the NSX T-REC pushes the limits of what car design means today.”
Introduction
Do you still remember the feeling of getting your very first game console?
The Nobleman T-REC Collection is here to take you back to the early 2000s—when home consoles were everywhere—wrapped in the classic form of the Honda Acura NSX NA1, a car produced between 1991 and 2006, right in line with that gaming golden era.
“If the PS2 pushed the limits of what a game console could be back then, the NSX T-REC pushes the limits of what car design means today.”
This collection embraces a Pixel Style, inspired by a time when most video games still used pixel art due to limited color rendering per frame on those early consoles.
The early 2000s were a pivotal moment when Pixel Art truly began to stand on its own as a recognized global art form—clearly distinct from other types of digital art.
To match the pixel concept, this car is designed using only three colors: green, pink, and cream.
How do I apply this concept into Helmet ?
The T-REC Collection helmet is inspired by the design of a Formula One racing helmet.
In this kind of motorsport, drivers face extreme aerodynamic forces—just like the cars themselves. That’s why the helmet features aerodynamic elements like front air inlets and rear spoilers, both playing crucial roles in managing airflow.
The graphic design of this helmet is based on a 2000s game interface, featuring a main character in pixel art style. The star of this design is the T-Rex, inspired by the iconic Dino Game from Google that pops up when your internet’s down.
The number 12 on the side of the helmet refers to Nobleman Collection No. 12, marking this as a limited edition piece from the 12th collection. The number is displayed using the Press Start 2P font—an 8-bit typeface that perfectly fits the early-2000s video game vibe I was aiming for.
The word “MONOTONOUS” across the windshield is a nod to the phrase “DO NOT BOTHER BEING MONOTONOUS,” a reminder not to waste time blending in or being just like everyone else.
Lastly, a giant pixelated heart placed at the center of the helmet represents life itself. We all have just one life—live it your way.
DINO RAIBAKU
Raibaku is a young boy born in Gunma, Japan, with a dream since childhood — to one day become a world-class racing driver.
That dream was ignited by his upbringing: his family ran a local gas station in Gunma, a hotspot where underground racers from both near and far would frequently stop by. Through countless conversations and encounters with these racers, Raibaku absorbed the spirit of underground racing from a young age.
However, being too young to drive, Raibaku could only live out his racing dreams through racing video games on his console.
Until one day — the day gaming technology advanced enough to replicate real-life racing experiences — that’s when Raibaku unleashed the skills he had been sharpening for over a decade. He quickly rose to become one of the top racing talents in Japan.
Raibaku’s racing suit is a full-body design, printed with Pixel Art graphics as a tribute to the console world that shaped him. On the back of his suit stands a T-Rex atop the number 12, surrounded by clouds — symbolizing his rise to the peak of the racing scene in Japan.
How do I apply this concept into Car ?
The car I chose for the T-REC Collection is the Honda Acura NSX NA1, mainly because its body shape gives off the same vibe as early 2000s game consoles.
The overall body design stays pretty close to the factory version, with only a few added touches and minor body parts for extra flair.
If you’ve ever played racing games from that era, you’re probably familiar with the kind of graphics and linework they used on in-game cars. That’s exactly the vibe I wanted to recreate for this build—but I’ve toned down the patterns a bit so the car’s natural shape and form can still shine through.
Let’s talk Livery:
- The first must-have on any race car is the driver’s number stripe. In this collection, it’s kept clean and minimal, using the same Press Start 2P font featured on the helmet.
- Next up is the racing team decal — say hello to the T-REC RACING TEAM.
- On the front windshield, you’ll see the word “MONOTONOUS,” tying back to the phrase: “DO NOT BOTHER BEING MONOTONOUS.”
- And on the rear windshield, you’ll find the phrase “GAME OVER” — a classic line from nearly every video game back then. I chose it to add a playful, taunting twist when you pass someone and they catch that in their rearview mirror.
Finally, there’s a little Hidden Gem: Limited Edition stickers on both side mirrors, one on the driver’s side and one on the passenger side — exclusive to this collection.
For the T-REC Collection, the body comes in a simple two-tone theme using just two main colors: green and pink, in an 80:20 ratio. The main body is finished in green, while selected parts like trims and accents pop in pink.
The Honda emblem is also custom for this build — painted in pink and cream to make sure it doesn’t blend in with the body, while still standing out perfectly against the green base.
“Why green and pink?”
It all goes back to a video game I used to play as a kid. At the time, I never thought these two colors would pair so well together—until I played that game.
The game featured a cute pink character that you’d guide through various levels, collecting special powers. I’m sure many of you can guess which game I’m talking about.
Once I started brainstorming this collection, that game popped into my head instantly—and I just knew these were the colors I had to go with.
The car is fitted with Rotiform ZMO wheels. If you’re familiar with the NSX NA1 body, you’ll know that it looks amazing with deep dish wheels or negative offset setups. Thanks to the car’s naturally wide and flat profile, deep wheels add serious presence and visual depth.
I specifically chose the ZMO wheels for their Y-spoke design, which makes it easy to play with contrasting spoke colors—and yes, they’re available in forged options too.
I’ve paired the wheels with YOKOHAMA ADVAN Neova AD08, which I’d easily rank in the Top 5 favorite tiresamong car enthusiasts in Thailand. Sure, they wear out quickly, but the tread pattern and aggressive sidewall make for a perfect fitment on modified builds.
Now for the brakes: I went with ENDLESS calipers, a true icon in the JDM tuning scene. I’ve actually owned a set before — and even after selling them, I never got over how good they felt. The brake feel from ENDLESS is seriously next-level.
In this build, the calipers are painted green, paired with the classic ENDLESS font in pink — a clean, standout combo.
Moving to the interior, I designed a custom steering wheel inspired by vintage racing game controllers. It’s finished in green and pink, just like a retro game console, and even includes a pixelated 8-bit screen to give you that nostalgic gaming vibe while driving.
Finally, the seats — I went with Recaro, a timeless brand in the car mod scene. The seats are wrapped in pink, with the logo done in a contrasting cream tone to match the rest of the interior perfectly.
Conclusion
“Legacy of Innovation.”
Both the Honda Acura NSX NA1 and early-2000s game consoles represent legacies that broke through technological limits and left a lasting impact on their industries.
Pixel Art reminds us that great art can transcend technical boundaries. Even when screens couldn’t display exactly what artists wanted, creativity and problem-solving gave birth to a timeless new form of visual expression.
With the T-REC Collection, I want to thank the many pioneers from the past who helped shape a history I could build upon in a new way. And a big thank you to all of you who followed along till the end — I truly hope you enjoyed this project.
"Don’t Judge Me Until You’ve Seen My Car."
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