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Honda NSX NA2

A bigger engine, a sixth gear and sharper reflexes — the generation many NSX purists consider the definitive version.

Produced from 1997 to 2005, the NA2 refined everything the original NSX established without losing what made it special. Like several other performance cars on this list, its long production run means the car changed meaningfully over its lifetime — worth understanding before you commit to a spec year.

NSX Generations

Overview

The NA2 introduced the 3.2L C32B V6 — more aggressive cams, larger exhaust valves, and 290PS, paired exclusively with a new 6-speed manual gearbox that many aficionados consider the definitive NSX powertrain. Larger brakes and revised chassis geometry sharpened the car further. Every NA2 has pop-up headlights until a 2002 mid-life facelift replaced them with fixed HID units to meet updated safety regulations — a detail commonly (and incorrectly) assumed to mark the NA1/NA2 split, when it actually happens midway through the NA2's own run. JDM-only halo variants followed: the Type S-Zero (1997–2001), a lightened, closed-roof-only track special, and the NA2 Type R (2002–05), widely regarded as the ultimate NSX and built in a run of only around 140 units.

Facelift

Pop-Up (1997–2001) / Fixed HID (2002–05)

A 2002 mid-life update swapped the pop-up headlights for fixed HID units — a change that happens partway through the NA2's run, not at its start.

Engine

C32B V6, 290PS, 6-Speed

Larger displacement, more aggressive cams and bigger exhaust valves over the C30A, paired exclusively with a new 6-speed manual gearbox.

Auction Pricing

Japanese market data puts standard NA2 coupes and targas broadly from ¥7,000,000 up to ¥18,000,000+ depending on facelift, mileage and originality, generally trending above equivalent NA1 pricing thanks to the bigger engine and 6-speed gearbox. The rare Type S-Zero and, especially, the roughly 140-unit Type R sit in a different bracket entirely, with clean Type R examples commonly exceeding ¥30,000,000–¥50,000,000+. Given the values involved, we inspect and verify every car ourselves before you commit to a bid.

What to Check

Timing belt and water pump service history remains critical on the C32B, an interference engine like its predecessor. Check power steering and suspension bushing condition, and confirm the aluminium body carries no signs of poorly executed prior repair. On Type R and S-Zero cars especially, verifying originality and chassis-number authenticity matters enormously given how valuable and heavily replicated these specific variants have become — full documented service history is worth as much as the car's condition itself.

Import Eligibility

Australia

SEVS-Eligible Now

The NSX is listed on the SEVS register given how few were ever sold new locally, meaning eligible builds can be imported now regardless of age. We'll confirm your exact build against the current register.

USA

Rolling Eligible

Early 1997–98 NA2 cars have already cleared the federal 25-year exemption, with the rest of the range clearing progressively through 2030. See our Import page.

UK

MOT Only

No age-based import ban and every NA2 is now past the 10-year IVA threshold — a standard MOT is all that's needed, available now regardless of build date.

FAQ

Can I import a late NA2 to Australia right now?

Yes — the NSX is SEVS-eligible thanks to its very low original sales volume, so you don't need to wait on the 25-year rule regardless of build date. We'll confirm your exact target car against the current register before you commit.

NA1 or NA2?

The NA2 brought a bigger, more powerful C32B and a 6-speed manual many consider the sharper, more complete NSX. The NA1 is the original, lighter car with the strongest connection to Senna's development input. See our NA1 NSX guide for the comparison.

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NA1 NSX

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