…and now for something completely different: Classic cars have been a longstanding passion of mine and more so their considerate restoration, with an approach I describe as “build it better”.

Over a period of two years (evenings and weekends), this somewhat tired 1991 JDM Honda NSX was fully rebuilt and transformed from an automatic transmission to a five-speed manual. The car also underwent a bare metal respray and benefited from a 2002 facelift, from popups to fixed LED head and taillights. Other modifications included an airlift system, bespoke carbon mouldings and a full ALB to ABS upgrade; all requiring a vast amount of research and development.

Play showreel. 01:16

Final specification:

Professional Bare-Metal Respray, Oven Dried
Full 2002 Nosejob, Bespoke Xenon HID Quad Lamps
Eurospec Left & Right OEM Honda/Acura NSX Fixed Headlights
Route KS NSX Fixed Headlight Conversion Kit
New Stiffer OEM Honda NSX-R 2002-2005 Front Stabilizer Bare Set, Powder Coated Red
New OEM Honda S200 AP1 Modulator Conversion Kit for the NSX
S2000 ABS Pump & Helix Auto Works Electrical Harness
Volk Rays TE37 Fully Forged Mono-Block Alloys, 20'' Rear, 19'' Front
4X Fresh TOYO PROXES (Premium Semi Track Focused Road Tyres
Carbon Six Composites Left & Right NSX Non-Compliance Clamps Set
Carbon Six Composites NSX Front XP Tie Rods
Carbon Six Composites Left & Right NSX Rear Upper Ball Joints in New Billet Wishbones (Titanium)
Carbon Six Composites Left & Right NSX Rear XP Toe Links
Carbon Six Composites Left & Right NSX Polyurethane Ball Joints Boots
MISHIMOTO Aluminium Radiator
5 Speed Manual Transmission
Garage Kite New L&R Mats, Black
Stacey Billet Bezels
Aluminium Expansion Tank & Billet Cap
Braided Clutch & Brake Lines
Custom Negative Pressure Release Vents, Front & Rear
Car Audio Tuned & Timing Setup
Alpine ApplePlay Double Din Stereo
Alpine TIME S370 LCD Display & Harness
Audison Bit Play HD In Car Multimedia Server HD Wi-Fi Connectivity Streaming
Audison Bit One Signal Interface Processor Digital Audio Sound Bit One With DRC
Hertz Mille Legend ML 200.3 8'' Subwoofer with Cusotm Carbon Fibre Sub Enclosure
2 qty. 7'' Door Woofers
Full Dynamat Sound Deadening, Inc Doors & Roof
LED Light Upgrades
MUGEN Billet Expansion Tank Cap
New OEM Thermostat
New OEM ECT Sensor
New OEM Main Relay
New OEM Power Relay
New Seals & Bearings
New Boot Carpet & Tool Tray
Flat Bottom Suede Sparco Steering Wheel with Sparco Cruise
New OEM NSX Front Windshield Mouldings, Upper & Lower
New OEM Honda/Acura NSX Taillights Gasket Set
4X New OEM Door Glass Garnish, Left & Right
NSX-S Shifter
OEM Honda/Acura NSX Clutch Slave Cylinder
OEM Honda/Acura NSX MT Shifter Cables & 5 Speed Gate
OEM Honda NA1 NSX MT RPM Gauge
OEM Honda NSX-R Door Handle Emblem, Left & Right
2002 OEM Honda/ACURA NSX Perforated Emergency Handbrake
OEM Honda NA1 NSX-R Gauge Meter Kit, Fuel & Battery
OEM Honda NSX-R Gauge Meter Kit, Oil & Temperature
NSX-R Decals & Badges
NSR-R 2002 Tail-Light Conversion
NSX-R Horn & Sparco Alcantara Wheel
NSX-R Pedals
NSX-R Air Duct, Space Saver Delete
NSX-R Full Red Interior
NSX Navapod (OEM)
Lightweight Sports Exhaust
Decat Pipes
Performance Air Filter
Full Kevlar Based Quality Wide-Body Kit
Marga Hills Side Skirts
Carbon Engine Cover
Carbon Mirrors
Front & Rear Dashcam & LCD Rear View
SOS Exedy Hyper Series Twin Clutch
SOS Clutch Slave Damper Delete
SOS Carbon Gauge Inlay
SOS Billet Door Handles
SOS Lightweight Race Hatch with Integrated Carbon Scoop
SOS Double-Din Conversion
SOS S200 Start Button & NSX Ignition Harness
SOS 12V Cabin Outlet Harness
Pride NSX-R GT Carbon Side Ducts
Tillet B4 Full Carbon Seats (Pair)
SCHROTH 6pt FIA Race Harness, L & R
Cedar Ridge Fabrications Harness Bar (Firewall)
Cedar Ridge Fabrications Harness Bar (Under Seat L & R)
NSX Tool Kit Now Fully Complete Inc. Compressor
Cat-1 Alarm/Immobiliser/Tracker
Headliner Retrimmed in Alcantara
Bride Seat Rails
NRG Quick Release S/Wheel Hub
NRG Adjustable S/Wheels Boss

The Appeal:

It was the first true Japanese supercar, Ayrton Senna was involved in the development, the styling was inspired by an F16 fighter jet and it was beloved of Gordon Murray. The list of legendary facts about the NSX is as long as your arm, and rightly so. First revealed at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show, it was a staggering achievement for a mainstream car manufacturer – producing a car that sucker-punched the Italian supercar elite and set a new standard for how such vehicles should drive.

Needless to say, they are still revered today, with good examples much sought after and highly prized by collectors. With that smooth, early 90s styling, mid-engined layout, rev-hungry VTEC V6 and fabled agility, they still offer a compelling and rewarding driving experience to back up the myth.

South-of-France ready; custom roof box and framework. — South-of-France ready; custom roof-box and framework.

Project F20 NSX, day 1. 01:02