This 1991 Acura NSX Still Turns Heads

Acura’s High-Performance Beast

When the first-generation Acura NSX arrived in 1990, it turned the sports car world on its ear. As proof, Honda’s first foray into mid-engine exotica bested a Porsche 911, Ferrari 348, Corvette ZR-1, and Lotus Esprit Turbo in a period Car and Driver comparison. All of which the Japanese automaker set out to accomplish when it started the NSX project in 1984.

At that point, it was dubbed the HPX, for Honda Pininfarina eXperimental, but ultimately became the New Sportscar eXperimental, or NSX for short. Honda engineers used the F-16 fighter jet for inspiration, namely in the cab-forward design that improved visibility and the long-tail rear-end that helped with stability at speed. The resulting lines have since become unmistakable with pop-up headlights marking this car’s era and that killer full-width rear spoiler making it timelessly desirable.

VTEC Power, Titanium Strength

Though Honda hemmed and hawed over the use of its VTEC variable lift and timing mechanism in the NSX, it ultimately relented thanks to the input of racing legend Ayrton Senna. Fitted to a naturally aspirated 3.0L V6 that started life in the period Acura Legend, the NSX mill featured titanium alloy connecting rods, a mid-mounted location, and the thrill of an 8,000-rpm redline.

Making 270 horsepower may not sound like much today, but it wasn’t too far off the 296 horses in the Ferrari 348 or the Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and its 247 horsepower. And really, the NSX was not aimed at hammers like the ZR-1 with 375 hp, but instead was intended as a scalpel, replete with unassisted rack-and-pinion steering and a roughly 3,000-pound curb weight enabled by ample use of aluminum.

Back in 1991, the Acura NSX – it was a Honda in markets outside North America – was positioned as a less expensive, but more reliable alternative to the likes of a Ferrari. Considering the NSX started below $60,000 in 1991 and the Ferrari 348 cracked $100,000 at a minimum, Honda clearly nailed the first part. As for reliability, if the Japanese automaker’s highly regarded reputation on the matter, earned over the past 3 decades, is anything to go off, it would seem part two was equally successful.

This Low-Mileage Example Has Us Stunned

Which brings us to the 1991 NSX currently available in the Cars For Sale listings. It is a veritable time capsule with only 48,000 miles and, what appears to almost entirely original condition. The head unit is an aftermarket piece, but check out those original 15” alloy wheels and the high-bolstered seats. Fitted with an enthusiast-friendly 5-speed manual, even the shift knob looks to be an original piece.

Per the seller, this NSX has new tires, was recently serviced, and comes with a history of consistent maintenance. If the pop-up headlights aren’t enough to get you fired up, just take in the simple, clean lines of a car that has gone on to legendary status in the 35 years since it was introduced. From fans of the cars in the Initial D series to the driver who wants to experience the very definition of analog sports car perfection, the $109,900 price tag on today’s 1991 NSX seems a small price to pay for such a well-kept example.