November 30 marks exactly 20 years since Honda ceased manufacturing the NSX after no less than a decade and a half.
This was a testament to how good the original concept, which dates back to 1984, was. That’s when the Japanese automaker decided to make a supercar that would beat everything, no matter what. This, it did in a spectacular way, creating a mythology that remains very much alive to this day.
Going head to head with the likes of Ferrari and Porsche seemed a bold endeavor and one that might end in tears. It did, though not for the NSX but its posh rivals: both the Ferrari 348 and the Porsche 911 were beaten fair and square in all comparison tests.
Everyone claims that their latest supercar can be used as an everyday car. Not a true statement for most, yet Honda accomplished that two decades ago. A lightweight Type-R version that was stripped of all luxury, shaving almost 200 kg, manufactured in just 483 units exclusively for the local market.
The first NSX, which was sold as an Acura in the US, made do with 270 HP; even the updated 3.2-liter version, which lost its pop-up headlights that by 2002 were old-fashioned, had just 20 HP more.
Yet Japan’s first-ever supercar was never about power. Its mission was meant to be a true driver’s car, superbly balanced and at the same time friendly and usable. No wonder mint examples fetch extraordinary prices.
The video that follows features all three variants of the NSX, including the ultra-rare Type-R. A fitting celebration of Honda’s finest.