Acura NSX Submerged for 16 Years Given a Shot at Revival

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Reportedly stolen and dumped in a river in North Carolina around 16 years back, a 1991 Acura NSX has now found a new caretaker. The vehicle, stumbled upon in 2019 during a missing persons probe, was under the ownership of a towing company until recently when a salvage yard snagged it. A social media post caught the attention of an ardent NSX enthusiast, leading to its acquisition for $8,500. The purchaser, who runs a workshop specializing in NSXs, intends to refurbish the vehicle. Indeed, the images have left a lasting impression.

LSX Salvage

The vehicle’s condition is quite distressing. The salvage yard owner, maintaining anonymity for privacy reasons, hesitates on the possibility of restoration. Nonetheless, upon learning of its potential fate of being scrapped, the response was a resounding “Yes.” When inquired about the reason behind the purchase, the straightforward answer was, “Well, it’s an NSX.” Simple as that.

The car’s past has been somewhat pieced together. Reports from Carfax suggest it was reported stolen in the latter part of 2003. Evidence from the junkyard proprietor and others points towards a likely scenario of it being submerged in the Yadkin River near Linwood, North Carolina, during that timeframe. In 2019, it unexpectedly resurfaced as part of a search for missing persons conducted by Adventures with Purpose. Images from this recovery effort can be viewed below.

Churchland Fire Department

Despite being caked in dirt, foliage, and various other substances, the purchaser, known simply as Jay, is optimistic about its restoration prospects. “We aim to either restore it or convert it into a thrilling track day car,” he shared. His establishment, Helix Auto Works, boasts numerous successful NSX transformations and has previously salvaged another NSX. Jay, a proud owner of three such vehicles himself, is well-prepared for the task ahead. Nevertheless, this particular NSX isn’t for him; it’s been acquired for a friend. This friend had been searching for one for quite some time, and given the scarcity of inexpensive models, decided to pursue this one.

The NSX registers only 32,000 miles on its odometer. Its mechanical condition remains somewhat enigmatic. While the exterior panels present a relatively unscathed appearance, the state of the drivetrain remains uncertain and might necessitate replacement if present. Certain components like the A-pillars seem to have suffered damage during its tenure at the towing company, as evidenced by their condition during the initial recovery snapshots.

LSX Salvage

Jay’s knowledge about the car’s state is limited to the images presented. This is because he has not viewed it in person. A colleague is en route to collect it as of the time of writing this article. Despite this, he remains optimistic about the car’s potential. It should be noted that the car is entirely composed of aluminum and lacks any rust. “I have information about new A-pillars… the wiring will need to be replaced, and the presence of the engine is uncertain,” he stated.

“My aspiration is to create an extensive , solely with music, featuring us washing away the years,” he shared with me. Ultimately, the fate of the car lies in the hands of his companion and business partner, who until a short while ago, did not own an NSX. Jay mentioned, “He is the only member of our team without an NSX. Upon discovering this, I contacted him, and he responded with enthusiasm.” Affordable NSXs are indeed challenging to find.

With plans to restore the car to operational status at the very least, Helix Auto Works anticipates some form of assistance or sponsorship from Acura. “This car represents a flagship model for Honda and Acura… I sincerely hope that they are interested in aiding us with this endeavor.” An Acura spokesperson informed The Drive: “It is disheartening to think that this car remained lost for over two decades. We applaud the new owner for taking on the restoration and anticipate the return of this NSX to the road.”

Even without official support from Acura, an engine, or any luck, Jay’s fondness for NSXs appears strong enough for him to commit to this car regardless. “I simply adore them,” he expressed to me. This implies that he is prepared to exhaust all possibilities to revive a specimen like this and have it back on the road, even if it means resorting to extreme measures.

Update: This story has been revised to include a statement from Acura.

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