Honda cemented its reputation as a reliable engine-builder by the late 1980s, based largely on its economy cars. A gradual shift upmarket saw Honda launch the first dedicated Japanese luxury division when Acura debuted. Honda had a lot more in mind than leather-lined sedans and sporty little coupes, but few outside its Tokyo headquarters had any idea just how ambitious its next project would be—even though a 1984 Pininfarina-designed concept provided a major hint.

Honda targeted Ferrari’s mid-engined 328, but the NSX, which would debut as an Acura for the American market at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show, was far more than a Ferrari competitor. The car was characteristically Honda in that it was a remarkably approachable and usable sportscar. That it happened to possess almost uncanny balance and precise handling was no accident, either. Honda enlisted Ayrton Senna to develop the NSX, and they incorporated several changes the Brazilian Formula One legend suggested, such as significant chassis stiffening.

Acura’s first major change to the widely admired NSX came in December of 2001, when a mild facelift was introduced. The most noticeable change was the replacement of the NSX’s original pop-up headlamps with fixed xenon HID units. At the rear, the original twin exhaust tips were replaced by quad units, along with a redesigned spoiler. Wider rear tires were fitted along with a slightly revised suspension. Furthermore, the coupe was discontinued for the North American market and thus the Targa remained the sole available body style. Motivation comes from a 3.2-liter V-6 engine which boasts 290 horsepower by way of Honda’s signature VTEC variable-valve timing system and a six-speed manual transmission directs power to the rear wheels. Combining sublime looks, driving dynamics, performance, and overall value, the NSX quickly gained cult-car status and has remained highly desirable since its introduction.

Just the 30th US-market example produced for the 2004 model year, this enticing NSX-T is finished in desirable Silverstone Metallic and was delivered new to Open Road Acura of East Brunswick, New Jersey in November 2003. The Onyx Black leather interior features perforated leather-upholstered sports seats and a handsome set of charcoal floormats serged with bright red trim.

Having driven just a tick more than 26,305 miles, this exceptional 2004 NSX-T is ideal for preservation—or to be enjoyed exactly as the late Senna would have.