A Look Back at the Clarion 1991 NSX
In fact, it already had 230k miles on the clock!
Old yet New
Today, we're lucky enough to be able to go out and buy a brand new Acura NSX if we so chose to. Which is something we just couldn't do merely a couple of years ago. Back then, if you wanted a "new" NSX, you were forced to buy a used one and give it the old restomod refresh. Thus, back in 2016, that's exactly what car audio giant Clarion did with this stunning NA1 NSX. And unsurprisingly, Speed Hunters was all over it.
Answering Your Own Question
And that was exactly the motivation behind this build at the time. The fine folks at Clarion asked themselves aloud "if you could buy a brand new first-gen NSX today, what would it look like?" Then, they answered that question with this very build.
>>Join yet another conversation about the Clarion NSX right here in S2Ki.com.
Barely Broken In
Obviously, Clarion couldn't just go out and buy a new NSX at the time. Thus, they located a well-used 1991 example with a rather significant 230k miles on the odometer. But as any Honda guy already knows, that's nothing for a car this well-built.
>>Join yet another conversation about the Clarion NSX right here in S2Ki.com.
Japanese Muscle, Italian Flair
Clarion then dialed up the NSX experts at AutoWave in Huntington Beach, California to do the dirty work. Which started with a full exterior refresh that included a color swap to Blu Caelum, a hue that originally appeared on the Lamborghini Huracán.
>>Join yet another conversation about the Clarion NSX right here in S2Ki.com.
Modern Threads
This may be a 27-year-old car, but you'd have a hard time telling when you sit inside of it. Credit Leatherseats.com, who did a fantastic job updating all of those old panels and seats. Even the steering wheel received attention as EuroBoutique turned the OEM wheel into a more modern flat-bottom piece.
>>Join yet another conversation about the Clarion NSX right here in S2Ki.com.
Upgrade Me
Given that this build was commissioned by a car audio company, you can bet that they weren't about to leave the car's electronics alone, either. Thus, it sports an assortment of Clarion goodies including a 7-inch touchscreen, 32-band equalizer, Full Digital Sound system, and a 360-degree camera.
>>Join yet another conversation about the Clarion NSX right here in S2Ki.com.
Restomod Refresh
Of course, no good restomod build would be complete without a power overhaul. And this NSX takes that concept to the next level with a 3.2-liter V6 swap courtesy of a wrecked 2004 NA2 NSX. However, that motor was completely rebuilt before it was stuffed into this older model.
>>Join yet another conversation about the Clarion NSX right here in S2Ki.com.
Blown Away
The proverbial cherry on top of this updated engine is nothing less than a CT Engineering supercharger package. Aided by a custom intake and a high-flow exhaust, this modernized mill now produces a significant 403 hp at the wheels.
>>Join yet another conversation about the Clarion NSX right here in S2Ki.com.
Whoa and Go
To help slow things down, Clarion dialed up StopTech for one of its excellent ST40 brake kits. Which are framed perfectly by a set of stunning bronze RAYS Volk Racing ZE40 wheels. The new rolling stock is wrapped in a set of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires - 225/40ZR18 up front and 265/30ZR19s out back.
>>Join yet another conversation about the Clarion NSX right here in S2Ki.com.
Real NSX Redo
To make room for that enlarged rubber, Clarion added a set of 2-inch wider Downforce factory fiberglass fenders. Which are accented perfectly by a carbon fiber NSX-R-style hood. With a set of KW Variant 3 coilovers underneath, this NSX redo has the perfect stance.
Altogether, we'd say that Clarion easily achieved their original goal. And in the process, they built the "new" NSX we wish we could buy today!
>>Join yet another conversation about the Clarion NSX right here in S2Ki.com.