What Makes the First-Gen Honda NSX So Coveted Among Car Enthusiasts?
Ask any car lover about the Honda NSX—especially the first-generation model—and you’ll likely get a wistful smile. There’s a reason for that. The NSX, launched in the 1990s, was a game-changer. It wasn’t just the fact that Ayrton Senna, the legendary Formula 1 driver, helped fine-tune its chassis. Or that it looked like a supercar but was as reliable as your neighbor’s Civic. It’s the way the NSX blended timeless design, innovative engineering, and everyday usability.
Over the years, the NSX has become a darling of the collector world. According to Hagerty’s 2024 price guide, values for pristine first-gen NSXs have climbed by over 30% in the past five years. That’s not just nostalgia talking; it’s a testament to the car’s enduring appeal and the scarcity of unmodified examples. Yet, despite its rising value, the NSX community remains one of the most active when it comes to tasteful customization.
How Are Tuners Like Autotique Reimagining the NSX for Modern Tastes?
Enter Autotique, a relatively new name in the Australian tuning scene. Their latest project? Two bold new bodykits for the early NSX, each offering a fresh spin on a classic. The Widebody kit is the headline act, while the OEM Plus kit caters to those who want a subtler update.
The Widebody kit is a true international collaboration. It started as a sketch by Norwegian designer Piston Zero, then moved to Thai builder Mozy for prototyping, and finally landed with Autotique for production. The result? A car that looks like it rolled straight out of a modern supercar showroom, but with unmistakable NSX DNA.
What’s Actually Changed with the Autotique Widebody Kit?
Let’s get into the details. The Widebody kit replaces most of the NSX’s original panels with bespoke, aggressive pieces. The front bumper now features larger cooling intakes and slim LED daytime running lights, giving the car a sharper, more contemporary face. Along the sides, you’ll spot dramatically widened fenders and revised skirts, all sitting over aftermarket wheels wrapped in ultra-low-profile tires. The stance? Lower, meaner, and ready to pounce.
Around back, the transformation continues. Gone are the classic full-width taillights—in their place, you’ll find sleek LED units with a smoked finish. The rear bumper is beefed up to match the wider hips, and a new diffuser and dual exhaust tips complete the look. There’s even a fixed rear wing extension, color-matched to the body, that adds a dash of motorsport flair.
Not every detail from the original renderings made it to the prototype—some vented hood elements and canards are missing—but the overall effect is striking. It’s the kind of car that turns heads at a show, but wouldn’t look out of place carving up a mountain road.
Is There an Option for a More Subtle NSX Makeover?
Absolutely. Not everyone wants to shout from the rooftops, and that’s where the OEM Plus kit comes in. This package keeps things more restrained: a reworked front bumper with updated intakes, a slightly raised hood, extended side skirts, and a rear bumper extension. It’s a modern refresh that respects the NSX’s original lines, perfect for owners who want to stand out without going full widebody.
Are There Any Performance Upgrades Included?
Here’s the twist: Autotique’s kits are all about looks. Underneath those sculpted panels, the NSX remains mechanically stock. That means you still get the iconic 3.0-liter V6 with VTEC, delivering 270 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque—numbers that, while modest by today’s supercar standards, are more than enough to put a grin on your face thanks to the car’s lightweight chassis and razor-sharp handling.
If you’re after more power or a tighter suspension, you’ll need to look elsewhere. But for many purists, that’s part of the charm. The NSX was always about balance, not brute force.
How Do These Kits Fit Into the Current NSX Market?
Here’s where things get interesting. As collector values rise, some owners hesitate to modify their cars, fearing it might hurt resale value. But the flip side? Tasteful, high-quality modifications—especially those that can be reversed—are increasingly seen as a way to personalize a car without destroying its investment potential.
Autotique hasn’t announced pricing yet, but demand for unique NSX parts is strong. With only a limited number of first-gen NSXs ever built, and even fewer in pristine condition, these kits offer a way for owners to stand out in a sea of stock examples.
What Should NSX Owners Consider Before Modifying Their Cars?
If you’re thinking about giving your NSX a makeover, it pays to do your homework. Consider whether the kit is bolt-on or requires permanent changes. Check if the parts are reversible, in case you want to return to stock later. And, of course, make sure the modifications are legal in your area—some widebody kits can run afoul of local regulations.
It’s also worth noting that the NSX community values originality, but it also appreciates well-executed builds. Documenting your modifications and keeping any original parts can help maintain your car’s value down the road.
The Big Takeaway? NSX Customization Isn’t About Perfection—It’s About Smarter Adjustments
The first-gen Honda NSX is a legend for a reason, and tuners like Autotique are proving there’s still room to reimagine what’s possible. Whether you crave the drama of a widebody or the subtlety of an OEM Plus refresh, it’s all about making the car your own—without losing sight of what made it special in the first place. Start with one change this week, and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end.