It is certain to be highly sought after by collectors in the future
On 1-2 March 2024, a Honda NSX Type R was offered at an auction held by RM Sotheby’s in Miami, USA. Only 483 units were produced, yet the car was in excellent condition with a surprisingly low mileage of 18,500 km. The results of this remarkable auction are reported below.
The NSX Type R remained in production for almost three years
In the mid-1980s, discussions were raging within the Honda Research Institute in Japan about the possibility of developing a high-performance sports car with the pinnacle technology that would make its presence known around the world. Its direct rival was the V8 mid-ship ‘328’ series produced by Ferrari at the time, and for Honda, which had been an engine supplier to the Formula One GP since 1983, producing a road car with Ferrari as a virtual enemy was of course a big dream.
Although the basic concept swirled around a number of opinions, in the end, it is said to have come together relatively smoothly. It would feature a high-performance engine mid-ship and a lightweight all-aluminium body. The engine was based on the 2.7-litre V6 used in the Legend at the time, and its displacement was increased to 3 litres, while DOHC and VTEC (variable valve timing lift system) were also adopted. The production model was announced on 13 September 1990.
It was not until 17 November 1992 that the even more hardcore Type R was added to the NSX line-up. Although the engine itself was unchanged, the internal components of the engine, such as the crankshaft, pistons and connecting rods, were re-balanced to improve response as well as weight precision. The final drive ratio was also reviewed and the LSD was revised to a specification with a higher locking ratio.
Watch out for future price movements
On the other hand, weight reduction has been even more thorough in the pursuit of a more stoic driving experience. Audio, air conditioning, traction control, spare tyres and even some of the electrical systems that are standard on the standard NSX have been dropped from the equipment list, replaced by custom Recaro racing seats and lightweight forged aluminium wheels from Enkei. Much of the sound insulation was also eliminated, and the Type R’s weight could be reduced to 1230 kg as a result of a series of weight-saving measures, such as the use of aluminium bumpers and door beams.
To strengthen the chassis, aluminium brackets were added under the front battery tray and in front of the front radiator. To prevent sudden oversteer from high-speed cornering on the circuit, the front stabilisers, suspension bushes, coil springs and dampers were modified with special components. The suspension settings are also unique to the Type R.
This ultimate NSX, the Type R, would effectively remain in production for about three years, but in 2002 its direct successor, the NSX-R, was born. Although the car on display was thereby given a new name, the retractable headlamps and the fact that only 483 units were produced and all were sold in the Japanese market, there is no doubt that it will be highly sought after by collectors in the future.
This one, incidentally, is in excellent condition, with 18,500km since new, and RM Sotheby’s had an estimate of $450,000-550,000 for it, but unfortunately, it did not sell at auction. Unfortunately, it did not win the auction and is still being sold under the condition that the bidder accepts $450,000.
Japanese sports cars are likely to appear one after another on the world auction scene in the future. The price movements should be closely watched.
translated by DeepL