1999 Acura NSX Alex Zanardi Edition | Immaculate, Low-Miles Original, 1 of 51 | FerrariChat

1999 Acura NSX Alex Zanardi Edition | Immaculate, Low-Miles Original, 1 of 51

Discussion in 'Cars' started by Sterling Sackey, Feb 17, 2017.

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  1. Sterling Sackey

    Sterling Sackey Formula 3
    Sponsor

    #1 Sterling Sackey, Feb 17, 2017
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Full photoset: https://www.flickr.com/photos/sterlingsackey/albums/72157676863712474


    Rarer than a Toyota 2000 GT… this is the next million-dollar Japanese supercar.

    We are pleased with the opportunity to present for sale the most desirable USA-version of the most defining Japanese supercar of an entire generation. One of only 51 produced.

    With only 21,750 original-miles, this 1999 Acura NSX Alex Zanardi Edition is a no-stories hallmark of Japanese sports car & supercar history. It is finished in its original Zanardi-specific color combination of New Formula Red (R-510) over black leather-trimmed seats with perforated suede inserts & red stitching (Type E). This Zanardi is badge-numbered #32 of the 51 NSX Zanardi examples produced (#00 being the media press car, and #01 being gifted by Acura to championship Honda-team CART driver Alex Zanardi himself).

    The USA-specific NSX Zanardi version was & is the only Left-Hand Drive NSX in the world market that offered Honda’s sport-tuned suspension & chassis settings, in this case equivalent to the 1997-spec Japanese-market Type-S model. It is completely revised from a standard NSX, significantly stiffer, and much more focused on road or track. Changes from a standard USA-market 1999 NSX-T include:
    - A fixed roof for significantly increased rigidity in the aluminum body.
    - Significantly stiffened suspension settings.
    - Spring rates 103% higher in front, 32% higher in rear, with shock & sway bar changes to suit.
    - Overall height reduced by 0.4 inch.
    - Front roll center height reduced by 0.6 inch, rear by 0.3 inch.
    - Manual rack & pinion steering (replacing the standard NSX-T EPS power steering).
    - Lightweight BBS wheels.
    - A lightweight battery.
    - Single-partition rear glass.
    - A lightweight rear spoiler.
    - Titanium shift knob (complimented by titanium look center console, instrument panel, and door trim).
    - Aluminum mesh intake covers.

    The resulting 149-lb weight reduction and track-ready feel was complimented by the Zanardi-specific interior you see here, offered on no other NSX model.

    This NSX Zanardi is offered in 100% original & unmodified condition. It has had 4 documented owners from new. The 2nd, 3rd, and current owner in particular are highly-documented & passionate NSX enthusiasts.

    This NSX Zanardi has had zero incidents & retains 100% of its original paint (verified by both paint meter & visual inspection by renowned NSX specialists Science of Speed in Chandler, AZ). Said paint is protected by clear-bra across the entire front of the vehicle, side mirrors, side skirts, and the underside of the rear bumper cover. The title is 100% clean, and the car has always been garaged & maintained religiously. The timing belt & water pump service was completed in 2012 by Science of Speed and the battery was replaced last year (Genuine Honda), records available upon request. This Zanardi has essentially no flaws, cosmetic or otherwise and shows as-new.

    The vehicle comes with its original books & tools, as shown in the linked photoshoot above. Buy with confidence.

    Asking $179,995.

    Listing notes:
    - Vehicle was photographed with 25 mm rear wheel spacers (can be included or removed at buyer’s discretion).
    - This NSX formerly had a typical shortlist of high quality, completely reversible bolt-on parts installed, & was professionally returned to full OEM-stock with its *original* parts before the current owner took possession. NSX specialists Science of Speed in Chandler, AZ performed this task.

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  2. NYC123

    NYC123 Formula Junior

    Jul 15, 2006
    466
    very nice car, I have two very low mile NSX cars myself, think they are very under valued right now, GLWS.
     
  3. dmundy

    dmundy Formula 3
    Owner

    Sep 11, 2010
    1,302
    Unspecified
    Full Name:
    Arthur Dent
    One of my all time favorite cars.
     
  4. NA1MT

    NA1MT Rookie

    Oct 22, 2006
    32
    Central Jersey
    Full Name:
    Ron
    This car was pretty extensively modded if I recall correctly, including supercharger install. Pretty cool that it was restored back to original condition. Good luck with the sale.
     
  5. Lussolover

    Lussolover Karting

    Sep 22, 2014
    206
  6. Sterling Sackey

    Sterling Sackey Formula 3
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    I wouldn't call it extensive, simply because the parts on the car were reversible (bolt-on mechanical items, rather than items requiring cutting, maiming, paintwork, or other irreversible tasks). All original parts that belonged to this car from new were included and used in putting it back to stock, and the car retains all of its original paintwork. In summary, this car's condition is the same as one which had never been modified at all.
     
  7. Jorligan

    Jorligan Formula Junior
    Rossa Subscribed

    Apr 23, 2007
    266
    Dexter, MI
    Full Name:
    Tim
    Modded originally but completely returned to stock and all major parts are still OEM which came with the car. The owners were all pretty hardcore NSX owners and the return to stock was performed by one of the premier NSX tuners. Nice picture log: Zanardi #32

    Still miss my NSX but love the Ferrari. Good luck with sale
     
  8. douglas360

    douglas360 Karting

    Nov 7, 2016
    238
    SoCal
    I think it's disingenuous to claim this is a "no stories" car. Sounds like it was pretty heavily modified (and returned to stock). Ummm, that's a story.

    I don't care who did the work. Someone put a super-charger on there and that affects engine longevity. Period, end of story (pun intended).
     
  9. cf355

    cf355 F1 Rookie

    Feb 28, 2005
    4,208
    Full Name:
    chris
    very nice NSX.....this for sure will be collectable
     
  10. metaldriver

    metaldriver Formula Junior

    Apr 6, 2015
    631
    Houston, Texas
    Full Name:
    Andy Vecsey
    Your lack of knowledge with this car, particular the supercharger, is obvious.

    I owned two NSXs ... one stock one supercharged. Within the NSX community, the Comptech supercharger is the only supercharger installed by Acura dealerships, while still retaining the original factory warranty. You read that correctly.

    What we don't know about this car if is the supercharger was installed when the car was brand new or later. Additionally, we don't know if it was installed within the original warranty time period or afterwards. We also don't know if the supercharger was on the car for one month or one year.

    If a Ferrari for sale previously had Capristo this, Novitec that, plus-one HREs, yada yada yada, but was returned to stock, does said car have a "story" to tell? IMNSHO, no.
     
  11. WJHMH

    WJHMH Two Time F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Sep 5, 2001
    25,364
    Panther City, Texas
    Full Name:
    WJHMH
    Beautiful car, one of my all time favorites. Good luck with the sale.
     
  12. ODK

    ODK Karting
    Silver Subscribed

    Dec 10, 2014
    138
    Los Angeles
    @metaldriver this is a beautifully presented car...that being said if you think putting a supercharger on a engine that wasn't originally built for a supercharger is the same as an exhaust, body kit and wheels you are terribly mistaken...
     
  13. cfmistry

    cfmistry Rookie

    Apr 27, 2016
    8

    Umm, yes? That is the very definition of a story. It doesn't always mean the car is salvage-titled.
     
  14. Sterling Sackey

    Sterling Sackey Formula 3
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    #14 Sterling Sackey, Feb 19, 2017
    Last edited: Feb 19, 2017
    Others have chimed in with a link that details the car's life further, and information on the Comptech supercharger, which was in fact an Acura-backed & warrantied item when these were new. Comptech was the official Acura race team in the USA, after all. Furthermore, a 2005 NSX-T with a Comptech supercharger sold for $144,000 at Auctions America last year, the highest price ever seen for an '02+ NSX in the USA. I think that's proof enough that those who are knowledgable about NSXs don't consider the Comptech supercharger to be a detriment to the car's history or value. That said, this car being offered in OEM-spec condition makes it even more valuable, IMHO.

    As far as "no stories," anyone familiar with the NSX market knows that these are not Ferraris, and 99% of them were not kept to the same standards. Until recent years they were seen as cars to be used & abused, and a great deal of them have been modified beyond return. Bolt-on modifications returned to stock are not considered to be a "story" in the Japanese car world, they are more often just a fact of life. I understand your argument, just presenting my point of view & explaining where I'm coming from. Not attempting to pull the wool over anyone's eyes, this car is well documented and is absolutely one of the nicest & most original Zanardis that remain in existence. 1 of 51 produced, and 1 of far less that remain worth looking at.
     
  15. metaldriver

    metaldriver Formula Junior

    Apr 6, 2015
    631
    Houston, Texas
    Full Name:
    Andy Vecsey
    I see how you cleverly omitted the end of my sentence you quoted, so I will append it here.

    IMNSHO, no.

    There is not "story" with a bolt-on part which has been removed with no remaining deleterious effect to the car. Now if the cylinder heads were re-valved, now that is a story.
     
  16. Sterling Sackey

    Sterling Sackey Formula 3
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    Quoted for fantastic use of diction. :)
     
  17. metaldriver

    metaldriver Formula Junior

    Apr 6, 2015
    631
    Houston, Texas
    Full Name:
    Andy Vecsey
    I have built many an engine and many a transmission, so I know my way around cars.

    No, I am not terribly mistaken. You just terribly do not agree with me.

    I can turn the argument around on you too ... Capristo and Novitec and plus-one wheels with lowered suspension were not intended from the factory. If they were, Ferrari would've offered them as an option.
     
  18. moysiuan

    moysiuan F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Nov 1, 2005
    3,628
    Canada
    I think the car is a real prize. Not sure why all the cost/effort to return this to stock, if the reversible high quality parts actually improved the driving experience? As long as all the work was fully documented, it sounds like for whatever reason the car has had a thorough going over which would be add to the value. Are the mod parts included with the car?
     
  19. cfmistry

    cfmistry Rookie

    Apr 27, 2016
    8


    I'm sorry, but I still disagree with you. If an F40 had aftermarket turbos installed and then removed, it would certainly be part of the car's story. Even if nothing went wrong with them. My understanding is that this NSX is also a very rare and collectible car, and it's originality is an important aspect. I understand we have different opinions -- to each their own.
     
  20. metaldriver

    metaldriver Formula Junior

    Apr 6, 2015
    631
    Houston, Texas
    Full Name:
    Andy Vecsey
    Alas, NSX owners and Ferrari owners (having been in both camps I am qualified to make this comment) have different opinions about what does or doesn't constitute a "story" as to a part that was installed then removed.

    To your point about this car being original, that condition is restored by removing the supercharger. If I were in the market for a Zanardi NSX, I would not hesitate with this car thinking the engine has been compromised. It is a rock-solid Honda engine and Comptech's standard supercharger pulley produces only 6 PSI ... hardly stressing the engine internals at all.

    End of story. Pun intended?
     
  21. 308geo

    308geo F1 Rookie

    Nov 13, 2002
    2,751
    Houston, TX
    Full Name:
    George Benton LaFleur
    #21 308geo, Feb 19, 2017
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Looks like a nice little shopping list of mods done...I wouldn't call this a "short list".

    The fact that the seller is trying to glaze over this part of the car's history raises red flags of what else are they being deceptive about...?
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  22. Sterling Sackey

    Sterling Sackey Formula 3
    Sponsor

    George, anybody who is aware of my reputation and the cars I bring to this site will be able to vouch for the fact that I don't deceive when it comes to selling cars. To suggest otherwise is a bit offensive.

    This car's history is well known, in fact there is a link many posts above yours that covers the car's history when it comes to modification. 100% of what I've written in the OP is factual, feel free to reach out for proof & documentation if you are interested in purchasing this car.
     
  23. metaldriver

    metaldriver Formula Junior

    Apr 6, 2015
    631
    Houston, Texas
    Full Name:
    Andy Vecsey
    Touché … many conspiracy theorists herein. Interesting to see how a thread can degrade, often by folks with no interested of buying the vehicle. Another perfect example is this thread.

    http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/other-cars/541417-ward-burton-22-caterpillar-nascar-stock-car.html

    For a while I thought somebody would’ve called the homicide detectives, it was getting so nasty in there. Posts by threepedal suggest a rather condescending attitude. What is amusing is that threepedal doesn’t (didn’t) own a NASCAR vehicle, so his barb-throwing toward that seller was pointless and without experience owning a NASCAR vehicle.

    I justify defending this car (with or without supercharger, big brakes, etc.) because I know what I’m talking about, having owned a stock and a heavily modified NSX that I tracked. If this sounds conceited, it is not. John Wayne once said something along the lines of, “It ain’t bragging if you can do it.” BTDT with many NSXPO event tee shirts to show for it.
     
  24. cnpapa24

    cnpapa24 F1 Rookie

    Jan 19, 2014
    3,629
    NOLA
    Full Name:
    Chris
    This about says it all. If you're in the market for one, go find another Zanardi edition as good as this one.
     
  25. ///Mike

    ///Mike F1 Veteran

    Dec 11, 2003
    6,097
    Bugtussle
    I know Andy and his NSXs from the track, where I've had the opportunity to observe his modification paths from both seats, and over a period of time. To say that his knowledge and experience with the model is extensive would be an understatement. The man knows from whence he speaks.

    From my own knowledge of the model and the mods, the only thing that would bother me about the car's history is that the mods were removed in the first place. Sure, I'd want the option to return the car to stock in the future, but I'd much rather enjoy the extra performance afforded by those well-chosen mods. Which begs the question-- are the aftermarket parts still available if the prospective buyer wants them?

    As to the model itself, I've driven literally hundreds of cars on tracks (including quite a number of both stock and modified NSXs) over many years and the Zanardi Edition stands out in my mind as one of the best box-stock track cars ever built. Its balance and feedback are absolutely phenomenal, meaning that the car is much more drivable at speed than many exotics costing several times as much.

    Frankly, I have no desire to own an NSX-- I much prefer Italian exotics. So my praise is coming strictly out of respect for what Honda created in the Zanardi edition, rather than abject lust. But objectively speaking, there's no doubt that this is a very special car indeed, especially when production numbers are taken into account. It's been years since I drove one and yet the car still stands out in my memory, and as bad as my memory can be that's saying a ton right there. :)

    GLWS.
     

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