day, and the NSX was regarded as being too closely aligned with the daily driver appliances many of had in our household at one point in time. The supercar made by the same company that built the Civic? Preposterous! If it didn’t have the iconic crests of Porsche or Ferrari, the high rollers weren’t interested.
These days, however, if you could ignore the image concerns and simply buy the NSX for being a mid-engined marvel that just needed oil changes and the occasional timing belt, you were rewarded with a phenomenal driving experience. And yes, it didn’t have the same old-world character inside as a Ferrari 348 or a 911, but stuff also didn’t break as much. I’m guessing the A/C still worked most of the time, along with the power window and door lock switches. You really can’t count on those basic creature comforts still working year after year in the European models, at least not like you can in a Honda product.
The selling dealer notes that the must-do timing belt was replaced in preparation for sale. The paintwork is stunning, and it is believed to be completely original. The owner even left a modest scratch in place instead of disturbing the original finish. With 270 b.h.p. and 210 lb.-ft. of torque, the raw numbers don’t seem as impressive as other cars from the era (particularly the torque rating), but that’s all forgotten with a simple twist of the key. Even at their current prices, a driver-quality NSX with some miles seems like an outstanding value to me; do you agree?
I seem to recall some stigma for not having 8 or 12 cylinders in a “supercar”. NSX proved them wrong!
I have a fair amount of disdain for any V6 – an H6 or I6 is the superior engineering solution to using 6 cylinders, a V6 prioritizes compact packaging, IMO. That scorn would do absolutely nothing to keep me from driving an NSX, given the opportunity. Black is a fine colour for these fantastic machines.
Could you imagine a 2J, even pumping out a modest 500hp, would feel like in a car like this?
If the NSX didn’t shut the V6 skeptics up, the 650 HP 3.5 liter TT in the Ford GT certainly did.
“I’m Winston Wolf. I solve problems.”
Remember this one Jeff?
https://youtu.be/OO7g76sxom0?si=zSyemPjRL63Dk_1e
In the 90’s a new car model actually looked like something new. Now they look like something you’ve seen before or something you never want to see again. This thing is clean.
I have to agree. I long ago lost interest in supercars in general as all the new ones seem almost identical. Sure they’re super fast and all that, but almost every one of them has that same designed-in-a-wind-tunnel look. Hard to tell one from the other. They’ve (imo) lost that uniqueness and stunning visual look supercars had a few decades back that made people dream about having one.
Beautiful car although not sure I’m a fan of the color profile on this one. Still have always thought these were undervalued cars as you have stated.
Acura produced a classic with NSX in these model years. Style, form, function, plus reliability. Other “super car” sports car manufacturers still can’t touch these, imo.
I remember when these things were new the biggest complaint was the tiers needing replaced with such low miles but now the low-profile tire technology has caught up so you can cruise it and enjoy the car. if this was mine it would not be a garage queen i would be cruising it.
My “one that got away” coulda’ bought a ’91 with 35,000 miles for $35,000 in the early oughts. Ahhh.
Those V12’s had their day for sure, but even Formula One went where this car started.
🙂
One of many examples where the Japanese vehicle manufacturers needed to remind us they can produce more than gas sipping, reliable daily drivers. The Lexus LFA is a more recent example, while the Toyota 2000GT is a 1960s legend. Looks, performance and quality, Toyota and Honda have pulled off that hat trick multiple times throughout their historic tenures.
Ended at $60,100.
Reserve Not Met.
10 bids.