Sold price far exceeds expectations NSX-R GT

On 29 February 2024, a Honda NSX-R GT by Spoon was offered at an auction held by Bonhams in Amelia, Florida, USA. The car competed in the 2008 Macau GP Road Sports Challenge, finishing third in class. The price at which it was sold was a result that Japanese racing fans were very proud of.

The model was built from a white body

The NSX, born in 1989, was not only Honda’s first supersport, but also one of the most influential Japanese supersports models in the world. It offered performance that was fully capable of competing with rivals around the world, while maintaining the comfort and easy drive of a typical family hatchback. Setting new standards in its class can be described as a major achievement for the NSX.

When the NSX was in the development process, the world of Formula One GP was in the midst of a turbocharged power war. However, Honda chose a naturally aspirated 3-litre V6 DOHC 24-valve engine for the NSX’s power unit. This engine was based on the 2.7-litre version developed for Honda’s top-of-the-range saloon, the Legend, but with an enlarged displacement and the adoption of the VTEC variable intake valve system, the maximum output was 280 hp with a five-speed manual transmission. Its top speed of 268.8 km/h and 0-96 km/h acceleration of fewer than 6 seconds were comparable to the Ferrari 328 GTB and its successor, the 348 TB, which Honda was aware of as rivals at the time. In terms of comfort, ergonomics, driving dynamics and build quality, the NSX was on a completely different level.

Honda’s performance challenge did not end there: in 1992, the Type R was launched with a more precise engine and reduced weight, and in 1997, the engine displacement was increased to 3.2 litres and combined with a six-speed manual transmission (the AT model remained in production with a 3-liter engine). In 2002, the NSX-R with more spartan specifications was launched again, and production of the first-generation NSX continued until 2005.