Entering production in August 1990, Honda’s first supercar brought Japanese engineering and reliability to the highest echelon of performance road cars. With its mid-engine design, all-aluminium monocoque, and jewel of a 3.0-litre V-6 engine, the NSX challenged leading models from established European manufacturers such as Ferrari. At a stroke, the Japanese marque created one of the most usable and desirable supercars of its generation.

For 1995, Honda brought open-topped driving to the NSX line-up. Dubbed the NSX-T, the new model featured a removable “targa” top, and was first introduced in Japan as a special order option. To increase chassis rigidity, engineers reinforced the bulkhead, roof pillars, and sills, while adding crossmembers to the floor pan.

In 1997, Honda introduced the “NA2” drivetrain, which featured the new C32B engine, with larger pistons resulting in an increase in displacement from 3.0- to 3.2-litres. Paired with an all-new stainless steel exhaust manifold, the updated engine produced 290 horsepower—20 more than its predecessor. All NA2 NSXs were equipped with a desirable six-speed manual gearbox and larger brake discs, as well as featuring a new aluminium alloy that was both stronger and 50 per cent lighter than the material used in early production.

This NSX-T left the factory in June 2001, equipped with the NA2 drivetrain and finished in Berlina Black over a Tan leather interior. Built for the Japanese domestic market, this example was first registered in July 2001. A Japanese vehicle report on file shows this NSX-T was auctioned in May 2014. The current owner acquired this car at auction in September 2019, after which it was exported to Hong Kong. The car is accompanied by an air compressor, jack, factory tools, service book, and a space-saver spare wheel. The odometer reads 35,905 kilometres at the time of cataloguing. Please note, having been stored for several years, this vehicle will require servicing prior to road use. Please contact an RM Sotheby’s representative for further information.

Relatively few NSXs combined the sought-after pop-up headlamp styling of early cars with Honda’s uprated 3.2-litre NA2 drivetrain. Add to the mix this car’s “targa” body style, striking colour combination, and low mileage, and you have surely one of the most desirable examples of Honda’s ground-breaking supercar.