Has the high mileage affected it?

On 24 February 2024, a Honda NSX Type T was offered at an auction held by Iconic Auctioneers at Silverstone Circuit in the UK. The vehicle on display was a publicity vehicle prepared for loan to the media in the UK. We are pleased to report an interesting hammer price.

Excellent condition and not believed to be more than 30 years old

When a new model is announced by a car manufacturer, the media sometimes borrows the model from the manufacturer to produce a story. The department that controls the vehicle and disseminates the news, known as a press release, is generally called the public relations department, and the cars that the media borrow for their coverage are usually called ‘press test cars’.

At any rate, when you jump into the automotive media world, the first thing they make you do is wash and polish the wheels of the PR car. Once you get used to it a bit, you’ll find yourself in the job of borrowing and returning cars. In other words, you can think of it as the fate of those who work in the automotive media to endure the drudgery. This was naturally the case with the author.

I was reminded of the past when I saw a Honda NSX Type T on display at the Race Retro Collection Car Sale 2024 held by Iconic Auctioneers of the UK at the Silverstone Circuit. T was created when the so-called first-generation NSX underwent a minor change in 1995, with a targa-top body.

The rear-mid-mounted engine remained a 3-litre V6 DOHC VTEC with a maximum output of 280 hp. Combined with a revolutionary extruded aluminium alloy frame and suspension, the evolution of the car into an extremely lightweight and strong car was impressive. This was no different for the Type T, whose roof could be detached through a targa top.

The NSX Type T on display was the model that was sent to the UK immediately after it came off the line to serve as an example publicity vehicle for media relations. The right-hand-drive, five-speed manual transmission version of the Type T, in Sebring Silver body colour with burgundy hide interior, was very popular with the media and was used for road tests and press releases in many magazines.

One of the key features of the Type T was that it was initially finished in silver with no black top, a different colour scheme to the typical production model, and the 18-inch diameter wheels and unique exhaust system were not to be missed.

To date, the NSX Type T has covered 119,571 kilometres, which is more than the mileage of a busy PR car, but on the other hand, it has been well maintained and in such good condition that it is hard to believe that this sports car has been produced and driven for nearly 30 years.

Iconic Auctioneers set an estimate of £75,000-85,000 for it, but the high mileage may have had an effect. The bid was not successful this time. Just because it is a PR car does not mean that the media are treating it roughly, but if you have seen the UK’s AUTOCAR or Top Gear, it is not hard to understand why you might be hesitant. ……

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