After two years of searching and scouring for the perfect NSX, I finally took the plunge this past weekend and came home with a gorgeous 1991 Sebring Silver NSX.
The listing for the car was first posted in April. At the time, I was deployed to Iraq, but I knew the car was exactly the car I was looking for; meticulously maintained, tastefully modified, forced induction. I crossed my fingers and hoped that nobody would swoop in and buy it before I got back to the States and was able to make it my own. I sent Jose, the owner, a few e-mails announcing my intention to purchase it, but I'm not sure that he thought I was serious.
Fortunately for me, I was serious, and the car didn't sell. Due to some scheduling conflicts (thanks, Army!) I wasn't able to fly down to Austin as quickly as I had hoped, but I was finally able to make this Journey this past Friday.
Driving up to Jose's house, I was awestruck by the car as it sat in the garage. Jose greeted me outside, and oh-so-reticently began to show me the car. It became immediately apparent that he wasn't just selling a car; he was about to give away his child. Everything was laid out in detail and I was (and still am) astonished the level of attention everything on the car received. It exceeded my expectations in every conceivable way.
I had planned to take the car right then and there, but Jose and I both agreed that, due to the possibility of inclement weather that night, and the fact that I was staying in a Valet-only hotel, that I should leave the car in his garage overnight. Jose refused to let me leave without the keys; I know that just having the car in the garage, knowing it was no longer his, was difficult enough.
My girlfriend and I picked up the car the next day and drove it to Fort Worth, where my parents live. Jose's emotional attachment to the car became immediately apparent. This car is like nothing I've ever driven before. It is simultaneously poised and visceral in a way I didn't think was possible. Nobody believes it could possibly be 18 years old; there are no creaks, groans, or rattles... even over rough pavement.
After our stop in Fort Worth, we continued our journey back to Tennessee. It was a long drive, but I've never had so much fun on a road trip. I caught dozens of people pulling out the camera phones to snap pictures of the car... especially when my girlfriend was driving. A few times, when I wasn't consciously thinking "Wow, I'm driving my dream car!", I would get angry at erratic drivers.... only to realize they were driving erratically to get a better look at the NSX.
I plan on taking the car to the Barnman in the future to get some maintenance done (the timing belt and water pump is coming up due), but other than that the car is perfect. A big thanks to Jose and his wife for having the courage to let go of such a wonderful vehicle. It was an extremely emotional moment for them, but they have an adorable new addition to their family that will help mend the wound. The car will be back in Austin after I get out of the military and will be able to see her former owners regularly.
I know, I know... if there are no pictures, it didn't happen. Well, I haven't had time to properly detail the car since I got home, so no new pictures. However, I do have a shot of the car from Fort Worth, along with my family. That's me on the left.
The listing for the car was first posted in April. At the time, I was deployed to Iraq, but I knew the car was exactly the car I was looking for; meticulously maintained, tastefully modified, forced induction. I crossed my fingers and hoped that nobody would swoop in and buy it before I got back to the States and was able to make it my own. I sent Jose, the owner, a few e-mails announcing my intention to purchase it, but I'm not sure that he thought I was serious.
Fortunately for me, I was serious, and the car didn't sell. Due to some scheduling conflicts (thanks, Army!) I wasn't able to fly down to Austin as quickly as I had hoped, but I was finally able to make this Journey this past Friday.
Driving up to Jose's house, I was awestruck by the car as it sat in the garage. Jose greeted me outside, and oh-so-reticently began to show me the car. It became immediately apparent that he wasn't just selling a car; he was about to give away his child. Everything was laid out in detail and I was (and still am) astonished the level of attention everything on the car received. It exceeded my expectations in every conceivable way.
I had planned to take the car right then and there, but Jose and I both agreed that, due to the possibility of inclement weather that night, and the fact that I was staying in a Valet-only hotel, that I should leave the car in his garage overnight. Jose refused to let me leave without the keys; I know that just having the car in the garage, knowing it was no longer his, was difficult enough.
My girlfriend and I picked up the car the next day and drove it to Fort Worth, where my parents live. Jose's emotional attachment to the car became immediately apparent. This car is like nothing I've ever driven before. It is simultaneously poised and visceral in a way I didn't think was possible. Nobody believes it could possibly be 18 years old; there are no creaks, groans, or rattles... even over rough pavement.
After our stop in Fort Worth, we continued our journey back to Tennessee. It was a long drive, but I've never had so much fun on a road trip. I caught dozens of people pulling out the camera phones to snap pictures of the car... especially when my girlfriend was driving. A few times, when I wasn't consciously thinking "Wow, I'm driving my dream car!", I would get angry at erratic drivers.... only to realize they were driving erratically to get a better look at the NSX.
I plan on taking the car to the Barnman in the future to get some maintenance done (the timing belt and water pump is coming up due), but other than that the car is perfect. A big thanks to Jose and his wife for having the courage to let go of such a wonderful vehicle. It was an extremely emotional moment for them, but they have an adorable new addition to their family that will help mend the wound. The car will be back in Austin after I get out of the military and will be able to see her former owners regularly.
I know, I know... if there are no pictures, it didn't happen. Well, I haven't had time to properly detail the car since I got home, so no new pictures. However, I do have a shot of the car from Fort Worth, along with my family. That's me on the left.
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