For many enthusiasts, the best cars of all time have already been made, and no amount of modern technology can replace the mechanical simplicity of driving a classic sports car. The problem has always revolved around keeping a 30-year-old car maintained, particularly as parts become scarce. Acura has addressed this concern for owners of the original, first-generation NSX. The automaker has officially launched the Honda Heritage Parts program in the U.S., with over 3,000 reproduction parts now available for the iconic sports car.
Heritage Parts Program Starts With NSX
Acura
Acura
Acura
The new program first became available in Japan in April, but Honda has delivered on its promise to expand it to other regions. The new Honda Heritage Program will support various Acura and Honda performance models, with the original NSX—produced between the 1991 and 2005 model years—being the first beneficiary.
For now, owners of the NSX can choose from over 3,000 reproduction parts, which are available via Acura dealerships nationwide. As reliable as the original NSX is—some examples have comfortably exceeded 300,000 miles—any car that old will require significant upkeep as mechanical components, rubbers, and plastic parts age.
“Honda Heritage Parts was created to help our customers enjoy their classic Acura and Honda performance models, and it’s appropriate that we begin with an iconic model like the first-generation Acura NSX,” said Mamadou Diallo, executive vice president at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “By supporting our customers in preserving the legacy of the NSX, we’re celebrating our shared passion for these iconic sports cars and keeping them on the road for today’s enthusiasts and future generations.”
Parts can also be purchased through the Honda DreamShop. Here, customers can already find thousands of parts for the NSX’s engine, transmission, chassis, and more.
The Original NSX Is Still The Benchmark
Acura
Although the second-generation Acura NSX was an accomplished hybrid sports car, it never quite captured the magic of the original. The first NSX debuted at the Chicago Auto Show in February 1989 before going on sale as a 1991 model. An innovator from the start, it was the first production car with an all-aluminum chassis and body, which weighed 40% less than steel.
That first NSX had a 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. With the advanced VTEC system making its U.S. debut on an Acura model, the car reached 60 mph in under six seconds, and the driver was involved in the process all the way thanks to the standard five-speed manual gearbox.
The hand-assembled NSX’s low, sleek design has stood the test of time, and high Japanese quality standards made it a car that could be enjoyed for many years without breaking down. Incrementally improved over the course of its extended production run, the NSX eventually gained a larger 3.2-liter V6 with 290 hp.
Cumulative U.S. sales of the NSX reached 8,733 units, and well-kept examples demand six-figure prices today.
What It Means
Acura
The new Honda Heritage Program will make it infinitely easier for NSX owners to enjoy their cars for many more years to come. Using original, high-quality parts means these cars can perform at their best.
Over the next few months or years, there are many legendary Honda/Acura models we expect to be included in this program. One obvious candidate includes the Honda S2000, as the oldest versions of this high-revving sports car are now over 25 years old. Earlier generations of the Honda Prelude as well as sporty variants of the Acura Integra/RSX are also likely to make the cut at some stage.
About the author
Karl Furlong
Senior Editor, Autoblog