Two identical cars, same auction platform, 3 years apart. One sold for $76k, the other $175k. The difference is a masterclass in what actually holds value.

Two Acura NSXes, identical in their mid-engine V6, their chassis, and their impeccable Japanese heritage.

One is a 1994 NSX that has 100k miles. It's been vinyl wrapped, has an aftermarket intake, and an aftermarket suspension. Clearly well loved, clearly well used.

The $175k car is a 1997 NSX-T with 27k miles and it's painted Spa Yellow Pearl. A very rare color. One of 84 cars painted in that color. It's been owned by the same private owner since 2003. Original exhaust, full service records, unrestored.

The same car, separated by $100k.

The 1994 owner bought a sports car and used it like one. The 1997 owner just... didn't. Barely drove it, changed nothing, kept every receipt. And somewhere along the way accidentally turned his garage into a $175k decision.

That's the uncomfortable truth about collectible cars. It's rarely the enthusiasts who make money. It's the guy who bought the right spec, kept his hands off it, and waited long enough.

But here's what I can't figure out: was the 1997 always going to be worth this much more? Is it purely mileage and originality, or is there something about the spec, the color, the exact configuration that you could have identified at purchase? And if so, how?