Gordon Murray Article on the influences of the Honda NSX on the McLaren F1

As you may know, I am huge fan of the Honda/Acura NSX. As a product of the 80’s, it’s styling still excites me today. It still stops me in my tracks when I see one in person. And there’s always one pictured in my next job promotion fantasy.

Check out this fantastic article from the creator of the McLaren F1, Gordon Murray. He goes into great detail with his own love affair with the Honda NSX and it’s influences on the F1 (linked from VWVortex, hosted on Google Documents which includes original Japanese content and illustrations.):

Of course as you know, the engine has only six cylinders; however, the NSX’s very rigid chassis is excellent and would easily be capable of handling more power. Although it’s true I had thought it would have been better to put a larger engine, the moment I drove the “little” NSX, all the benchmark cars–Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini–I had been using as references in the development of my car vanished from my mind. Of course the car we would create, the McLaren F1, needed to be faster than the NSX, but the NSX’s ride quality and handling would become our new design target.

Considering my high praise of the e46 m3 recently, I hopped on over to NSXPrime, the authority forum on all things NSX in North America, to shop NSX classifieds for cars in the same price category:

1992 Acura NSX on NSXPrime (SC, $35.5k):

Beautiful stock car with only 26,107 miles that is in near showroom condition. I am the second owner and the car has always been garage kept and well maintained. The clutch, water pump and timing belt were recently replaced. Car was in the snap ring range and this was corrected during clutch replacement. Interior and exterior in excellent condition. Chrome wheels are on car but I have the stock rims also.

1993 Acura NSX on NSXPrime ($30k, VA):

Unfortunately I have to sell this, as I am being transferred to Japan for two years, and I would truly hate to see it sit. Currently stationed in Norfolk, VA. Engine/Body is in great condition, all the maintenance is up to date (including water pump, plugs, oil, and belts), and only has 49k Miles.

[…]

I am going to be honest and say right off the bat that there are a few problems, like the right speaker-amp (An easy fix that costs about $80 dollars), the drivers side window motor-drive assembly needs replaced (about $300 dollars for a replacement, depending on where you go), and the right front coilover needs rebuilt.

1994 Acura NSX on NSXPrime ($34k, VA):

[…]Modifications:
-Comptech Header
-Comptech CF Air Intake W/ Uni Filter
-Taitec JGTC Center Exit Exhaust
-Taitec diffuser
-NA2 brakes
-Volk SE37k wheels(14lbs front 16lbs rear) 17″/18″ combo with Falken RT-615 tires good tread.
-Brand New 6 speed with OS-giken LSD & 4.4 final !!!
-RPS clutch with lightened flywheel
-NSX-R lower brace and front sway bar
-Tein-RA coilovers
-02+ Side Skirt
-CF side duct
-Dali Harness Bar with Video camera mount + 5 pt harness.
-Smart Shift

[…]As far as the body and paint, it is in good condition, although I did have a minor front end damage which required driver side fender to be replaced and was repainted by reputable shop in VA(Wagon Works). No frame damage.

The main reason for considering of selling is because I rarely drive the car now. The car drives amazing with the 6 speed.

I am not in a hurry so no low ballers.

I’ve been keeping an eye on the ‘affordable’ end of NSX examples for several years, and it sure seems like $30k has been the benchmark for a starting point with a good one. These examples all appear to be worth a look.

dc