What are you driving?
This 91 four-speed auto NSX that I have owned since 2000.
Why an NSX?
Well it fascinated me from its inception with its details that were radical for the time, the design — what with an all alloy body and chassis, mid-engine and excellent handling. All with creature comforts, such as air-con and power steering. Previously, I had owned a Ferrari 246 Dino GT and later a Porsche 911. They were excellent cars from Italy and Germany, so what could the Japanese make to equal those? They did very well, I’d say.
How did you come to own an NSX?
It was not an easy car to find in New Zealand but chance is a fine thing. I had decided that I would like to try a Grand Touring car, as I thought it was more fitting for my advancing years. So I left the sports cars and acquired a Mercedes 250 SL of 1968 vintage. That was a grand cabriolet, but too soft. My hankering returned ... One afternoon my wife and I were parked in Parnell when a gentleman approached to tell us that he once had owned our Merc. He wished he hadn’t sold it, and would I consider parting with it? He added that he had a car yard not far away and maybe he would have something to interest me. Nek minit, tucked behind all the BMW, Jags, etc was a black NSX. In which we drove home.
Is it living up to your expectations?
It has lived up to its hype and expectations — plus it has Honda’s reliability and ease of servicing.
Have you made any modifications?
I try to keep my cars as original as possible and have found no desire to change what Honda did so well.
Who else drives your NSX?
My wife is a driver, too. We share our time in the car.
How often do you clean it?
It’s not a pampered car. It gets cleaned, by me, when it’s dirty.
Where do you take the NSX?
It is mainly used for longer trips and weekend jaunts around Auckland.
Do you prefer automatics or manuals?
I’m very pleased that it is an auto. All my previous cars have been manual, so the desire to heel-toe was well and truly satisfied.
What do you listen to when you’re driving?
When I bought my Dino, I asked the owner how the radio worked. He looked at me and said “I don’t know, I only listen to the engine”. Well, that’s me, too, in the NSX.
Any other vehicles in your garage?
My wife’s daily drive is a Ford Focus ST170, Mine’s a Toyota Echo. My weekly outings are by motorbike along with a small group of mainly septuagenarians who ride like they stole it.
How do you feel about electric cars?
Electric vehicles would have to be the future, I have ridden an e-motorbike and was extremely impressed at the sheer get-up and go-with no noise. It was eerie. Can’t say I’d like an e-Harley. And I’d miss the sound of the NSXs V6 coming “on the cam”.