One to Buy: 24,000km Championship White 2004 Honda NSX 3.2 Type R
In addition to having been the ultimate expression of Honda’s ground-breaking NSX, the NSX Type R introduced the world to Honda’s performance focused Type R moniker that came to adorn many of the Japanese firm’s most iconic models.
483 examples of the first generation three-litre NSX Type R were built between 1992 and 1995, all of which underwent a major weight reduction programme and received a competition-inspired interior in addition to uprated suspension, wheels, engines and transmissions.
Afterwards, an enlarged 3.2-litre engine was introduced for the manual transmission 1997 model year NSX and, for the 2002 model year, the model underwent a significant facelift. Eight months later, a second iteration of the Type R was introduced based on this facelifted platform with its bigger 3.2-litre V6.
Only 152 examples of the 3.2-litre NSX Type R are believed to have been constructed between 2002 and 2003, one of which is currently for sale at the DK Engineering showroom in Chorleywood, Hertfordshire.
Manufactured towards the end of production and not registered until 2004, this particular example was originally delivered to Japan and has covered a little under 24,000km from new.
Finished in the trademark colour scheme of Championship White with Red upholstery, it represents a rare opportunity to purchase arguably Honda’s most revered road-going supercar outside of Japan.
Reprinted below is DK Engineering’s description:
One of just 19 2004 MY examples of NA2 NSX-R
Odometer: 14,850 miles
Price: POA
After a facelift and an increase in displacement to 3.2 litres, the NSX enjoyed a new lease of life as a pure and refined enthusiast driver’s car. It reached its pinnacle in 2002 when the NA2 NSX-R was revealed, which was distilled and focussed down to the smallest of details. The carpet was a thinner weave, the shifter boot was constructed out of an alloy mesh, the engine was blueprinted and constructed to the tightest of motorsports tolerances. Extensive weight saving measures were carried out, with Honda determined to make an uncompromised road racer. The NA2 was placed on a strict diet, resulting in a total reduction of almost 100kg and tipping the scales at just 1,270kg in its lightest form.
'Although the NSX-R was based on a 15-year-old design, the changes made meant that it could still challenge the latest sports cars available at the time. For example, Japanese race and test driver Motoharu Kurosawa drove a 2002 NSX-R around the Nurburgring road course in 7:56, a time equal to a Ferrari F360 Challenge Stradale. The NSX-R managed to do this despite being out-powered by the Ferrari by over 100hp.' - NSXClub.co.uk
Now one of the most revered and valuable cars to have ever come out of Japan, the timeless NA2 NSX-R is part of the shortlist of ultimate driver’s cars and is only becoming more desired in the modern era.
This example, like all others, was supplied new to Japan in RHD. Built in incredible small numbers, it is understood just 152 examples of the NA2 Type R would be completed.
Optioned from new in the iconic Championship White with White wheels and red Recarco carbon-kevlar bucket seats, this example has covered just 23,900 km (14,850 mls) from new. Acquired on behalf of the current owner in 2015, DK Engineering imported and registered the car in the UK. Since then, the Type-R has remained in our storage facility, seeing only occasional use.
An incredibly rare opportunity, it is understood that only 5 examples are UK registered, of which fewer still are in the iconic Championship White. This example will receive a major service in our workshop as a part of the sale, and is available to view at our showrooms outside London immediately.