Like most cars of this age and type it can be a struggle to find an unabused clean version. Indeed it's the only reason I ended up with a Speed Yellow GT3 and an Indigo Pearl (yellow) NSX. I mention this as otherwise, you might think me a bit of a penis. Like the number plate always did.
I found mine with a retired chap. Bournemouth. Always garaged. Never driven at night or in the rain. And yes I think a tear was shed when I drove into into the dark drizzle on collection.....3 foot thick history file, dealer stamps everywhere, lots of helpful hints including his description of "hot Honda" smell. Lets call him enthusiastic.
This is a 1996 3.0l manual targa with a gentle 35k miles und it's wheels. I didn't look for a targa particularly, but did want a manual. I am still surprised by the number of and demand for the auto NSX. The advantage of this particular model year was the fitment of the JdM gearbox which meant shorter gears and faster acceleration times, before the engine grew in size the following year.
It's a lovely thing to drive; immediately apparent, like the early 911, that the ride quality is excellent. The generous tyres and compliant suspension take care of that. But that doesn't mean the grip is poor, far from it. Furthermore, it's a very fast b-road car, that suspension compliance gladly soaking up the bumps and undulations unlike a "modern" which would try to throw you into the gorse bush.
The targa did compromise rigidity- bit of the old scuttle shake- and a drivers seat too high in the mountings for my liking. However the mechanism and stowage was genius and simplicity to use. Like the gearbox. Rifle bolt, like the original mx5. I also never got to grips with the long-arse look, albeit it certainly made it practical. The dichotomy that weighed on sales.
The car is still modern enough to use daily- I didn't- with great climate control, decent stereo, lights, wipers etc. I am a bit surprised I didn't use it more. A really good car. Perhaps not a great car. It made a good noise, not a great M-car straight 6 kinda noise. It was fast. Enough. But not intoxicating in its application of speed.
Is it crass to talk about money? Paid 31, sold 41. So it's not just Porsches which are seeing significant uplifts. Happy to assist anyone who fancies one of these in the future.
Joe
