In an ever increasing world of consumerism, purchasers of goods typically do not hold onto their items for extended periods. Think about your television, mobile phone and other items in your life. You’re excited on the day of purchase, you use said item for a few months or perhaps a year or two, then proceed to sell it because a newer and fancier model is released. A majority of car enthusiasts can relate to this topic. They either lost interest in their own cars after a short duration of ownership or they’re seduced by another model – you know – the one with improved horsepower, superior brakes, better suspension and finer aesthetics.
When I purchased my Integra Type R, the aim was and still is – to keep it forever. I can spend hours at the pub and bore anyone to sleep about the passion I have for my – as the locals like to call it in Japan – Inte-R. But in this automotive-filled lifestyle that I live, meeting individuals who share this similar thought process, love and passion for one particular model is a seldom occurrence. So when I met Hiroshi – owner of the stunning Formula Red 1993 Honda NSX-R below – we instantly connected. I’ve never met anyone who has such a deep understanding and passion for their car as much as Hiroshi, who has owned his factory standard NSX-R for 18 years and counting.
The man is an automotive-encyclopedia, filled with many amazing tales to tell about the New Sportscar eXexperimental. On one particular Sunday morning, I received a phone call from Hiroshi asking if I was keen on riding shotgun.
With an automotive resume including a first-gen Civic, S130 Fairlady Z, AW11 supercharged MR2 and a Lotus Esprit Turbo (amongst many others), it took Hiroshi a while before he found true automotive love in 2000; the year he acquired his NA1. A Shell Service station would be our first destination of the day. While the NSX-R’s fuel tank was being treated to $65 worth of automotive wine, I took the time to admire the exotically-wrapped red-stitched alcantara cabin which was home to a pair of electronically adjustable red Recaro fixed-back bucket seats as well as a lavishly factory-optioned carbon-kevlar trim set. The NSX-R’s titanium gear knob is another special item, having shared DNA with McLaren Honda’s MP4/5 Formula One car – a hat tip to its pilot at the time.
The gateway to a majority of Adelaide’s best driving roads is often via the South Eastern Expressway. As we entered the expressway and rapidly made our way to the posted speed limit of 90 km/h, I instantly felt the difference between a regular NSX and Hiroshi’s NSX-R. The NSX was originally conceived as a comfortable everyday supercar i.e. a grand tourer. However, the NSX-R eliminated some of these attributes in the pursuit of performance. Implementing a Jenny Craig-like diet, the NSX-R is a whopping 100 kilograms lighter than a standard NSX thanks to thinner internal glass, lighter rear wing, lighter Enkei wheels and the removal of sound deadening. Owners are even forced to use their keys to unlock the boot as the traditional cable-mechanism was deleted. All these initiatives provide occupants with an amplified recording of the NSX-R’s hand-built and blue printed 3.0-litre C30A V6 engine – which translated to a loud but smile-inducing experience from the passenger seat.
We took the exit at Nairne and proceeded to some of Hiroshi’s favourite driving roads. When he was living in Japan, Hiroshi was an active member of the NSX Owners Club of Tsukuba and participated in various club activities. Over the decade, he’s completed numerous driving school programs at legendary race tracks such as Suzuka Circuit and Tsukuba Circuit. The instructors at these programs are usually current or ex-Super GT drivers and as Hiroshi informed me, it is not uncommon to see legendary figures like Motoharu Kurosawa a.k.a Gan-san at these events. Making our way to Mount Pleasant, I was in awe of Hiroshi’s brisk yet elegant driving; he was double de clutching and rev-matching every single downshift with skilful precision. The car’s balance was not once upset throughout our drive, a testament to Hiroshi’s driving finesse.
We pulled over at Mount Pleasant to stretch our legs. After carefully exiting the car without using my hands to touch or hold onto any areas of the immaculate Recaro seat – I stood back – trying to reflect on the experience thus far. Hiroshi takes the utmost care in maintaining his pride and joy; driving gloves and dedicated driving shoes are strictly worn each time the car is in motion. In addition, the car is always treated to a hand-washed bubble bath after each and every drive. The immaculate nature of this NSX-R is truly reflective of Hiroshi’s devotion.
Before we made our way home, Hiroshi showed me another favourite South Australian b-road he enjoys attacking. The NSX-R’s acoustically electrifying soundtrack coupled with high-speed sweeping corners and a dash of scenic country-side views forges an incredible sensory experience.
It was truly humbling to get an opportunity to ride shotgun in Hiroshi’s NSX-R. After all, it’s currently the only NSX-R example in Australia as the only legal method to import one is via the personal import scheme. Honda only built approximately 483 units of the NSX-R. It’s fortunate Hiroshi is one of the custodians of such car as the responsibility, dedication, respect and passion he commits to his NSX-R is inspirational. And for those asking, no, the car is unlikely to ever go up for sale. Even the NSX’s original development team admires Hiroshi’s passion as he has met with Shigeru Uehara (Project Leader) and Shunzaburo Osaki (Engine Project Leader) who have both personally and proudly, signed the engine lid of Hiroshi’s stunning NSX-R. I’ve always thought that with automobiles – sometimes – it’s the car that selects its owner and not the other way around. Hiroshi’s chronicles with his NSX-R is a fitting example of this belief.
