The NSX was arguably the most ambitious sports car project undertaken by a Japanese manufacturer since Toyota embarked on the ill-fated 2000 GT programme which ultimately proved a commercial flop.

When Honda elected to create a mid-engined challenger to compete with the likes of Ferrari, Porsche and Lotus, the company was in the midst of its second crack at Formula 1, a programme that ultimately yielded 69 victories and a sensational 1988 season that saw the Honda-powered McLaren MP4/4 win an unprecedented 15 out of 16 races.

Much of this expertise was transferred into the NSX – the world’s first mass produced car to feature an all-aluminium monocoque chassis.

In the engine bay was a dual overhead cam three-litre 270bhp V6 with four valves per cylinder, titanium connecting rods, forged pistons and an innovative VTEC variable valve timing system.