It is a great time to be a JDM car enthusiast, as Honda is the latest car company to resume production of parts for its iconic models from the past. The Japanese carmaker starts with the mid-engine Honda NSX, which, upon its arrival in the early 1990s, redefined the world of supercars.
The second generation never managed to captivate the audience the same way, but there are reports that a third-generation NSX is underway, and it could lead to a very different Nissan GT-R, through a narrow partnership between Nissan and Honda.
In today's world of touchscreens, electrification, and advanced driver assists, Japanese carmakers figured that there are quite a few car enthusiasts who are infatuated with the 1980s and 1990s performance cars. It is no secret that Japanese cars from that era were some of the most innovative and overengineered vehicles you could get.
Japanese reliability is also highly praised, and when it comes to engines, few can match Honda's expertise. Whether we are talking about motorcycles or cars, the Japanese carmaker is often at the top of the list when it comes to longevity and maintenance costs.
Loved for their simplicity, reliability, and performance, Japanese performance cars from the 1990s are already desired collectables. That said, these are by no means garage queens, as many owners enjoy their JDM sports cars regularly and even modify them. That's where Honda's latest endeavor comes in, as it ensures OEM availability for the brand's legendary performance cars for years to come.
Making Honda's legendary sports cars even better
Manufacturing processes have come a long way since the 1990s, which means Honda's iconic models, like the original NSX, will benefit from OEM parts that are even better than what the cars originally came with. Moreover, thanks to optimized production methods, making OEM parts for these cars will be more cost-effective and will not sacrifice quality. This is good because after the discontinuation of another iconic Japanese sports car, the Nissan GT-R R35, parts have surged in value, according to data from eBay.
“With the advancement of technologies such as remanufacturing and 3-D printing, the range of possibilities for new manufacturing and procurement methods for the continued supply of parts is expanding. “In light of these efforts and background, Honda has decided to adopt parts that meet quality standards in terms of function and performance as ‘genuine compatible parts’ and supply them globally.”, Honda said.
Fans prefer older cars
Honda isn't the first Japanese automaker to allocate resources for keeping its iconic older models alive. Toyota has been doing it with the GR Heritage program, and recently, and recently the Japanese company, together with long-term partner TOM's Racing, introduced a wide variety of parts for the AE86 Corolla, including bodies in white, as well as revamped versions of three iconic Toyota engines.
Possible decline in modern performance car sales
Having a fresh supply of OEM parts is great if you want to keep an older sports car on the road for as long as possible. JDM fans, among others, are very keen on driving their JDM icons, produced between the 1960s and 1990s, but this may lead to negative long-term effects for the modern automotive industry.
Despite sports cars being the "halo cars” of most car companies, manufacturers are scrambling to cut costs in the segment. The reason being sports cars occupy a very small niche in the market share, so keeping the older ones on the road for longer could put a dent in new sports car sales.
Classic JDM car prices are already astronomical, but it could get worse
Aside from a potential market disruption in the sports car segment, the classic JDM cars market could also experience some dynamic changes, particularly in the price department. JDM sports cars have insane value appreciation, and having access to a fresh supply of parts will make it all the easier to keep these cars functional.
Mint-condition examples of the NSX, Skyline GT-R, and Mark IV Toyota Supra (just to name a few) have been in the five-figure range for a while, and this could make them that much unobtainable for most enthusiasts.
Aside from some underappreciated gems, it seems classic JDM car ownership has become a rich men's game. But let me know what you think. Prolonging the life of iconic performance cars is always a great feat, and the fact it comes from the Japanese car manufacturers themselves speaks to a deep devotion to their heritage.
Do you think this trend by Japanese automakers will upset the modern sports car market as a whole or am I overreacting with my predictions? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below, so we can discuss.
Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.
Image source: Acura NSX press releases
