AutoTrader Find of the Week: This 2002 Acura NSX-T is a Rare Gem

When you picture an Acura NSX, you’re probably not picturing this car.

You’re likely thinking of the pre-facelift first-generation model with the pop-up headlights and a hardtop in one of its iconic colours named for racing heritage, like Formula Red, Berlina Black, Spa Yellow, and, of course, Sebring Silver.

The 1991 model is the one etched into your memory, and for good reason. There are more 1991 NSXs than any other production year, with a whopping 3,163 units sold. No other production year sold even half that many units and, in fact, more than one third of all first-generation NSXs ever sold were 1991 models. Nearly half of all NSXs ever were sold between 1991 and 1992.

Just by merit of being a 2002 model and one of only 246 units sold that year, this pristine example for sale by Motorcarlease in Montreal, Que., on AutoTrader is 12 times rarer than the iconic ‘91 model and 18 times rarer than the 1991 to 1992 run.

Some enthusiasts prefer the pre-facelift NSX (or NA1 models), perhaps because of the beloved pop-up headlights or because the standard coupe hardtop was no longer offered in North America after 2001, meaning the new base model was the NSX-T (“T” for “Targa” open-top).

The targa model did lose some chassis rigidity and gain some weight compared to the standard coupe, and pop-up heads are objectively, indisputably cool. But the truth is the facelifted NSX (or NA2 models) still improved on the original in every way. 

The NA1’s 3.0L V6 engine producing 252 hp was replaced with a 3.2L unit now producing 290 hp. The NA2’s chassis received upgraded components with improved spring rates, and a thicker rear stabilizer bar. Aerodynamics were also improved with a tweaked integrated rear spoiler that now included a small flap on the deck lid, and a new rear valance and side skirts. It also had slightly wider rear tires. The result improved the zero-to-60-mph time by almost a full a second, in addition to a stance that appeared lower and more aggressive, even though it really wasn’t

But wait, there’s more!

While the fixed headlights might not be the same kind of flex that the pop-ups are amongst Gen Z, the lights themselves are Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) units — and if you’re Millennial like me, you remember just how baller of a move Xenon headlights were for the time.

Inside, the NA2 received blue gauge faces and a host of new interior options and colour options.

And that’s where this car gets really, really interesting.

This particular Acura NSX-T was optioned in Long Beach Blue with blue leather — one of only three possible interior options for that colour group. This means it’s one of only 88 NSXs ever sold with that colour in the United States. Of those 88, how many had a blue leather interior? Only 33.

Given that this car also features a six-speed manual transmission and is a 2002 model, some Internet sleuth enthusiasts have estimated that it is one of only 13 cars like it.

Of course, this NSX would be infinitely more rare if it were originally a Canadian car, as most estimates have put Canadian NSX sales from 2000 to 2005 in the single digits per year (for example, we’ve seen estimates as low as three or four Canadian units sold in 2002).

However, the provided documentation reveals that this NSX was originally purchased and registered in New Jersey before trading hands to an owner in Florida in 2007, and then making its way to Langley, B.C., in 2014. It’s not one of the uber-rare Canadian units, according to the CarFax report, but it has received regular service throughout its entire life.

This is definitely one of those “you’ll be the only one on your block” cars. Granted, the NSX was never a sales hit after its debut, so having any one of the almost 9,000 first-generation units is already probably enough to make you stand out at your local cars and coffee.

But this one is extra special, a rare example amongst an already rare species. It’s so rare that this might be your only opportunity to buy one just like it.