Long Dream realized..

David S. Wallens said:

Wow, much congratulations. 

Thank you !!! 

insurance done. $78 a month with $130k stated value. not bad 

LONG POST WARNING:

Well today was the day of delivery. I could hardly sleep last night. I have already watched every single NSX video and re – read all the reviews over and over again. I needed to see the NSX again. Was hard to concentrate on X mas, and New Years, with delivery day pending. 

I chat with the owner via text, and we schedule a lunch pickup, hoping not much traffic. Of course, being Los Angeles, traffic, I am 38 minutes late.  I pull into his driveway, he is sitting down, where the NSX is usually parked. The NSX is sitting in the driveway.  He ushers me to back my Land Cruiser in the driveway, which I do. 

I get up, shake his hand. I can see he is a bit emotional. I tell him, today I finally feel like an NSX owner.  He starts showing me all the things he has. Original window sticker, all 4 keys, repair manuals, the A badges he changed to H on the car, trickle charger, magazines, battery tender, Motorola radios, cassettes, NSXPO passes over the years, photos, car cover. He did tell me on the phone, to bring a bigger car to take all the stuff, and I did. Purchase paper when he bought it.  I am overcome with emotion, but I can tell he is as well. But as car guys, we put that aside, and focus on the inventory of things.  

Once and loaded into my car, he tells me a few things:

1)    hands me a Honda watch, and said “I put in new batteries for you so it works.” WOW, I instantly put it on.  I tell him that the jacket and shirts he gave me, my wife told me to frame it in the garage, and I haven’t worn them yet. He chuckles.
2)    He shows me all 3 keys, and keeps on one his hand, “at the end I will give you the final key.”

3) "As I told you the car has not seen rain except that day in 2004, thus I bought a new set of wipers for you."

We chat for a bit about the car. I tell him how thankful I am how he has taken care of the car, and what an amazing steward, enthusiast, he has been. We go over how he bought the car. Interestingly enough he wasn’t interested in the NSX before 1998 at all.  He essentially bought it on a whim when he saw it across his office at an Acura dealer. I loved hearing his story. He said he couldn’t believe that he paid that for the car. I know the feeling, I told him! 

Graciously, I was going to get a cup of coffee, but his wife makes one for me, in a NSX friendly go cup. Very generous.  We exchange info, and she invites my family to dinner when I am back in the area. 

I already know I will remain friends with the owner, but the kindness he showed me, truly there are good people left in this world still. 

We take some photos where he finally hands me the keys to the car. It has the silver NSX key ring.  I have never taken a photo with a car before. It just isn’t my thing.  His wife wanted to take the photos, and my wife wanted me to also take the photos.  It was actually quite fun having the photos. 

We spent a good 2 hours chatting about the car, my excitement, and his reluctance on selling.  I can tell how attached he was. I was already attached, I can’t tell how much more attached he was over the years.  

I told him he can not only drive it anytime, he can visit anytime, and I will stop by to say hi from time to time.  I will take the car to NSXPO and keep up his legacy of him taking the cars there, and creating the memories he has.  It still hadn’t hit me that the car was mine. 

​It was finally mine. I had earned it, worked for it... hasn't hit me yet.. it was my NSX... it is my NSX..

I get in the car, start it for the first time. I put on the watch he gave me, and set on my way. The clutch is so gentle, the controls feel like any 90s Honda would, easy. The seats are comfortable. I pull out of his driveway … He waves good bye… it was difficult..I see it.. I could feel it.  What a gentleman and a true automobile enthusiast, who loved the NSX, took care of it, enjoyed it, made memories with it.   Truly an inspiration… hope I can live up to what he started… 
 

I pull out to the street, driving around the neighborhood, essentially on my way to nowhere. I turn the AC on, very cold. I preferred a non power steering wheel car, but it didn’t bother me. 

The shifts are so tight, excellent. Reminds me of my S2000. However, there is no slop on the handle, unlike my Elise or MR2, this one is so tight. The clutch is so light, typical Honda. It isn't hard work to drive around. The turn signals definitely feel different.  The angled screen on the AC is a bit hard to see. Silly things. I just keep telling myself what a car. 

I keep comparing in my head. The visibility is as good as the Elise. However, the car isn’t as light.  It is almost a 1000 lbs more than the Elise, and about 250lbs more than the MR2.  Comparisons doesn’t matter, this is my hero car. I get on the freeway onramp. 80mph, cruise on, AC nice and cold. 

It rained all morning. Rains 8 days a year here, and today it rained. No rain for about 4 hours, while I picked up and drove the car.  Reminded me of an old Acura Legend. A honda that has some torque! What would the fanbois say. Lots of looks, even in a silver car.  I am driving around, enjoying.  The seats are comfortable, not punishing. Between my Elise and my lexus LS. 

I love the front view, as good as the Elise.  I am still absorbing. Fantastic quality, unlike the Elise. Lot quieter inside, more comfortable. 

For lack of a better term, almost a grown up larger MR2.  I keep buying and selling many cars over the years, and I keep telling myself I have a type:

NSX, MR2 – Turbo, Elise. Sometimes cars just speak to you. I have finally found my nirvana

After 2 hours of enjoying, it hits me, I need to take some photos for the forum people! No one will believe me. Hah. I pull over and take some photos for you.  The car is too easy to drive. 6th to 5th downshift and past 80 without effort. Few pulls half to redline to hear the intake noise in the car. What a machine.. no wind noise… no dartiness… just solid.. analog… yet relevant in today’s world. 

Loving the climate control vents in the door and the way the window buttons are curved

Some photos
 

You are a very, very lucky man.  What an astounding experience.

Car photos

Well the fun was over. Time to head over to one of the last remaining original NSX mechanics trained by Honda.  I head over there, he tells me how he is now on his 14th NSX. We talk for 2 hours. He knows the car very well. Tells me he can’t believe the owner sold it. Tells me, enjoy as is, don’t modify, maintain and a good detail. He has one other gentleman that comes to his shop over 90 years old, with the last 05 Blue car. Respect!

He shows me the Zanardi NSX that comes to the shop, the rare as hens teeth (mid 6 figure $) NSX Type R (one in the shop as we speak on the lift). Usually 3-4 NSX in there all the time.  I have heard of him for 20 years, I know all about him, but the first time I meet him. He is a 1 man show. I ask him how long will it take, for the T belt/water pump/ fluid service? “Ryan, I will call you – he says.” He writes down on a piece of paper my phone number and the service needed. 

He tells me he doesn’t take new customers. Sends them to other shop. However, this is “Frank’s NSX, and I will keep working on it.”

He is right. This is Frank’s NSX. It will forever be, and I am proud to continue the life of the NSX, and be a steward for Frank’s NSX as long as the car gods allow.

Thank you Frank. Thank you for making this dream come true for me. I appreciate you. You are an inspiration to a generation like me. Thank you for keeping the candle alive for us. Here is to a friendship for many years to come…. 

The NSX is now tucked into a lift. Where Ramon says, no coolant lines needed. Looked it all over. He doesn’t do engine out service. Says no need. I trust him…. 

Looking forward to the NSX coming home  and then I start enjoying it for real..

Jim Pettengill said:

You are a very, very lucky man.  What an astounding experience.

I feel lucky. I still can't believe it.. Thank you. 

Lof8 - Andy said:

Wow, what a beauty!   I'm in for the delivery pics and story.

Yes sir.. all posted.. I am tired..worn out. 

Usually last 5 years I keep finding cars far away.. fly drive home... come home exhausted..love the journey

this was right here... .. i feel exhausted after today.. culmination of the dream.... the emotions... the drive.... 

Curtis73 (Forum Supporter) said:

mr2s2000elise said:

Curtis73 (Forum Supporter) said:

I'm a tad jealous, but super happy for you.  I got to drive one once in 1992 and the memory has lived rent-free in my head for 30 years.

Come and drive it anytime, my friend. 

See you one hour after delivery.

(kidding... but I might take you up on that)

You are always welcome. The GRM family has been so good to me, I can never repay it back. 

The cars will come and go (nsx is staying, don't get ideas).. but the friendships, the people..thats what makes world worth living... 

Have a good 2024 all of you.. may you be able to achieve your dreams..whatever they may be..and thank you for helping me along the way

Steve_Jones said:

Remember this feeling, you earned it. So jealous though....

You have been there all the way. Appreciate the encouragement, the kind words..... and encouraging me to stop, take a moment, take a breath... working and earning your dream... 

Thank you 

Jim Pettengill said:

Late in chiming in, but totally, totally in awe.  The NSX is the only supercar that I ever really wanted (instead of just lusted after).  They remain out of my price range, but if I ever hit the lottery (or the McDonald House Vette/money giveaway), one of them is on my list, even though I would have to rent a garage in town on a paved road.  Enjoy it forever, and keep us posted so we can drool.  You are a lucky, lucky man.

thank you. Same here. I love the Diablo 6.0, 512 TR, 355... but deep down the NSX is also the only one I wanted. Lusted after. If the LFA had 3 pedals, that would be the in running too. 

Definitely plan to enjoy it as long as life allows... 

Tony Sestito said:

Also way late to the party, but what an unbelievable find and a great story. Congrats on finally getting your dream car! Good luck with the delivery!

Thank you! Yeah rare find for sure.... and delivery was splendid

Do meet your heroes! My take

I'm curious to see if you adjust your screen name. Cheers. 

In reply to OHSCrifle :

if it is allowable - i would be happy to!!! 

In reply to mr2s2000elise :

You can edit your screen name yourself any time!

Click yourself, then "Edit Profile", then type out what you want under "Preferred Screen Name" and save. Voila! Everything you post after that will be your new name. 

Javelin said:

In reply to mr2s2000elise :

You can edit your screen name yourself any time!

Click yourself, then "Edit Profile", then type out what you want under "Preferred Screen Name" and save. Voila! Everything you post after that will be your new name. 

well thank you. i should delete the s2000. after 165k miles in the ap1 and 67 k miles in the ap2 - it just doesnt speak to me anymore. not sure why. kind of liking waking up next to your partner for 15 years - and thinking the magic is gone...

Just absolutely fantastic! One of my dream cars. 

Also kinda wish I hadn't passed on that AP2 I looked at a decade ago...........the place selling it............I just didn't get a good feeling from them so I passed. 

But now like E30s, clean low mileage AP2s are worth more than I'm willing to spend. Although I guess if I think about price + mods I'm nearly $50k into the '23 BRZ. 

The emotion and appreciation for this car, that owner and your experience in this whole thing overflows your words. It's easy to see how much this means to you. Congrats.

z31maniac said:

Just absolutely fantastic! One of my dream cars. 

Also kinda wish I hadn't passed on that AP2 I looked at a decade ago...........the place selling it............I just didn't get a good feeling from them so I passed. 

But now like E30s, clean low mileage AP2s are worth more than I'm willing to spend. Although I guess if I think about price + mods I'm nearly $50k into the '23 BRZ. 

thanks - i am still dreaming. never thought a wall poster would come alive 

when i bought my rio ap2 new to replace my spa ap1 - they couldnt give them sway. $33k msrp. i paid 29k msrp 

two years before my msm miata msrp was 27k. paid $17870 new. they were blowing them out 10k under msrp since all wanted ugly nc1 

my wifes nc2 prht gt was 9k under msrp 

good ole days 

Glad you got your dream ride brother. Enjoy it. Can't wait to see it the next time I'm in So Cal.