A Honda NSX Owner Interpreted the 'Poor Man's Ferrari' Title Far Too Seriously | Carscoops

      This might be the only replica that costs more than the original it emulates, yet it remains significantly cheaper to maintain.

      The legendary Honda NSX served as the foundation for a Ferrari 360 replica created in Switzerland.

      The owner desired a dependable imitation of the Prancing Horse without the hefty upkeep expenses.

      This unique build is currently for sale, with a price similar to that of authentic Ferraris.

      Few cars from the 1990s manage to combine supercar performance with everyday practicality like the original Honda NSX. Marketed under the Acura name in North America, the NSX quickly earned a reputation as one of the most well-balanced and desirable vehicles of its time, acclaimed not only for its speed and sharp handling but also for its remarkable reliability. It remains a sought-after model among purists and collectors.

      Upon its launch, the media often referred to it as a “poor man’s Ferrari.” The analogy was fitting on paper: a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive setup, supercar-level performance, and a price that didn't require offshore accounts. Most people took that nickname as a metaphor—except for one Swiss owner who decided to interpret it literally.

      The Ferrari That Isn’t

      The specific NSX we found for sale is the result of that vision. As per the listing, the aim wasn’t just to create a less expensive Ferrari replica but to develop a Ferrari alternative that wouldn’t leave the owner stranded or overwhelmed by high maintenance costs. It had to be reliable enough for daily commuting, budget-friendly, match the performance of its Italian counterpart, and deliver a similar sound.

      The Honda NSX was the only vehicle that met all these criteria. Its mid-engine configuration and dimensions closely aligned with those of the Ferrari 360 Modena, making it the perfect choice. Although today a manual NSX may fetch a higher price than a Ferrari 360 on the used market, the situation was different 18 years ago when this transformation occurred.

      As perplexing as this concept may seem to enthusiasts, the execution is remarkably well done. The builder didn’t rely solely on imitation parts; they sourced original Ferrari components like mirror caps and lighting units for authenticity. The bodywork has been completely reshaped to resemble the 360, although the NSX’s recognizable greenhouse still remains evident. It features a set of original Work Meister S1 alloy wheels (17 inches in front, 18 inches in back) that enhance the redesigned exterior.

      Inside, the cabin has been revamped with great attention to detail. High-quality leather and red Alcantara cover the seats, while the seatbacks display Ferrari's prancing horse emblem. Titanium door sills feature genuine Ferrari plates, and additional enhancements include a Momo steering wheel, aftermarket infotainment upgrades, and carbon-style accents on the center console and instrument cluster.

      Under The Skin

      Referred to as the “Ferrari 361,” the car’s name pays homage to its inspiration and conveniently corresponds with the last three digits of the NSX’s chassis number (00T000361). While it may not possess the power of a Ferrari V8, its naturally aspirated 3.0-liter VTEC V6 has been tuned to deliver a commendable 296 horsepower (221 kW / 300 PS). Power is transferred to the rear wheels through a manual transmission, and a stainless steel valve exhaust system has been installed to ensure the sound matches the aesthetic.

      According to the listing on Mobile, the NSX-turned-Ferrari has traveled 98,562 kilometers (about 61,244 miles) and is said to be in “top condition,” having recently undergone a major service. It has been with the same owner for the last 18 years and comes with the original Swiss registration documents and Honda service manual.

      More Expensive Than A Real Ferrari?

      The asking price for the “Ferrari NSX” is €75,000 ($81,300). A quick search reveals several Ferrari 360 Modena and Spider models listed between €70,000 and €90,000 ($76,000–$97,000), placing this NSX firmly in the same price range as the real deal. However, it can be reasonably assumed that it will be much cheaper to maintain compared to an authentic supercar from Maranello. Ironically, even after the extensive transformation, this replica is one of the most affordable manual NSXs available in Europe.

      For interested buyers, the vehicle is located in Switzerland, with the option for a handover in Germany as well. The seller of the replica, who reportedly owns a collection of 17 cars, is open to trade-ins, whether they be another sports car or even a pickup.