Witness a Legend Reborn: Stark's NSX Hits the Spotlight!
The Cinematic Debut: A Surprise for Automotive Enthusiasts
In the summer of 2012, Marvel's inaugural "Avengers" film captivated audiences worldwide, shattering box office records and establishing a new benchmark in cinematic universe building. While the superhero spectacle dominated headlines, a subtle yet significant detail at the movie's conclusion caught the attention of car aficionados, especially those with an appreciation for Honda and Acura. The discerning eye noticed Tony Stark, portrayed by Robert Downey Jr., behind the wheel of a distinct Burgundy Acura NSX concept roadster, a notable departure from his usual Audi R8.
An Exclusive Appearance at Monterey Car Week
More than a decade after its silver screen debut, Acura has announced that the very NSX Roadster featured in "The Avengers" will grace the prestigious Monterey Car Week. Its inaugural public showing will be at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, scheduled for August 15th. This event serves as a pivotal part of Acura's commemoration of the 35th anniversary of their original NSX model. Beyond mere exhibition, Acura also intends to put the Stark NSX roadster up for a charity auction in the coming year, with preliminary bids being accepted at Monterey.
A Glimpse into the NSX Legacy: Past, Present, and Future
The display at The Quail will not only feature Tony Stark's iconic NSX roadster, complete with its distinctive 'Stark 33' New York license plate, but also an impressive collection of other significant NSX variants. Among these are a 1995 NSX-R, a model never officially released in the United States, and a 1999 Zanardi Edition, a rare limited-production model commemorating race car driver Alex Zanardi's back-to-back CART Champ Car victories. These celebrated classics will stand alongside Honda's cutting-edge electric vehicle, the RSX Prototype, and a glimpse into Acura's future electric SUV offerings.
The Genesis of an Icon: Crafting Stark's Bespoke NSX
The Acura NSX Roadster's prominent role in "The Avengers" marked a significant year for Honda's luxury division. Before the film's May 2012 release, the NSX concept, in its coupe form, had already made a splash at the Detroit Auto Show and appeared in a star-studded Acura Super Bowl advertisement featuring comedians Jerry Seinfeld and Jay Leno. While the second-generation NSX production model wouldn't arrive until 2016, the roadster continued its high-profile journey, appearing on the red carpet at the film's premiere with Robert Downey Jr. at the helm.
Engineering Movie Magic: The Practicality Behind the Design
Contrary to speculation, the vehicle driven by Robert Downey Jr. was not a pre-production prototype. According to Acura, this roadster was purpose-built for the film by Hollywood fabricators Trans FX, with its design conceived by a team at the Acura Design Studio in Los Angeles, under the guidance of then-Creative Director Dave Marek. Remarkably, the custom-crafted resin and fiberglass body of the movie roadster was meticulously fitted onto a well-worn 1991 first-generation NSX, which had accumulated over 252,000 miles. Enhancements included a two-inch reduction in ride height, 18-inch wheels, and custom aftermarket bucket seats. Marek emphasized the decision: "We knew it would have to be a reliable vehicle for filming, not just a static display, and we couldn't come up with anything that would be more reliable than an original Acura NSX."
Reflections on a Dual Legacy: Cinema and Automotive Excellence
This automotive and cinematic artifact holds immense significance, transcending its role as mere movie memorabilia. Its anticipated auction next year raises important questions about its future home. Ideally, this unique NSX Roadster will find its place in a museum or a publicly accessible collection, ensuring its preservation and continued viewing for generations to come. It stands not only as a testament to Hollywood's ingenuity but also as a notable chapter in the rich histories of both Honda and Acura.