One to Buy: Charlotte Green Pearl ex-Anthony Gallier-Pratt 1994 Honda NSX Type R
From a technical and sporting perspective, Honda’s NSX was arguably the most significant Japanese sports car of the 20th century; while models such as the Toyota 2000 GT, Nissan 240Z and Nissan R32 Skyline GT-R could also legitimately lay claim to such an honour, none of these panicked the European artistocracy in the same fashion as the groundbreaking NSX.
Two-and-a-half years after Honda had debuted the NSX (at the Chicago Motor Show in February 1989), the company went on to release a hardcore iteration that could rival the Porsche 911 Carrera RS and satisfy even the most demanding drivers.
The resultant NSX Type R introduced the world to a moniker that has since become synonymous with an uncompromising high performance nature.
Just 483 examples of the first generation NSX Type R were produced by Honda between 1992 and 1995, a particularly unusual example of which will be going under the hammer with RM Sotheby’s at their London sale set for November 1st and 2nd.
Purchased new in March 1994 by Tokyo-based British banker, Anthony Gallier-Pratt, chassis 1200178 was configured in the stunning combination of Charlotte Pearl Green paint with black Alcantara upholstery, red contrast stitching and Custom Order Programme Step Three wheels in Championship White. The rest of the specification comprised a body colour as opposed to black roof, Mugen tubular manifolds, a limited-slip differential and an ultra-low final drive ratio.
Anthony Gallier-Pratt returned to the UK during the summer of 1998, accompanied by his spectacular NSX, which was retained until 2011.
Today, this all-original two-owner car has covered a little over 33,000 miles from new and represents a rare opportunity to acquire a surely one-of-one NSX Type R.
Reprinted below is RM Sotheby’s description:
Estimate: £230,000 - £290,000 GBP
Chassis No.: NA1-1200178
Serial No.: R-0230
One of 483 examples of the first-generation NSX-R built exclusively for the Japanese domestic market; imported by the first owner to the United Kingdom in 1998
Track-focused special featuring a mid-mounted, balanced 3-litre engine making 280 horsepower, up to 120 kilograms lighter than the standard NSX
Finished in stunning Charlotte Pearl Green over a black Alcantara interior; features rare optional seven-spoke Custom Order wheels presented in Championship White
As Honda sought to take on Ferrari and Porsche with its “New Sportscar Experimental” flagship, the design brief was to create a world-beater that really could be enjoyed every day. Naturally, this left engineers to make some concessions in the pursuit of usability. However, the NSX-R from 1992 was born to be a hardcore, no-compromise, track-focused special.
When specified in leanest form, minus traction control and with much of the sound deadening removed, the R was up to 120 kilograms lighter than standard. That helped the 280 horsepower mid-mounted V-6, equipped with Honda’s signature VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system, launch the car to 60 mph from a standstill in a hair’s width over 5 seconds. Meanwhile, stiffer suspension and new aluminium bracketry improved rigidity to help dial out a propensity for oversteer. Just 483 cars were produced exclusively for the Japanese domestic market.
This example was originally purchased in March 1994 by Mr Anthony Gallier-Pratt, a regular among historic racing and rallying. Working as a banker in Tokyo, he spent 11.25 million Japanese Yen for a final specification that included the stunning Charlotte Pearl Green paint (the majority were finished in white) over a black Alcantara interior that features red accent stitching.
Also optioned were the rare and expensive seven-spoke Custom Order Programme Step Three wheels in Championship White, while the roof is notably finished in body colour rather than the typical black. This car also gained Mugen tubular manifolds, limited-slip differential, and an ultra-low final drive from the factory.
Mr Gallier-Pratt returned to the United Kingdom in the summer of 1998, accompanied by his car. Well-known to the Honda NSX Owners Club, it was acquired by the consigning owner in August 2011.
Featuring the NSX-R-specific Momo leather-wrapped steering wheel, sculpted titanium gear knob, carbon fibre instrument cluster with yellow needles, plus carbon-Kevlar Recaro bucket seats, chassis NA1-1200178 displays 33,132 miles at the time of cataloguing. It is accompanied by an NSX-R owner’s manual, history file dating back to its early life in Japan, jack, tool kit, tyre inflator, plus spare wheel.
A seldom-seen model in any case, the sale of this UK-imported NSX-R presents a remarkable opportunity to acquire what is arguably the most driver-focused variant of Honda’s celebrated 1990s supercar crowning glory.
