Honda Acura NSX Mk1

When light isn’t light enough / #Honda-NSX-R / #Honda-NSX-MkI / #Honda / #Honda-Acura / #Acura / #Acura-NSX / #Acura-NSX-R

The Honda NSX-R will be instantly recognisable to any fans of the Gran Turismo series of PlayStation games, but probably less so to analogue 3D car nuts.

The Type-R was only ever produced for the Japanese market, with just 464 built from #1992 - #1995 plus another short run after the NSX’s 2002 3.2-litre facelift. However, the odd example has been imported to the UK, and more may be on the way as a number have popped up recently in Japanese auctions – a feed point for the still strong market for UK imports.

A 1995 car with just 860 kilometres (534 miles) on the clock recently sold for £223,188 at BH Auction, which is almost certainly a record. However, even those with a more normal mileage can still expect to push the £100k mark, such is their collectability.

For comparison, that’s around double the price of a regular NSX.

The NSX-R’s excitement comes not from the usual route of engine tweaks, but the age-old hot-rodding method of chucking out weight. That’s not easy in an aluminium-bodied car that had already made lightness a virtue, but Honda managed to slim it by 120kg anyway.

Definitely one for your wishlist.

The #Type-R shed 120kg from the regular NSX.

SILVER SURFER / #Honda-NSX / #Honda-Acura / #Acura / #Honda / #Acura-NSX / #1991

It's the second time that Chris Hermosillo is in front of our camera with one of his projects. Both projects were Japanese base, although an Acura almost counts as a US model, since the brand was introduced as a premium and sports division by Honda Acura just for North America in 1986.

Chris' Acura NXS dates back to the year 1991 and was one of the first production sports cars built largely of aluminium at the time. For some a plus, for Chris not really, because Chris earns his money at 88 Rotors and so it was only a matter of time until the NSX should lose its modding virginity.

He ordered a set of SP1's from SSR in sporty 10“ width for the front and 11" for the rear in order to not damage the aluminium skin too much. BC racing coilovers provide the lowering, which with the help of air cups take out the last percentage of space towards the asphalt.

Clive is a keen member of the #Honda-NSX-Club of Britain (NSXCB.co.uk), which means plenty of NSX playtime. Clive had the interior retrimmed in red and black Alcantara to give it a more modern feel.

HONDA NSX
Clive Pluckrose 'I love the admiring glances the NSX gets from by standers wondering what it is. When people realise, they all want to ask questions about it'

DATE ACQUIRED #1998 / #Honda / #Acura
MILEAGE 138,000
FAVOURITE POSTER CAR WHEN YOUNG Lamborghini Miura
COSTS SO FAR Apart from normal servicing costs the only major item I've had to replace is the alternator about five years ago
DREAM NSX GT2 class-winning car at Le Mans 1995

Why choose an #Honda-NSX / #Acura-NSX ? / #Honda-NSX-MkI

In #1990 I went to the #British-Motor-Show and stumbled across the most beautiful car I had ever clapped eyes on, the 'New Secret eXperimental' – the NSX. Five years on, I went to the 1995 Le Mans 24-hour race, where the Honda NSX won its class. I knew I had to own one.

In 1998 I realised the dream and became the proud owner of a Formula Red NA1.

Why do you love it?

I love the admiring glances it gets from bystanders who are wondering what it is. When people realise, they all want to ask questions about it. I love its mechanical simplicity compared with modern-day supercars.

Have you modified it?

I've installed a Superchip to improve mid-range performance, idling response and fuel economy. A Science of Speed carbonfibre induction kit gives it a great induction note, and a much better engine breathing response. Then there's the American Pride V2 quad-pipe exhaust system, which gives the NSX the throaty engine note it always deserved. I've also uprated the brake discs and pads.

I've also installed a compliance pivot lock (which gives the handling a much pointier, direct feel), stiffer Dali racing torsion bars and BC suspension coil-overs, giving it less body roll at high speed.

What about the stereo?

In 2001 I upgraded the sound system with an amplifier, crossovers, EQ and navigation equipment. I competed with my car in the under-500-watt Pro Category on the IASCA UK circuit. It picked up various first and second place trophies that year, culminating in a third place at the UK IASCA Sound Quality finals at Santa Pod.

What do you fancy next?

I adore the car and have loved my time with it. I can't imagine ever selling it, but if I did it would be with a sad heart.