In a world where the restomod scene has become a playground for dreamers with deep pockets and deeper nostalgia, it was only a matter of time before someone turned their attention to one of Japan’s greatest hits. Enter Tensei, a meticulously reimagined first-gen Honda NSX brought back to life by two giants of the automotive world: Pininfarina and JAS Motorsport.
The original NSX—Honda’s aluminum, mid-engine two-seater that stunned the world at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show—has long been considered untouchable. With development input from Ayrton Senna and engineering precision that challenged Ferrari at its own game, the first NSX earned its place among Japan’s all-time greats. Its successor never enjoyed the same mythos, making the original the obvious canvas for a modern resurrection.
A Faithful Form, Modern Materials
Pininfarina’s approach to the Tensei is refreshingly respectful. Rather than reinvent the NSX’s silhouette, the Italian studio chose to celebrate it. The restomod keeps the essential cues that made the original iconic: the canopy-style roofline inspired by the F-16 fighter jet, the distinctive glass curvature, and the low, purposeful stance.
But nostalgia only goes so far. Every exterior panel has been re-created in carbon fiber, wrapped tightly over the original aluminum chassis. The changes in shape are subtle—blink and you might miss them—but they’re purposeful, sharpening the car’s surfaces without erasing its heritage. Modern LED lighting replaces the original pop-ups, while ultra-light wheels with center-lock nuts sit over a beefed-up braking system that looks ready for track duty.
As for the interior? Pininfarina is keeping that part of the story out of the spotlight for now. No cabin photos have been released, which suggests something special is brewing behind those doors.
A Reborn V6 With Racing DNA
If you were worried the Tensei would trade mechanical soul for batteries and silence, relax. JAS Motorsport—Honda’s longtime racing partner—has confirmed that the car will stick with the NSX’s original naturally aspirated 3.0-liter V6. But calling it “original” is almost misleading.
The engine has reportedly undergone a full, motorsport-grade rework, promising sharper throttle response, more power, and stronger torque. No numbers yet, but the upgrades aim to enrich the car’s character rather than inflate the spec sheet. Best of all, the Tensei comes exclusively with a six-speed manual, sending power straight to the rear wheels—just like the NSX should.
Built for the Few, Priced for the Elite
How many Tensei units will be built? No one’s talking. But insiders expect the run to be extremely limited, with pricing likely approaching the stratosphere occupied by another restomod superstar: Singer’s reimagined Porsche 911s. If that proves true, the Tensei won’t just be a collector’s car—it’ll be a collector’s badge of honor.
The Tensei appears to be exactly what a restomod NSX should be: faithful, focused, and obsessively crafted. Pininfarina brings elegance; JAS brings racing pedigree; the NSX brings its own legend. If the final product lives up to the names behind it, the Tensei could become one of the most desirable Japanese restomods ever built.
And for those lucky enough to get one next year? They won’t just be buying a car. They’ll be buying the rebirth of a masterpiece.
Source: JAS Motorsport