A Piece of Hollywood History to Be Auctioned for Charity

Acura is set to make a splash at this year’s Monterey Car Week with the public debut of Tony Stark’s NSX Drop-Top, a custom-built car that made a brief appearance on the big screen in the 2012 film “The Avengers.” The vehicle, which was driven by Robert Downey Jr. in the movie, will be showcased at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering on August 15 as part of Acura’s celebration of the 35th anniversary of the first-generation NSX.

The NSX Drop-Top was created specifically for the film by Hollywood fabricators Trans FX and penned by a team at the Acura Design Studio in Los Angeles, led by then-Acura Creative Director Dave Marek. The vehicle’s bespoke body was fitted onto a well-used first-generation 1991 NSX with over 252,000 miles on the clock, and was modified with a dropped ride height, 18-inch wheels, and aftermarket bucket seats. According to Marek, the team chose to use an original Acura NSX as the base vehicle due to its reliability and the fact that it would be more practical for filming.

The NSX Drop-Top’s appearance on the big screen was a notable moment for Honda and Acura fans, and the vehicle’s provenance makes it a piece of Hollywood history. The film, which was released in May 2012, was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $1.5 billion worldwide and cementing the Marvel Cinematic Universe as a major player in the film industry.

The NSX Drop-Top will be auctioned for charity next year, with Acura starting to accept interested bidders at Monterey. The auction will be a unique opportunity for car enthusiasts and collectors to own a piece of movie memorabilia, and Acura has stated that the proceeds will go towards a good cause. The vehicle’s sale will also mark the end of an era for the original NSX, which was first introduced in 1990 and was known for its sleek design and impressive performance.

Alongside the NSX Drop-Top, Acura’s booth at The Quail will showcase notable production NSX examples, including a 1995 NSX-R and a 1999 Zanardi Edition. The older vehicles will be displayed alongside the RSX Prototype, Honda’s newest electric vehicle, and the Acura brand’s future electric SUV offering. The display will give attendees a chance to see the evolution of the NSX over the years, from its humble beginnings as a concept car to its current status as a high-performance sports car.

The NSX Drop-Top’s appearance at Monterey Car Week is just the beginning of a busy year for Acura, which will be celebrating the 35th anniversary of the first-generation NSX throughout 2024. The brand has announced a range of events and activities to commemorate the anniversary, including a series of driving experiences and a special exhibition at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.

For car enthusiasts and fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the NSX Drop-Top’s appearance at Monterey Car Week is a must-see event. With its unique blend of Hollywood glamour and high-performance engineering, the vehicle is sure to be a hit with attendees.