First 2017 Acura NSX auctioned for $1.2 million

The sale set a new record for VIN 001 cars.

The first Acura NSX to roll out of the factory has sold for $1.2 million at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona.

When it goes on sale later this year, the supercar will have a price tag starting at $156,000, but the annual bid-fest often sees wealthy collectors paying immense prices for cars they deem collectible.

The red car on stage in Arizona was a pre-production model. The actual first production 2017 Acura NSX has yet to be built, because it will be a custom order from the winning bidder. The highest paddle waver will get to choose his own interior and exterior colors, options and trim level. The car will then be built at a new manufacturing facility in Ohio built specifically to construct the NSX. He will also have the honor of owning ViN 001.

Despite the 2012 SuperBowl commercial, the winning bidder was neither Jerry Seinfeld or Jay Leno. It was Rick Hendrick of NASCAR's Hendrick Motorsports, who also owns an Acura dealership franchise. This sale set a new record of VIN 001 cars auctioned at Barrett-Jackson. Hendrick owns a collection of such cars, mostly late-model Corvettes and Camaros.

Proceeds from the auction will go to two charities, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation and Camp Southern Ground. The latter is a passion project for musician Zac Brown and serves special needs children.

Live image by Brian Williams.