A one-of-a-kind Acura NSX Roadster built for Marvel’s The Avengers is heading to auction, giving collectors a rare opportunity to own a piece of Hollywood and Acura history. Finished in Hot Rod Red to match Iron Man’s armor, the movie-used concept car will be offered through the Cars & Bids Willow Springs Collection, with all winning-bid proceeds going to charity.
Designed by Acura’s Advanced Design Studio in Los Angeles and built by Trans FX in Oxnard, California, the roadster was created for Tony Stark, played by Robert Downey Jr., in the 2012 blockbuster. The custom design also previewed styling elements of the second-generation NSX Concept unveiled at the 2012 North American International Auto Show.
A custom NSX with movie history
Underneath its dramatic, hand-built resin and fiberglass bodywork sits a 1991 Acura NSX. The transformation was developed under the direction of former Acura Creative Director Dave Marek, turning the original Japanese sports car into a futuristic roadster designed for the big screen.
Power comes from the original 3.0-liter DOHC VTEC V6, producing approximately 270 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. Power reaches the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission.
The exterior is finished in a custom red inspired by Iron Man’s armor, complemented by aftermarket sport seats and staggered wheels measuring 18 inches up front and 20 inches at the rear. Other notable details include the screen-used “STARK 33” license plate.
YouTuber and Cars & Bids founder Doug DeMuro has already taken a closer look at the unusual vehicle in a recent review, available in the video found here.
A collector’s piece with important restrictions
Following its appearance in The Avengers, Acura preserved the prototype before bringing it back into the spotlight for the NSX’s 35th-anniversary celebration. The sale includes a Certificate of Authenticity, a signed photograph of Acura’s creative director with the car, one key and two key fobs.
However, this is not a road-going NSX. As an original movie prop and manufacturer concept prototype, it cannot be titled, registered or driven on public roads. The sale will be conducted strictly through a bill of sale and is subject to a separate usage agreement.
The seller also notes several cosmetic imperfections, including fragile custom bodywork, minor scratches, paint cracking on the C-pillars, interior scuffs and a warped driver-side door armrest. The car is being sold as-is, without warranties.
All winning-bid proceeds go to charity
The auction offers a rare chance to acquire a recognizable piece of Marvel movie history while supporting a charitable cause. According to the seller, 100% of the winning bid will be donated to a charity mutually agreed upon by the buyer and seller.
The winning bidder will initially pay the standard Cars & Bids buyer’s fee, which American Honda will reimburse after the sale.
For collectors, the appeal goes beyond the original NSX underneath. This is a screen-used concept created by Acura for one of Marvel’s biggest films, preserved in its movie specification and offered as part of a milestone celebration for the NSX nameplate. Just remember: its value lies in its design, provenance and cinematic history, not its eligibility for the open road.
