Honda NSX

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Looking for a classic with a difference – then why not consider a gem from Japan suggests Chris Rees?

Japanese cars, for so long neglected by the classic car movement, now have a huge following. That charge has been led by the hard-to-ignore Mazda MX-5, which single-handedly reinvented the two-seater roadster. But so pervasive is the MX-5’s influence that Mr Editor has instructed me not to talk about it. Which is good because there are so many fantastic Japanese classics out there.

From 1970’s retro rides to 21st century performance icons, Japan’s rich car culture has produced an impressive spread of machinery to choose from. The fact that so many of these are ‘under the radar’ in the car market means there are some bargains out there. But our prediction is that values will soon rise for many Japs. Why? Because they’re undervalued and because owners love the fact that they’re more reliable than other classics. So here’s our choice of cars that you can buy at bargain prices, enjoy and, very probably, see increase in value over time. There, I didn’t mention the MX-5 at all. Er, doh!

HONDA NSX

PRODUCTION: 1990-2002
VALUES: £30,000-£70,000

With the new NSX imminent, interest is spiking in the old one, too. In fact, if you haven’t already got an NSX, you’ve probably missed the boat (unless you’ve got a bank account with at least £30k in it). The NSX is a spectacular car. The world’s first-ever all-aluminium production car, it was developed with the help of Honda’s then Formula 1 driver, the late great Ayrton Senna. Weighing only 1370kg, it’s quick in any guise and the V6 is the stuff of rev-happy legend, but the post- 1997 3.2-litre version (up from 2977cc initially) is the one to have. Definitely make it a manual, too – the auto is ponderous – and we’d also avoid the targa-top because it compromises rigidity and is more a show car than go car. Despite its mid-mounted engine layout, the NSX’s handling is superbly balanced and docile – in fact, in general, few supercars are so easy to live with and that includes drive-ability where the NSX feels like a sporty Civic. Since values are firmly on the rise, this as safe a bet as they come. And since Honda built the NSX to last, provided you have a cast-iron service history and an independent inspection, you should have every confidence in it.