When Honda Built a Supercar
Aside from the Civic and CR-V, the first-generation NSX stands as one of Honda’s most important nameplates. It delivered genuine supercar appeal while preserving the brand’s reputation for reliability and relative affordability. While the model was sold in the U.S. as the Acura NSX, many of the most desirable examples were built for the Japanese market—and this shop is home to some of them.
Dino Dalle Carbonare, a.k.a. Dino DC, visited the shop in Japan called Route Ks, owned by Kawai-san, who founded the business in 2004. The collection focuses on the first-generation NSX, which was produced from 1990 to 2005. Some examples have logged as little as 1,000 kilometers (621 miles), and according to Carbonare, the most pristine cars could now command prices of up to 300 million yen – roughly $2 million at current exchange rates. He claimed the collection could be worth around $20 million.
A Collector Who Still Chases Lap Times
One of Kawai-san’s most frequently driven cars is a yellow NSX NA1 that’s lightly modified for track use. It’s powered by the 3.0-liter V6 paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox and features a set of Mugen wheels along with an NA2-inspired rear wing. He typically takes the car to Suzuka Circuit – home of Formula 1’s Japanese Grand Prix – since his shop is near the track.
NA1 designates models equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 producing 270 horsepower, while NA2 – introduced in 1997 – refers to later versions fitted with a larger 3.2-liter V6 making 20 additional horsepower. Despite what some may assume, these designations are unrelated to the 2002 facelift, which notably eliminated the pop-up headlights to meet pedestrian safety regulations, a shift also seen on models such as the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
The NSX Legacy Lives On
The collection spans many of the NSX’s variants, including the NSX Type R and Type S, as well as the rare Type S Zero – a Japan-exclusive model featuring weight-saving measures. It’s said to be roughly 50 kilograms (110 pounds) lighter than the standard Type S. The lineup also includes a custom-ordered NSX-R once owned by Keiichi Tsuchiya, better known as the Drift King.
Although the first-generation NSX is now decades old, Honda has launched a heritage parts program to support long-term ownership by reproducing select components – an initiative likely welcomed by collectors and specialists such as Kawai-san. Honda reintroduced the NSX in 2017 with a second-generation model, though its price tag of over $150,000 drew mixed reactions regarding its overall proposition. In the years ahead, the Japanese marque is expected to introduce a third-generation model, with some reports suggesting it could adopt a fully electric powertrain.
