Bargain Project? 1991 Acura NSX

We don’t often see sellers of exotic or high-end sports cars post reasonable prices when the vehicle in question has some needs. Usually, you get slapped with hyperbole about what an opportunity it is, or how a few thousand dollars in work will yield a car worth significantly more (which always begs the question, why don’t you just perform the repairs yourself?) The 1991 Acura NSX listed here on craigslist for $50,000 has been partially disassembled for reasons we don’t know, but it appears to be mostly contained to the interior. The seller notes there’s also a rebuilt title due to a hit on the right side, which may need some further repairs. The good news? It’s a manual.

The Acura NSX has enjoyed a steady rise in value over the last few years, especially as other sports and exotic models from the middle and late 90s became increasingly expensive. The NSX is still a relative bargain compared to a 993-series Porsche 911, or a Ferrari 355. The last few years of NSX production have always been on the expensive side, but the earliest models were a relative bargain for quite some time. As one of those earlier models with a rebuilt title, this NSX was always going to be priced better than most, but even with the current list of needs and a $50K ask, it’s likely the cheapest 5-speed manual you’re going to find.

The seller doesn’t explain why he pulled the interior out of the car, or at least began removing certain components. It doesn’t appear to be a total gut for something cosmetic like a color change (if it was originally tan, I can see converting it to a black leather interior as a possible motivation for taking it apart), but just certain parts, like this door handle and mirror switch, popped out. The photo above this one shows that the center console has been pried out around the shifter, and a photo of the trunk compartment shows some of the carpeting removed. Even with the favorable pricing, a car that’s been in a flood is hardly worth the stress of drying it out.

The seller notes that the NSX was previously hit and rebuilt on the passenger side, but that there may be some lingering issues from the accident. He states, “Might need a control arm changed down the road, the wheel sits back a little but it can be driven.” That’s slightly ominous, but certainly a straightforward repair if there’s not deeper damage to sort out. The 3.0L V6 engine made the most power when equipped with the 5-speed, churning out 270 b.h.p. and 210 lb.-ft. of torque with VTEC encouraging you to wind it out every chance you got. It’s a thrilling experience even today when that powerband is behind your head, and we’d like to think this NSX is worthy of the repairs necessary at this price point. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Curvette for the tip.