1992 Honda NSX

The legendary Honda NSX (standing for New Sportscar Experimental) was developed by the Honda Motor Corporation between 1984 and its eventual launch in 1990, with major chassis and suspension input from three-times F1 World Champion, Ayrton Senna. It featured an all-aluminium monocoque body, encompassing a revolutionary extruded aluminium-alloy frame and suspension making the car extremely light and very strong. Power was provided by a state-of-the-art, 3.0-litre, 24-valve, V6 'VTEC' engine (variable valve timing) which, despite being developed during F1's turbo-era, was normally aspirated. The free-revving, all-alloy unit produced 270bhp initially, which was good enough for a top speed of 168mph and a 0-60 time of less than 6.0 seconds. Those performance figures put the NSX on a par with Ferrari's 348 GTB, but in terms of comfort, ergonomics, driving dynamics and build quality, the NSX was in a different league entirely. Other game-changing features included 4-channel ABS brakes, Titanium connecting rods and, later in the model's life, an electric power steering system as well as an upgrade to 3.2-litres. The car was the first real Japanese 'supercar', proving itself and quickly establishing respect from its key competitors. However, this superiority was not translated into sales and, by the time production ceased in 2005, fewer than 20,000 had been sold making them relatively rare and much sought-after today.

Silverstone Auctions are proud to offer this stunning Honda NSX finished in Formula Red with a manual gearbox and non-assisted steering, exactly the same specification as Ayrton Senna's own road car, so familiar from the well known image of him washing it outside his Portuguese villa in 1992. J15 NSX was collected new by its one and only owner from Honda Dealer, Windmill Hill in Swindon on 31st January 1992 and since then has travelled a very cossetted 11,618 miles.

The car is accompanied by an impeccable history file listing every MOT and detailing every service at the correct intervals, the most recent of which included a cambelt change. The overall condition of this beautiful NSX can only be described as straight from the 1992 International Motor Show Stand with the exception of its original Bridgestone tyres which naturally have been replaced but which do come with the car for those seeking 100% originality. Testament to the quality of the exotic metals used in the building of these masterpieces is that the underneath still looks factory, fresh today. It's supplied with both keys, all service books, the original purchase invoice and, as new, dealer mats.

This 1992 Honda NSX is as correct and as perfect as you will ever find and to drive one still makes you question where some supercar manufacturers have been for the last 30 years, a truly exceptional example.