1998 Honda NSX 3.2

Highlights 

• Incredibly rare, UK-supplied example

• Highly desirable spec

• Later, 290bhp 3.2-litre V6 engine 

• Excellent history file

• Low mileage

• Impeccably maintained and in superb condition throughout

• Some tasteful upgrades

• Available for inspection at the PistonHeads Annual Service on 8 Aug

Overview

The original Honda NSX remains one of the greatest sports cars of all time. That's not lyrical waxing, neither is it up for debate. It's a simple fact. Here was a reliable and relatively affordable (at least compared to the far more exotic fare from the likes of the Italians) supercar that could cut the mustard with those aforementioned Ferraris and Lamborghinis without batting an eyelid. There didn't appear to be any compromise either. It was stunning to look at, inherently usable and it drove like a rat up a drainpipe duct taped to a scalded cat, thanks to its venerable V6, and it has since firmly established itself as one of the defining analogue driver's cars of its era.

Developed with direct input from Formula One drivers Ayrton Senna and Satoru Nakajima, the NSX was a huge success that challenged the established European supercar elite by combining breathtaking performance with Honda's renowned engineering integrity and reliability. Honda though, in typical Honda fashion, refused to rest on its laurels and in 1997 introduced a huge performance update for the manual-equipped NSX resulting in a lighter and more powerful V6 engine that produced an additional 20bhp over the original model thanks to an increase in displacement to 3.2-litres. With 290bhp now on tap Honda's flagship sports car could hit 60mph from parked in just 4.8 seconds. 

This incredibly rare 1998 3.2 Formula Red, UK-supplied manual Targa with black leather interior represents arguably one of the most desirable specifications ever produced, occupying a unique position in the evolution of the marque, making this a really rather scarce and highly collectable proposition.

Having covered just 73K genuine miles, this NSX has clearly been cherished and meticulously maintained regardless of cost, as reported by the vendor. Presenting beautifully throughout and with excellent maintenance history the car has been thoughtfully enhanced with some sympathetic upgrades that complement the original driving experience whilst remaining entirely reversible, including an enhanced exhaust system, upgraded suspension and a more modern in-car entertainment setup.

History and documentation

• 1998 model year

• V5C present and correct in the vendor's name

• First registered 01 Aug 1998

• In current ownership since 17 Feb 2012

• Three registered former keepers

• Two keys

• Clifford alarm CTEK battery charger and Kenwood stereo user manuals

• Multiple main dealer invoices for parts, servicing and maintenance

• Invoice for new timing belt and water pump dated 16 Jun 2025

• Numerous old MOT certificates

• Featured in Car magazine August 2005

• Original Honda warranty certificate

• Service history with original service book showing inspections at the following intervals: 1999 @ 11,598 miles (service, main dealer), 2000 @ 22,382 miles (service, main dealer), 2001 @ 31,120 miles (service, main dealer), 2002 @ 41,882 miles (service, main dealer), 2004 @ 43,096 miles (service), 2007 @ 44,738 miles (service), 2012 @ 49,624 miles (service, main dealer), 2026 @ 72,967 miles (service, specialist) 

• The car was maintained by Honda Norton Way, an NSX specialist between 2012 and now but this has not been fully documented, according to the vendor
• It was also regularly serviced by GS Motors Aylesbury, although not always documented

• Advisory-free MOT until 15 Jan 2027

• HPI clear

• Private registration included

• 73,031 indicated miles

Interior

• In superb, clean condition throughout

• No obvious signs of damage

• Minimal wear and tear

• Black leather upholstery is in great shape

• Dashboard remains intact

• Factory ABS

• Factory Power-assisted steering

• Factory Cruise control

• Factory Climate control and air conditioning

• Factory Electric seats

• Factory Traction control

• Kenwood double-DIN multimedia system with satellite navigation, Bluetooth and Android Auto

• Clifford alarm and immobiliser

• No reports of any electrical issues

• Door jambs are free from grime

• Boot space is clean and tidy and the factory tool kit appears to be complete

• New tailgate struts fitted May 2026

• Never been used space saver spare wheel and tyre

• Engine bay presents very well

Exterior

• Incredibly well-presented 

• Formula Red paintwork retains a deep shine

• Factory Targa roof

• No major issues, only some slight age-related paintwork imperfections as reported by the vendor

• Uniform shut lines across all panels

• No signs of any major damage

• Some light scuff marks to the front splitter

• Windows and light lenses present well

• Pop-up headlights are fully functional

• The staggered Advan T5 alloy wheels appear to be in excellent condition with only a few light marks to note

• Original Honda seven-spoke alloy wheels included

• Michelin tyres all round on the original Honda wheels

• Underneath looks to be clean, solid and in great shape overall

• Fitted NSX car cover included

Mechanical

• 290bhp, 3.2-litre V6 engine with VTEC variable valve technology

• Six-speed manual gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive

• 0-60mph in 4.8s

• 170mph top speed 

• Bilstein B8 dampers

• Pride V2 quad-exit stainless steel exhaust (original included)

• All coolant hoses replaced

• No mechanical issues to report

• The vendor informs us that the car starts, drives and stops without issue

Summary

Perfectly marrying the purity of the original NA1's clean styling with the significant mechanical and performance improvements introduced on the NA2, this 1998 Honda NSX is an outstanding example of one of Japan's greatest performance cars. Beautifully maintained, exceptionally specified and ready to be enjoyed or preserved as part of a discerning collection. Today, notable UK manual examples are becoming increasingly difficult to acquire as collectors continue to recognise their significance as one of the most important and usable modern classics of the last three decades making this rare and stunning example a bit of a find. 

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.

The car will also be on show at the PistonHeads Annual Service on 8th August 2026, Bicester