Vehicle Description
Chassis No. NA11300280
Engine No. C30A1080094
Honda was the engine supplier to beat in Formula One by the late
1980s, powering Williams to consecutive Constructors Championships
in 1986 and 1987 followed by a historic display of dominance with
McLaren - first to the checkered flag in 44 of 80 Grand Prix held
between 1988 and 1992. Having defeated all competitors, including
the Prancing Horse at the highest level of motorsport, the Japanese
automaker set its sights on delivering a mid-engined road car that
could mount a challenge to the Ferrari 328 and the
soon-to-be-announced 348. Brimming with groundbreaking technology
pioneered in their racing efforts, Honda introduced the NSX at the
1989 Chicago Auto Show to substantial critical acclaim from the
motoring press.
The Pininfarina-styled body featured a sloping, canopy-like
roofline positioned toward the front of the car, evoking the F-16
fighter jet and single-seater race cars which served as the
inspiration for its exterior shape. Situated behind the driver was
a transversely-mounted, 3.0-liter V6 outfitted with Honda's new
VTEC variable valve timing system, titanium connecting rods, and
forged pistons resulting in a sky-high 8,300 rpm redline. The NSX
also garnered praise for its extremely rigid all-aluminum
semi-monocoque chassis, tuned to perfection with the input of none
other than Ayrton Senna. Although impressive, the performance alone
was not what captivated reviewers and enthusiasts alike. The
stellar practicality, ergonomics, and build quality buyers had come
to expect from Honda, the NSX had in spades, with Car and Driver
calling it in their test, "the most precise and attuned mid-engined
machine we've ever driven." Honda had succeeded in their mission to
create a world-beating sports car without compromising comfort and
everyday drivability.
Those who did prefer compromise, however, would only have to wait
another two years for something even more special. In 1992, Honda
unveiled the NSX Type R, a lightweight variant only available as a
coupe, optimized for performance at the expense of creature
comforts. Out went the air conditioning, air bags, radio, spare
tire, traction control, and sound deadening, leaving little
separation between the driver and the wailing V6. Further
weight-reduction efforts brought carbon-kevlar Recaro bucket seats
and lighter alloy Enkei wheels, shedding 120 kilograms in total.
What it lost in amenities it gained in mechanical upgrades, with
the Type R boasting a specially-prepared engine with a blueprinted
and balanced crankshaft - thought to produce 290 horsepower but
underrated at 270 - and revised transmission gearing for improved
acceleration. Giving the Type R its razor-sharp cornering abilities
were stiffer springs and dampers, a larger diameter front sway bar,
and a locking limited-slip differential. All this turned the
user-friendly NSX into a raw, aggressive racer - one that was at
the pinnacle of Japanese track-ready performance.
Just 483 examples of the laser-focused, right-hand drive NSX Type R
are understood to have been built exclusively for the Japanese
domestic market, distinguishable by their unique ten-digit chassis
number sequence. Chassis number NA11300280 is one such example,
finished in the only available color of Championship White
complemented by matching 16-inch front and 17-inch rear seven-spoke
Enkei wheels. Red-backed Honda badges serve as the only hint of the
sweeping mechanical improvements that lay beneath; otherwise, the
Type R is a true wolf in sheep's clothing. Stepping into the
driver's seat, the vibrant red Alcantara upholstery lining the
Recaro bucket seats immediately gives the Type R a distinctive,
sporting appearance over its standard counterpart. This particular
car is also desirably appointed with air conditioning and a stereo
which could be optioned at the factory for an additional cost,
suggesting the original owner sought a more daily-usable Type R.
Other original details adorning the interior are its
Alcantara-lined door panels and dashboard with contrasting red
stitching, three-spoke non-airbag MOMO steering wheel, and titanium
shift knob.
Showing just under 7,000 kilometers on the odometer at the time of
cataloging, this outstandingly preserved NSX Type R surely
represents one of the finest examples of the model extant. The car
retains all of its correct and intact factory markings in Japanese,
as well as a Japanese Compulsory Insurance (JCI) inspection sticker
in the windshield dated November 2019. Further complements to this
Type R's superb overall presentation are its gleaming original
paintwork, impeccable upholstery and interior plastics, and
pristine engine bay. One of the most exclusive variants to be born
out of the 1990s performance car development war which embroiled
all the major Japanese manufacturers, this Honda NSX Type R would
make a fine addition to any collection of cutting-edge modern
supercars.
