In the closing moments of Marvel’s 2012 blockbuster The Avengers, Tony Stark (played by Robert Downey Jr.) slides behind the wheel of a gleaming red roadster that instantly became a fan favorite. The vehicle, a specially-crafted Acura NSX Roadster, was never intended for production – it was a movie prop that captured the imagination of car enthusiasts and superhero fans alike.
Now the car has left the silver screen and entered the auction block. Hosted by Cars & Bids in Torrance, California, the seven-day charity auction gives collectors a rare chance to own the exact vehicle that graced the film’s finale, with all proceeds earmarked for charitable causes.
The birth of a cinematic one-off
The roadster’s roots lie in Acura’s Advanced Design Studio in Los Angeles, where designers re-imagined the first-generation NSX into a sleek, open-air concept. Trans FX, a California specialist, fabricated the custom body from resin and fiberglass, shaping a shape that never reached the production line. The paint job mirrors Iron Man’s armor, a vivid “Hot Rod Red” that shines under studio lights. Even the windshield is a repurposed piece from a Chrysler PT Cruiser, and the traditional headlights are replaced by silver trim, while functional full-width LED taillights are activated by a dedicated switch.
Inside, the cabin blends original NSX components with aftermarket upgrades. A dashboard lifted directly from a 1991 NSX sits beneath twin sport bucket seats, giving the interior a retro-performance feel. The car also displays the “STARK 33” license plate that appeared on screen, further cementing its link to the character’s alter ego.
Under the hood: a classic powerplant
Unlike the hybrid powertrain of the second-generation NSX, this prop houses the naturally aspirated 3.0-liter V6 VTEC engine that powered the original 1991 model. Coupled to a five-speed manual gearbox, the setup delivers rear-wheel drive in a pure, mechanical fashion. The donor chassis logged 252,200 miles (about 405,900 km), a testament to the first-gen NSX’s renowned reliability, though the car’s status as a prop means it cannot be legally registered or driven on public roads.
The chassis sits on a bespoke suspension setup that sits lower than the stock NSX, complemented by a set of alloy wheels — 18-inch units up front and 20-inch at the rear. These wheels not only give the roadster a staggered look but also enhance its stance for camera angles, while the lowered ride height contributes to the aggressive silhouette seen in the film.
Condition reports note only minor blemishes: micro-scratches on the bumpers, A-pillars and doors, a few paint cracks on the C-pillars, and light scuffs inside the cabin. Given its unique construction and limited exposure – essentially a movie set piece – the vehicle remains a remarkably complete example of a custom-built, fully functional roadster.
A seven-day charity auction
The auction, listed on Cars & Bids, opened with fifteen interested bidders and quickly pushed the top offer above $98,000. Two days into the seven-day event, the highest bid stood at $98,500, indicating that the final price will likely crest the six-digit threshold. The sale is described as an one-off concept that cannot be titled, registered, or driven, emphasizing its status as a collectible rather than a street-legal car.
All proceeds from the sale are slated for charitable distribution, adding a philanthropic dimension to what could otherwise be a purely transactional exchange. The roadster also enjoyed a brief public showcase during Acura’s 35th-anniversary celebration of the NSX, allowing fans to see the vehicle up close before it returned to the vault and now to the auction stage.
