Fantasy Junction

Description

1992 Acura NSX

VIN – JH4NA1153NT001019
Exterior Color – Silver
Interior Color – Black leather
Engine – 3.0 Liter V6 VTEC
Transmission – 5-speed manual
Current Miles – 23,861 miles
Current owner – Purchased in 2012 with approximately 22,000 miles

General Overview

When Honda first launched the NSX, it instantly established the Acura brand as a leading builder of performance cars. Only four years had lapsed since the Acura name emerged as a premier division, but sports car perceptions were about to be forever changed.

Honda began their quest in 1984, eager to produce a competitor to Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche by targeting the Ferrari 328 as the car to beat. Honda wanted to meet or exceed the performance of the Ferrari, while maintaining Honda reliability, at a reasonable price. The team developed the commanding naturally aspirated V6 VTEC engine - the world's first production car engine with titanium connecting rods, forged pistons, and ultra-high revving capabilities. With redline at a superior 8,000 rpm, the NSX was tested by Formula One legend Ayrton Senna, who would become a primary performance consultant, convincing the company to stiffen the NSX chassis further after testing the car at Honda's Suzuka GP circuit. In addition to Senna’s extensive contributions, legendary Japanese Formula One driver Satoru Nakajima and prominent American driver Bobby Rahal were both active participants in the car's unprecedented development as the world’s first all-aluminum production car.

When the NS-X (short for "New Sports Experimental") debuted at the Chicago Auto Show in February 1989, sports car enthusiasts were astounded by its stance, striking lines, and distinct cab-forward design. Sporting a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout and lightweight aluminum construction, the NSX was hailed by many as the "Everyday Supercar" capable of competing against Ferrari and Porsche, offering incredible balance, sophistication, and reliability, while exceeding everyone’s expectations in essentially every performance category while remaining as easy to use as any modern Honda. Today these unique and desirable cars further engage new generations of enthusiasts eager to experience the astonishing performance as a new classic.

History and Build Details of This Car

This rare Acura NSX is one of just 1,271 built in 1992 and one of 103 5-speed manual transmission examples built in the striking silver over black leather combination. A late production sequence example, this car was delivered to the first owner, located in Indianapolis, IN where it remained until it was consigned through a dealership and sold to the second and current owner in 2012. At that time, the car had covered 21,914 miles. Though miles were kept low, in October 2012 the second owner engaged Belmont Car Center, Belmont, CA to replace the timing belt, tensioner, water pump, drive belts, and change all fluids. Additionally, the valve cover gaskets, grommets, tube seals, and oil cooler rings were replaced. Comptech/CT Engineering headers, a Science of Speed Endura Light exhaust, and Downforce Side Scoop (for more air intake volume) were installed[. Later during ownership, a set of Autovasion pedal covers were installed for ease of heel and toeing. In February 2023 with 23,701 miles indicated, a new timing belt and water pump, new accessory belts, new valve cover gaskets, fluids checked and topped off and oil and filter service performed. In April 2024 a new set of Continental Extreme Contact Sport 205/50 ZR15 front and 225/50 ZR16 rear radial tires were installed and four- wheel alignment performed.

Currently, while the braking system is functional, there is an issue with the ABS system that is generating a warning light on the dashboard approximately a minute after the car is started. At this time, a mechanic believes the car needs a new accumulator as the pump motor activates when being tested, but the system is not generating enough pressure. The current owner has not been able to source this part, hence the car’s present condition. Also noted, the transaxle number J4A4-1005562 is within range of possible snap-ring failure. The owner was told by the servicing mechanic that the preventative snap ring campaign had been performed on this car, as evidenced by a portion of the transmission cover being a different color despite the campaign not being listed in the Acura dealer database as being performed. The owner contacted the Acura dealer where the car was originally purchased, however they have no service record history of the car. The dealer stated that the paper records from the early 90’s may not have been converted to digital records visible within their current system.

Over the twelve years of current ownership this car has been stored indoors as part of a private performance car collection. The owner has preserved the car with originality in mind including the purchase of spare consumable OEM Honda parts as well as the original factory exhaust included with the car.

Condition Overview

Today this NSX presents as a very handsome example with preserved original finishes of very high quality. Low mileage NSXs have become increasingly challenging to find due to their amazing driving manners. They are literally hard to resist once behind the wheel. For a collector seeking a very nicely preserved and well-maintained NSX, this is a very enticing example. The exterior finish is smooth and glossy exhibiting excellent quality on all factory aluminum body panels including the front and rear flexible composite bumper caps. The silver finish has been metered on all aluminum body panels using a digital paint meter which indicated single digit numbers on all metal panels consistent with factory applied paint. The doors, hood, and deck lid open and shut properly with excellent panel gaps and crisp closure. The silver finish is particularly nice including the door jambs and underside of the hood and engine lid. Three small paint chips are evident upon close examination above the right front side marker light and a few minor stone chips are visible on the lower front air dam. The glass, trim, emblems, and various lenses throughout the car are like new while the factory glass retains the correct brand etching including the windshield which is free from major chips or cracks. Importantly, the factory VIN door threshold plate and engine bay bulkhead numbers match the VIN further supporting the originality of this factory silver over black example. The stance and ride height are correctly positioned on a new set of Continental Extreme Contact Sport 205/50 ZR15 front and 225/50 ZR16 rear radial tires, installed in preparation for sale.

The interior of the car presents in excellent condition, showing only mild evidence of use to the carpets and seating surfaces. The leather trimmed seats are in excellent condition overall with minor bolster wear evident on the left side of the driver’s seat as typically found from entry and exit. The passenger’s seat is in excellent condition displaying a small scratch on the upper seat back cushion. The dash is free from significant marks or shrinkage with no cracks or fading and the steering wheel shows only minor signs of use to the matching black padded wheel. The carpet under both floor mats appears essentially new, and the NSX branded floor mats themselves show only minimal wear. Overall, the interior shows remarkably well, including the headliner, and rear trim. The interior door sills are in excellent condition with no significant marks or scratches along the brightwork which also bears the correct matching VIN stamping. The rear trunk compartment is also in excellent condition as is the front storage compartment and correct factory spare tire.

Under the hood the visual condition of the engine and engine compartment support the low miles with factory correct finishes, correct hoses, air box, and factory labels. The engine operates as expected having recently benefited from a new timing belt and water pump, new accessory belts, and fluids in preparation for sale. A recent California smog certificate accompanies the car. Additionally, the underside of the car is in excellent condition with no signs of structural compromise to the chassis or suspension mounting points. Finishes are reflective of factory installation bearing correct paint markings and clean components supporting the low miles, The car starts easily and runs very well with fantastic acceleration, smooth 5-speed shifting, great brakes, comfortable operational features = cold AC, and of course - legendary F1 derived handling. The stereo system will require repair or upgrade. At this time, it is not known if the issue is related to the head unit, Bose speaker system specifically, or both. The owner chose not to upgrade or repair the system as the car’s engine and exhaust tone were preferred sounds

Included with This Car

This car is accompanied by an Acura owner’s manual set and leather embossed case, copies of selected service records spanning 2012-2024 under current spare set of wheels and tires, space saver spare, original exhaust manifolds, OEM side scoop, an indoor car cover, and the original factory exhaust.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608