A quarter century ago, the first Japanese luxury brand made its debut. Honda decided that if they wanted so sell high-end cars they’d have to do it with a different marque altogether, and dreamed up Acura. And yet, despite the extraordinary bang-for-the-buck ratio of the Legend sedan and Integra sports coupe, if you were alive then you still heard incredulous cries of “Twenty-five thousand dollars for a Japanese car!?”
Of course, any doubts about the world-class legitimacy of Japanese autos was laid to rest in 1990, when Acura debuted the NSX supercar. The world’s first production car with an all-aluminum body, titanium connecting rods, and variable valve timing known as VTEC. It was hailed as one of the best automobiles on the planet, and forever changed the supercar landscape with its performance and easy-driving reliability.
And almost entirely by accident, Acura helped revolutionize the world of car customization, creating an entirely new breed of hot rodder for the 90s. Integras and RSXs will be remembered as the ’32 Fords of Gen X someday with mint GS-Rs and Type Rs crossing the auction block for big bucks in 2050. It’s hard to believe that you can now get a Historic Vehicle license plate on an Acura, but these cars have indeed passed the 25-year threshold to become modern legends.
See Acura’s Legends timeline or contribute your Acura Owner’s story.
[Images: Acura]
You sneaked “legend” into the last sentence but where is “vigor” used? 😉 Puns are funs.
the NSX stood the test of time well. in fact, it still is amazing to me. 🙂
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nN9_gkqCb4
video worth watching and attaching
The NSX has become part of the “dream garage” just like the Nissan 240z.
( Wonder what we will be talking about in another 25 years)?
Hybrids! We’ll be talking about Hybrids! Makes me sick!
While I’m sure the earlier Prii will get some attention (and be a b*tch to restore), most of the adoration will likely go toward the 350Z, 370Z, WRX’s and Evo’s. Wouldn’t worry about it. I for one would love to own a nostalgic electric car some day, especially a mk1 Prius because my aunt has one- good car.
Speaking of old school Acuras… some dude is gonna sell me his 1986 Acura Legend, it only needs a new radiator. I always wanted to add an old school Acura/Honda to my other 2 JNCs, and a 1st gen Legend is a great choice.
I love the early Acuras… like the Integra and Legend. Too bad the new Acuras are FUGLY and OBESE looking shitboxes. LOL
The guy said he wants whatever he can get for the ’86 Acura Legend… and I offered him $300, and he said “Yes”.
Gotta love a runnin JNC for a bargain price. 🙂