An Acura NSX Roadster Concept featured in the 2012 Marvel film The Avengers is heading to auction, giving collectors an opportunity to own a vehicle associated with Tony Stark, played by Robert Downey Jr. The concept car has been listed on Cars & Bids by Acura, with 100% of the winning bid proceeds set to go to a charity mutually agreed upon with the buyer.
Acura will also make a contribution to the Sundance Institute to support independent filmmakers and artists. The auction highlights how a vehicle’s appearance in a major film can add to its appeal among collectors, as demonstrated by the original Batmobile from the 1966 television series, which sold for $4.62 million in 2013.
A Concept Car Inspired by the Second-Generation NSX
The Acura NSX Roadster Concept appeared in The Avengers in 2012, driven by Tony Stark. The character had previously been associated with the Audi R8 in earlier Iron Man films.
Although the roadster resembles the second-generation Acura NSX, which debuted in 2016, it is not based on that production model. Instead, Acura’s Advanced Design Studio developed its styling around the second-generation NSX Concept, while the vehicle’s underlying platform came from the first-generation NSX.
The original NSX helped challenge Ferrari’s dominance in the exotic car market during the 1990s. Three-time Formula 1 World Champion Ayrton Senna also contributed to the development of the first-generation model.
V6 Power and a Five-Speed Manual Transmission
Under its custom bodywork, the NSX Roadster Concept uses a 3.0-liter VTEC V6 engine rather than the twin-turbo hybrid powertrain found in the second-generation NSX.
The engine produces about 270 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a five-speed manual transmission.
The exterior features custom resin and fiberglass bodywork built by Trans FX. Its paint matches the color of Iron Man’s armor, while the “STARK 33” license plate replicates the one seen in the movie.
Acura NSX Roadster Auction Details
The concept car has accumulated about 252,000 miles, but prospective buyers should be aware that it cannot be registered, titled or driven on public roads. Its primary use will be as a collector’s item for private displays or automotive events.
At the time of writing, the highest bid stood at $98,500, with the auction scheduled to end on October 31.
Acura to Display the Concept in Las Vegas
Before the auctioned vehicle moves to its new owner, Acura plans to display it at the Las Vegas Concours alongside the Nexera Vision.
The Nexera Vision showcases a new design direction for Acura, featuring futuristic elements and bodywork reminiscent of Ferrari or McLaren models. Its new lighting signature is expected to debut on the next-generation RDX Hybrid.
Other upcoming Acura models include an adventure-focused vehicle reportedly based on the Honda Passport and an eight-seater flagship SUV.
