First Acura/Honda NSX #001 auctioned off for RM5 mil

When US pricing of the Honda NSX (Acura NSX in the States) was revealed in December, some were surprised by the MRSP of US$156,000 (RM649,700), topping out at US$205,700 (RM856,203) fully loaded with options such as carbon ceramic brakes, CF roof and carbon interior package.

The sticker price makes the NSX one of the most expensive sports cars in its class, compared to the US$120k Audi R8 Coupe, US$140k BMW i8 and US$151k Porsche 911 Turbo. Around US$240k (RM1 million) will buy you a Ferrari 488 or Lamborghini Huracan there. Now, the first production NSX with the VIN #001 has managed to sell for US$1.2 million (RM5 million)!

The price was reached at an auction organized by Barrett-Jackson and proceeds will be channeled to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation and Camp Southern Ground, so it’s not a “waste of money” as some would doubtlessly claim. Who knows, it might turn out to be a good investment someday.

The winning bid was from NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick, who has a history of donating while collecting. Hendrick’s track record includes the first 2015 Chevy Corvette Z06 Coupe ($1 million), first 2014 Corvette ($1.1 million), first 2012 Camaro ZL1 ($250,000), and the last BMW M5 “30 Jahre” at $700,000. NSX #001 is his biggest catch yet. Just like with the NSX, money from previous sales went to various charities.

2017 Acura NSX

2017 Acura NSX

The Ohio-made NSX’s Sport Hybrid Power Unit is led by a mid-mounted 3.5 litre DOHC twin-turbo V6 driving the rear wheels. Output figures are 500 hp at 7,500 rpm and 550 Nm of torque from 2,000-6,000 rpm. There’s also a rear Direct Drive Motor that offers 47 hp and 148 Nm, and a front-mounted Twin Motor Unit with 72 hp (36 hp at each wheel) and 146 Nm. Combined, the system offers 573 hp and 645 Nm.

Other highlights include a nine-speed dual-clutch gearbox, Honda’s Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD) system and active magnetorheological dampers. Our in-house sports and supercar specialist Anthony Lim has had a go at the NSX, and you can read his test notes here.

GALLERY: Acura NSX

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