If you’re in the market for an Acura / Honda NSX in the States, a browse through Auto Trader shows there are plenty of models from the 1990s priced between $80,000 and $120,000 depending on their mileage and condition. However, if you have half a million dollars lying around (good for you) and a love for the inconvenience of driving on the wrong side of the road, this JDM 1996 Honda NSX-R could be the ultimate addition to your collection.
This NSX-R was recently listed up for auction at RM Sotheby’s Miami sales event held on March 1-2. However, it failed to sell and is still up for grabs with a $450,000 asking price. We suspect that the sky-high price tag is the reason why it didn’t sell, but who knows? Maybe there’s some wiggle room to negotiate that price down.
What makes this 1996 NSX more special than most? Being an NSX-R, it is one of just 483 examples of the flagship variant produced during the car’s first generation. Like some of the finest Type R badged models from Honda, this NSX-R is painted in Championship White and like all others, rocks a series of desirable upgrades over lesser NSX variants.
More: Can The Lucid Air Beat An Acura NSX Type S When You Add A Corner To A Drag Strip?
Honda built this as the most hardcore version of its mid-engined supercar. To achieve this, they stripped away the sound deadening, audio system, air conditioning, traction control, spare tire, and also fitted Enkei forged aluminum seats and custom Recaro racing seats.
The NSX-R sheds a considerable 265 lbs (120 kg) compared to a standard model, featuring a stiffened chassis and revised suspension components. Additionally, the 3.2-liter naturally-aspirated V6 received upgrades with a balanced crankshaft assembly and a revised final drive ratio.
Read: Manual 1996 Acura NSX-T With Under 11k Miles Is To Die For
Production of the NSX-R was limited to the Japanese market but this one was recently imported into the U.S. with less than 18,500 km (~11,496 miles) on the clock. Thanks to the low mileage, both the exterior and interior look immaculate. But, is it worth almost half a million dollars? You tell us.
Check out the listing for yourself over at RM Sotheby’s here.
