Pininfarina-Designed Acura NSX Restomod Is Now Available in North America

Image Credit: Pininfarina.

One of the most exclusive Acura NSX restomods ever created is now officially available to buyers in the United States and Canada. The JAS Tensei, a comprehensively reimagined first-generation NSX developed by JAS Motorsport and styled by legendary Italian design house Pininfarina, will be distributed in North America through Graham Rahal Performance.

The announcement marks the first time enthusiasts on this side of the Atlantic can formally order the limited-production restomod. Combining Japanese engineering, Italian design, and motorsport expertise, the Tensei offers a modern interpretation of one of the most celebrated sports cars of the 1990s.

Production will be limited to just 35 examples worldwide, ensuring the Tensei remains one of the rarest NSX-based projects ever undertaken. Each car is individually rebuilt, making exclusivity a central part of the package.

Although pricing has not been publicly announced, the Tensei is expected to compete with other high-end restomod projects aimed at collectors. Its combination of limited production, bespoke craftsmanship, and renowned development partners places it firmly in the upper tier of the specialty car market.

A Modern Interpretation of the Original NSX

honda nsx jas pininfarina
Image Credit: Pininfarina.

The Tensei begins life as a first-generation Acura NSX produced between 1990 and 2005. Each donor car undergoes an extensive transformation that includes revisions to the body, chassis, suspension, powertrain, and interior.

Rather than restoring the original design, Pininfarina has created an entirely new exterior that modernizes the NSX while preserving its instantly recognizable proportions. The redesigned body retains the classic wedge-shaped silhouette but introduces contemporary surfacing and aerodynamic details that distinguish it from the factory car.

The result is a restomod that remains unmistakably an NSX while offering a more refined and exclusive appearance. Every panel has been carefully reworked to reflect Pininfarina’s design philosophy without losing the identity of Honda’s iconic sports car.

Motorsport Expertise Shapes the Engineering

Engineering development has been handled by JAS Motorsport, a company with decades of experience competing with Honda in touring car and GT racing. That motorsport background separates the Tensei from many traditional coachbuilt projects by placing equal emphasis on performance and craftsmanship.

While complete technical specifications have not been released, JAS confirms that the drivetrain receives performance upgrades beyond the original factory configuration. Suspension and braking systems are also revised to complement the enhanced capabilities of the rebuilt car.

Individual build specifications may vary depending on customer preferences, allowing owners to tailor each example while maintaining the project’s core engineering philosophy. The focus remains on delivering a more capable driving experience without sacrificing the analog character that made the original NSX so highly regarded.

Graham Rahal Performance Leads North American Sales

Graham Rahal Performance has been selected as the exclusive distributor for the United States and Canada. The Ohio-based company has developed a strong reputation within Honda and Acura enthusiast circles through its performance builds and long-standing relationship with Honda Motorsport.

North American buyers interested in securing one of the 35 production slots will place their orders through Graham Rahal Performance. The partnership provides local representation for a project that previously had limited availability outside Europe.

The announcement also reflects growing interest in premium Japanese restomods, a segment that has expanded significantly as values of iconic performance cars from the 1990s continue to rise.

A New Chapter for the First-Generation NSX

honda nsx jas pininfarina 2
Image Credit: Pininfarina.

The original NSX has long been recognized as one of the most influential sports cars ever produced, combining everyday usability with exotic mid-engine performance. Developed with input from Formula 1 legend Ayrton Senna, the aluminum-bodied coupe challenged established European supercars while establishing a reputation for reliability and precision.

The Tensei builds on that legacy by blending Japanese engineering with Italian styling and race-proven development. Instead of simply restoring a classic, the project reimagines the NSX for modern collectors while preserving the qualities that made the original an automotive icon.

With production capped at just 35 examples worldwide, the Tensei is likely to become one of the most sought-after Acura NSX restomods ever offered. Its arrival in North America gives enthusiasts and collectors the opportunity to own a uniquely crafted interpretation of one of Japan’s greatest performance cars.

Author: Andre Nalin

Title: Writer

Andre has worked as a writer and editor for multiple car and motorcycle publications over the last decade, but he has reverted to freelancing these days. He has accumulated a ton of seat time during his ridiculous road trips in highly unsuitable vehicles, and he’s built magazine-featured cars. He prefers it when his bikes and cars are fast and loud, but if he had to pick one, he’d go with loud.

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