Why Was This Honda NSX Found Abandoned in a Russian Forest?

Encountering a modern car left to nature’s whims sparks the imagination in unique ways. Perhaps it evokes a sense of time travel or there’s often a compelling backstory behind such scenes, but it’s an image that always captivates our interest. When it involves a first-generation Honda NSX nestled in Russia’s sprawling taiga, our curiosity is piqued even further.

The release of the 2016 Honda/Acura NSX was among the most eagerly awaited automotive events of the decade. This excitement stemmed from the nearly decade-long development period and the enduring legacy of the first-generation NSX, esteemed for being one of the best sports cars of the 1990s. Developed by Honda in the late 1980s as a mid-engine competitor to Ferrari, the NSX was a remarkable feat of engineering. A select group of Honda’s top engineers, using Formula 1-inspired methods and the expertise of test driver Ayrton Senna, created an accessible supercar renowned for its precise handling, a powerful V6 engine, and the reliability characteristic of an Accord.

Launched in 1990, the original NSX enjoyed a production run of nearly 15 years with minimal modifications—a remarkable feat in today’s automotive world. Despite this extended lifespan, it has become a sought-after collectible, and the fact that this car was never officially available in Russia adds to the intrigue of finding one discarded like a forgotten item in the woods near St. Petersburg.

The unusual image above emerged over the weekend on a Reddit thread, prompting users to locate a report from a Russian automotive news site stating that the car had been abandoned after the owner failed to sell it. It remained in the forest for years, with its engine reportedly removed at some point. According to the initial post, a group of “mushroom pickers” discovered the vehicle while foraging in the woods this fall and quickly arranged for it to be taken to a local garage.

However, further information surfaced in an update from Drive2.ru, revealing more about what must be one of the rarest abandoned cars in Russia. This update, corroborated by the garage that acquired the NSX, explains that the car was imported from Germany by its original owner in 2005. The vehicle was in the midst of an upgrade at a Moscow shop when the owner halted the project due to rising costs. The shop retained the engine, the owner kept the car’s shell, leaving the stripped NSX to decay behind his dacha until he decided to restore it this autumn.

Despite its mossy and weathered appearance at first glance, photos provided by the garage show that the car cleaned up remarkably well after a thorough wash. After all, it’s a legendary vehicle for a reason.