In the 1980s, as the world saw the rise of legendary supercars like the Ferrari F40 and Porsche 959, Honda set its sights on something different. The company, proud of its achievements as a Formula One engine manufacturer, aimed to create a pure, driver-focused sports car that would demonstrate its engineering excellence and elevate its global reputation.
Joined by other driver-focused collector cars, this 1991 Acura NSX will be offered at Broad Arrow’s upcoming 31 October Las Vegas Auction. In partnership with Concours at Wynn Las Vegas, the Las Vegas Auction will set the tone for an exciting weekend celebrating the automobile surrounded by the excitement and spectacle of Las Vegas.
The Honda NS-X, short for “New Sportscar eXperimental”, was above all a car born from engineering ambition. Designed to integrate several advanced technologies derived from Honda’s F1 program, the NSX broke new ground. It was the first production car built with a lightweight aluminum monocoque chassis, keeping the structure at just 210 kg. At its core was a 3.0-liter, mid-mounted V6 engine, also made entirely of aluminum, while its connecting rods were made of titanium, a world first for a production vehicle. In its manual configuration, the engine produced 274 horsepower, while the four-speed automatic version delivered a slightly lower output of 255 horsepower. Everything in the NSX was designed to be light, fluid, and precise.
Even the car’s visibility was treated as a performance feature. Designers Ken Okuyama and Shigeru Uehara drew inspiration from the F-16 fighter jet cockpit, aiming to provide a wide, unobstructed field of view.
Ayrton Senna, then Honda’s official F1 driver powering the McLaren MP4, played a key public role in the development of the NSX. His feedback during testing sessions is said to have helped fine-tune the supercar. Senna was given a company NSX, registered in Japan, as his official car during Grand Prix and test sessions. Beyond his role as a Honda/Acura brand figure, he also kept a personal NSX in Brazil, a Formula Red model that was part of his private life, far from the track.
If this exotic sports car won over legends like Ayrton Senna, Gordon Murray, and Bill Gates, it was in Hollywood where it truly turned heads. George Lucas commissioned the very first new model in California, and among NSX owners count Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, and the late, much-missed Robert Redford.
Fittingly, this NSX was delivered new in California through Golden Gate Acura in December 1990, as confirmed by the original window sticker accompanying the car, finished in striking Formula Red with a Black roof and Black leather interior, and fitted with the highly desirable manual transmission. The first owners parted with the car in 1996, having driven just over 5,000 miles. The second owner, believed to have kept it as part of a significant collection, added only 200 miles before selling it in 2009.
From that point, the maintenance history has been meticulously documented through receipts and service records, available on file. Initially serviced by Acura in Los Gatos and Santa Cruz, California, it underwent a major service in May 2020 at Lyle Pearson Acura, including a timing belt replacement at 7,188 miles, air conditioning servicing, and the application of XPEL paint protection film by Oakes Detail, at a cost of $7,500, to preserve the original paint and wheels. The car was serviced in December 2023 and fitted with four new Bridgestone tires, and again serviced in 2025 in preparation for sale. According to past service records, this example’s transaxle number does not fall within the range of potential snap ring defects, meaning it is unlikely to experience the known issue.
Today, this NSX remains in exceptionally well-preserved original condition, consistent with just 7,751 miles on the odometer; its immaculate leather interior testifies to meticulous care since new. The car is accompanied by the original owner’s manual, original set of four keys, the original window sticker and pre-delivery form, and previously mentioned service and maintenance invoices dating back to 2009, all verified by a clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report.
A landmark of engineering and motorsport heritage, this exceptionally preserved, low-mileage NSX offers not just rarity and provenance, but the chance to own a car shaped by legends, driven by icons, and revered by enthusiasts worldwide. A true collector’s opportunity.
Explore the complete lineup of Broad Arrow’s Las Vegas Auction and register to bid at broadarrowauctions.com to secure your spot at this exciting addition to the collector car calendar.
