Lot 193 - 1998 Honda Integra Type R

• Noted as one of the best in the country
• Comprehensive service history
• Acclaimed as 'the greatest front-wheel-drive performance car ever'

In 1993 the Integra was launched as a ‘fairly vanilla’ coupé and in 1995 Honda introduced the world to the B18C Vtec engine and the Integra Type R (R for racing) was born. Not only did the car feature a red line just shy of 9000rpm and over 100bhp per litre, but every element of the cars performance was looked at. Anything unnecessary was removed, so out went air conditioning, sound deadening and even thinner glass and carpets were added to save weight, while elements to improve the performance were added. With a seam welded chassis, strengthened suspension mounting points, bespoke suspension and Recaro SR seats. The car received a modest front spoiler, rear wing and light weight alloy wheels and a titanium gear knob. It was three years later that the Type R made its way to UK shores with only 500 cars allocated and a slightly different frontend with round rather than square head lights.

The driving experience of a Honda Integra Type R is ranked as one of the best of any vehicle.  When the car ventures beyond 6000rpm the Vtec opens up and the modest four-cylinder engine changes with a soundtrack ranking along with cars with much higher cylinder counts. The gear change is positive, rifle bolt fast and with a 50/50 balanced chassis the feedback and grip are astonishing especially when you consider the car runs on 15” 195 width tyres. The below quote from Richard Meaden from Evo issue 95 sums it up ‘It’s a car as sweet and all-consuming as any I’ve experienced at any price, and as pure and focused in its own way as any Porsche RS. Forget the accolade of greatest front-wheel drive car. The Integra Type R ranks as one of the truly great drivers’ cars of any kind’.

This particular example was sourced by the vendor who wanted the best available, he purchased the car from the leading specialist Torque GT who in turn declared it was one of the best UK editions they have ever seen. It has been used sparingly and has been lavished with a no expense spared maintenance regime. Free from the rust that usually plagues the Integra, due to having no rust protection, this example has recently been cleaned and treated with a clear underbody protection by Rustbuster. Offered with extensive service records, 15 services conducted and many bills showing the works conducted, the car is largely standard with the exception of a stainless-steel exhaust system/manifolds, upgraded suspension (bushes, coil over dampers) and carbon intake (original air box supplied). Recent works include a top end rebuild, new brake calipers and a fresh set of Yokohama tyres. The car has received a stage three detail and full ceramic coat along with new badges. Parts are now becoming hard to source and finding a rust-free, low mileage, Integra is almost impossible and so this car represents somewhat a unicorn. Ready to drive with no known issues and having £1000’s recently spent, this must rank as the best available in the UK.