Chicago 1989: Where Are They Now?
The 2014 Chicago Auto Show marks the 25th anniversary of the introduction of two of God’s most perfect creations: The Mazda Miata and the Acura NSX. Long-time readers will know that I have a strong affinity for both of these cars. The Miata was the first car I ever owned, while the NSX remains a focal point in my relationship with the automobile.
Automobile Magazine takes a look at both of those cars, as well as three others – the Lexus LS400, the Infiniti Q45 and the Nissan 300ZX – in what is considered to be a very strong draft class for the Japanese auto industry. Four of the five cars still exist in one form or another, with the NSX said to be just around the corner – though that’s been the word since it was discontinued roughly a decade ago.
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect is that even today, these cars still stand the test of time, whether it’s a pristinely preserved Miata or a tired LS400. Get behind the wheel of any of them, and they still manage to thrill and excite, even if they don’t seem quite so fresh.
More by Derek Kreindler
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By coincidence, a cousin of mine met the designer of the NSX one time on a Honda factory tour in Japan. They exchanged a few words, but something clicked and they corresponded and became friends after that. He even attended my cousin's wedding in Hawaii. I'm told he's an extremely humble man and is the only designer at Honda who stayed from beginning to end on a design project. He and his family visited him at his home recently for lunch, and judging by the pictures on Facebook, he's also an excellent chef.
Speaking of "Where are they now?", since you guys are in the Windy City is there any plan for a member meet-up?
"The 2014 Chicago Auto Show marks the 25th anniversary of the introduction of two of God’s most perfect creations:" What a conceited statement. I'm sure the eight million or so Shinto Kami are duly insulted by the attribution of their work to a middle-eastern sun deity.
Not only the NSX but the entire 1990 model year line up of Honda was amazing. NSX, Legend, Vigor, Integra, Accord, Civic, CRX, Prelude, Beat, Ascot, City, I can't think of anymore at the moment but that era of Honda cars (in Japan from 1988 to 1991) had the best looking designs, best all around driving visibility (thin pillars, really low hoodline, big greenhouse), 4 wheel independent double wishbone suspension, vtec, 4ws, etc. And they were winning in Formula 1. Senna and Honda were both still alive. Truly the golden years.