Chassis No. NA2-1400116 When the Honda NSX appeared on the supercar scene in 1989, the Japanese manufacturer caught its European rivals entirely flat-footed with a car that seamlessly integrated Formula One-derived technology with everyday usability. It immediately surpassed the Ferrari 348 and the 964-generation Porsche 911, with period comparison tests labeling the Honda superior thanks to its high-revving engine, excellent chassis, and above all, its un-supercar-like practicality. In response to lightweight, track-focused competition from the likes of the Carrera RS, Honda introduced the Japanese-market NSX-R in November 1992—arriving as a focused driver's car that eliminated excess weight and brought a more rigid chassis. By the early 2000s, the performance car landscape had evolved considerably. Porsche had introduced a new water-cooled 996-generation 911 followed by its track-oriented GT3 model, while Ferrari had raised the bar in mid-engine performance with the technically advanced 360 Modena. Honda’s answer was the second-generation NSX-R—internally designated NA2—arriving in May of 2002 exclusively for the Japanese domestic market. Although it was based on a 15-year-old architecture, its performance metrics and multiple performance car of the year awards against newer competition demonstrated the fundamental excellence of Honda's platform. This was dramatically illustrated when Japanese test driver Motoharu Kurosawa lapped the formidable Nürburgring Nordschleife in 7 minutes and 56 seconds—matching the time of Ferrari's purpose-built 360 Challenge Stradale despite the Honda being out-powered by its Italian rival by over 100 horsepower. Representing the ultimate expression of Honda’s Type R philosophy, the NA2 built upon the already exceptional NA1 NSX-R, with every aspect being refined over a decade of development. The new model featured extensive use of carbon fiber components, including a uniquely designed hood with outlet duct, finned front under-cover, rear diffuser, and the world's first one-piece hollow-form carbon fiber rear spoiler in a production vehicle. These aerodynamic enhancements created significant negative lift—a rarity in street-legal cars—delivering exceptional high-speed stability. The larger 3.2-liter V6 DOHC VTEC engine, first introduced in 1998, received new racing-derived assembly techniques including a precision-balanced crankshaft, drive-by-wire throttle control, and a re-calibrated final gear ratio. These improvements yielded 290 horsepower—a 20-horsepower improvement over the original NA1—which was transmitted to the rear wheels via the improved six-speed manual transmission for a vastly superior drivetrain. While maintaining Honda's philosophy of handling precision over raw power, the chassis featured harder springs, increased damping, and firmer bushings to complement the Bridgestone Potenza RE070 high-grip tires on lightweight forged BBS wheels. The driver-focused interior included Recaro carbon fiber seats, a titanium shift knob, and special instrumentation, while retaining the red "H" emblem that had identified the original NSX-R. Commanding a price of nearly 12 million JPY, fewer than 140 examples of the 3.2-liter second-generation NSX-R were ever produced—less than one-third of total NA1 production, of which 483 examples were produced. As a result, many collectors consider the NA2 NSX-R to be the most desirable Type R Honda ever made, and certainly one of the most collectible modern JDM performance cars. This remarkable 2003 Honda NSX-R, chassis number 1400116, spent the majority of its life in its home country of Japan, where it was initially registered in June 2003. Numerous Japanese vehicle inspection forms document the Honda’s limited use on the island nation, accumulating only around 13,000 kilometers. Circa 2016, the car changed hands when a Swedish collector of performance classics acquired it from an elderly Japanese gentleman who had driven it a mere 100 kilometers over his three years of ownership. The new owner undertook the complex process of importing the vehicle to Sweden, which required an intermediate step of importing it first to the United Kingdom due to regulatory requirements. During its time in the U.K., the NSX-R received professional maintenance from Plans Performance, a specialist in Honda NSX servicing, and was featured in a video review on the Drivetribe YouTube channel with noted automotive journalist Jethro Bovingdon at the wheel. After its arrival in Sweden in 2019, the NSX-R underwent additional servicing at PBZ, then showing approximately 14,561 kilometers, including alteration of the headlights to comply with Sweden's right-hand traffic regulations. This included installing OEM LHD headlamp modules to ensure the beams were correctly positioned for left-hand-drive traffic. These factory LHD headlight modules, which were only available with silver interiors from the factory, were painted inside with Championship White to match the original NSX-R specification. The original OEM RHD NSX-R units are included with the sale. More recently, in May 2023, the Honda was entrusted to Dutch NSX specialists AS Motorsport for comprehensive maintenance including a timing belt service. This work encompassed the replacement of the timing belt, tensioner, and water pump, as well as various gaskets, filters, and brake components, using factory-recommended specifications throughout. Today, showing 15,806 kilometers, this exceptionally rare second-generation NSX-R stands as a highly original, low-mileage example with the rare distinction of European registration. Its remarkable quality garnered recognition at the 2023 FuoriConcorso, followed by a “Future Classic” class win at the 2024 Costa del Sol Concours d’Elegance in Marbella. As one of only 140 NA2 NSX-Rs produced, chassis 1400116 represents the first time in years that an example has been brought to public auction outside of Japan, making it an unrepeatable opportunity for collectors seeking the ultimate Japanese performance car of the era. Please note the consignor has offered regional storage solutions to the successful buyer to facilitate the complexities of international transport, should it be necessary. Please speak with a Broad Arrow team member for more details.

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  • VIN CodeNA2-1400116

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