Thanks for those opinions.. one more question.. why do people frown on years 95 and 96? Are they less desirable than 91-94? How would you value those?
Here are the changes I found via nsx prime for the 95 yr.. are the a net negative?:
1995 NSX-T[edit]
Beginning in 1995, the NSX-T with a removable targa top was introduced in Japan as a special order option and in North America in March 1995. ,[19] The NSX-T replaced the standard coupe entirely as the only version available post 1994 and all NSXs thereafter were in targa form with the notable exceptions of the Zanardi Special Edition NSX in 1999 and a handful of special order post-1997/pre-2002 3.2 litre coupes. The removable roof resulted in decreased chassis rigidity and Honda added about 100 pounds (45 kg) of structural reinforcements to compensate, including significantly thicker frame sidesill rocker panels (the body component which contributes most to the chassis's rigidity[20]), bulkheads, roof pillars and the addition of new front/rear bulkhead and floorpan crossmembers.[21] The targa models, produced for the rest of the NSX's production run thru 2005, sacrificed weight and some of the original coupe's chassis rigidity in return for an open cockpit driving experience. In addition to this major change, all subsequent NSX-Ts (1995-2001) had smaller-diameter front sway bars, slightly stiffer front springs, softer rear springs and firmer shock-dampers [22] to improve ride comfort and tire wear while reducing the tendency towards oversteer common in mid-engined vehicles. All roofs post 1995 were now body-coloured instead of black, although in Japan, the two-tone black roof/body colour was still available as an optional feature. A lighter version of the variable ratio electric assisted power steering rack, previously found exclusively in the automatic transmission equipped NSXs, became standard on all models. Starting in 1995 the 5-speed transmission's second gear ratio was lowered by 4.2% to improve driveability and provide better response and automatic transmissions received an optional Formula One-inspired Sport Shift with a unique steering column mounted electronic shifter.[23] Manual transmission cars received an improved Torque Reactive limited-slip differential - when combined with a new Throttle-By-Wire system, increased corner exit speeds by 10%. Other innovations beginning in 1995 included a new and lighter exhaust and muffler configuration for greater efficiency and lower emissions,[23] an OBD-II onboard diagnostic system, improvements in the Traction Control System (TCS) and newly developed fuel injectors.[24]
Simply put, the 95-6s have the lowest power/weight ratio due to still having the 270HP engine with the additional weight of the Targa apparatus and reinforcements.
So, when I break down the different groups, I generally see the following
1991-1994: Over time, I think MAYBE you get a premium for 1991 due to 1st year... Even though that was the highest production year. 92-93 trade at a bit of a discount within the group because of the snap-ring potential. So personally, if I were hunting in the NA1 Range, I would be most excited for a 1994
1995-1996: Will always be a red-headed stepchild of the 1st gen NSX (as discussed above)
1997-2001: NA2 Emerges. Right now, decent premium to all NA1, but over time, I would guess those trade relatively similar to the 1991-1994 subset. Seems that within the group, the 2000-2001 trade at a slight premium as well. People really like perforated leather? It's a taste thing I suppose.
2002-2005: Two things going on here. First is that currently, they are simply newer. Thus the large current premium. Over time, where do they trade? I think this is the big mystery. On one hand, to some it will represent the sum total of everything Honda learned over the course of a decade plus thus representing "the best" NSX. Additionally, they had the lowest production numbers of all simply making them rarer. On the other hand, many people will seek out the "purity" of the NA1 cars. It's a tough one here.
It will ALWAYS be a question of taste in my opinion, but the debate will always be alive on the following questions :
NA1 vs NA2?
Flip-ups vs Froggy eyes?
Targa vs Coupe?
And, I think when the dust finally does settle, (probably a few years off from now) that most collectors and enthusiasts will look at 1991-2005 simply as Gen1 cars and the pricing will end up being relatively flat across the years with the exception of the 1995-6 cars. People will simply look at condition, mileage, history more than all other items we are currently concerned with.
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Targa top without NA2 upgrades.
This vehicle will provide an interesting data point on the 1996 model year:
https://www.mecum.com/lot-detail.cfm?lot_id=FL0115-203560
ohhh...
Didn't even see that one. Will certainly set a benchmark for the group.
Personally, I would be surprised (and excited) if that car trades much above $50k. Nothing particularly notable other than the low mileage.
