One of just 140 built, this NA2 NSX-R is a pristine, Euro-registered example of Honda’s most collectible Type R ever produced.
One of the rarest and most sought-after JDM performance icons is poised to cross the auction block at the 2025 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, as Broad Arrow Auctions presents a 2003 Honda NSX-R—one of only 140 second-generation (NA2) examples ever produced.
Finished in Championship White with matching forged BBS wheels and distinctive red Alcantara interior, the car shows just 15,806 kilometers (9,822 miles) from new. This chassis, number NA2-1400116, underwent a complete timing belt service in 2023 by Dutch NSX specialists AS Motorsport and arrives at auction with full European registration—a rarity among NSX-Rs, which were exclusively sold in the Japanese domestic market.
Powered by Honda’s precision-balanced 3.2-liter V6 DOHC VTEC engine, the NA2 NSX-R produced 290 horsepower and featured a six-speed manual transaxle. Lighter, stiffer, and faster than its NA1 predecessor, it delivered track-focused performance with Formula One pedigree. Notably, it matched Ferrari’s 360 Challenge Stradale with a Nürburgring lap time of 7 minutes and 56 seconds, despite a 100-horsepower deficit.
Honda equipped the NSX-R with exotic carbon fiber components including a vented hood, rear diffuser, and a one-piece carbon rear spoiler—the first of its kind in a production vehicle. With stiffer suspension, titanium shift knob, Recaro carbon-fiber bucket seats, and Bridgestone RE070 tires, it exemplified Honda’s Type R philosophy of driver-focused performance over brute power.
Originally registered in Japan in June 2003, the NSX-R remained in the country for over a decade before being acquired by a Swedish collector. It underwent importation through the UK and received service and media exposure there, including a test drive by journalist Jethro Bovingdon. Later showcased at FuoriConcorso and crowned in the 2024 Costa del Sol Concours d'Elegance, the car has seen consistent, specialist care throughout its life.
Offered with documentation including the original RHD headlamps, complete service history, and recent concours accolades, this NSX-R marks a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire one of Honda’s finest creations outside of Japan. With an auction estimate between €750,000 and €950,000, it stands as a crown jewel in modern Japanese performance heritage.
