Lot 139 - 1998 Honda Integra Type R

• One former keeper
• Incredible original condition

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 is a very rare opportunity to purchase a piece of modern motoring history that is also fit to be driven as intended. This UK registered Championship White Honda Integra Type R DC2 was purchased on 8th August 1998 by a retired Honda enthusiast, who owned it until our vendor purchased in October 2021. He informs us the car was tremendous but there was plenty to do to make it better, the clutch was replaced not long after at a reputable local garage who he instructed to do further work such as replacing bushes, engine mounts, deep cleaning then undersealing a geo setup and more. Recently the car has benefited from a full (expensive) service and inspection at a Honda dealer that included OE brake discs and pads, new calipers all round, in-tank fuel filter and platinum spark plugs. Professionally detailed, polished and ceramic coated within the last year and it looks stunning. No detail has been left unturned, even a $100 plus invoice for the unobtainium brand new OE UKDM front badge from Arizona was sourced. All parts have been replaced with Honda OE where available or the best match if not. The only modification is a fantastic Fujitsubo straight through exhaust setup with RM-01A exhaust and SuperEx manifold (JASMA approved, which means it’s not stupidly loud or offensive and meets stringent Japanese standards). When the VTEC kicks in there is now a noticeable pop with this setup.

It has been kept in a Hamilton Classic’s ‘Cair-o-Port’ tent inside a garage to stave off corrosion. Importantly, this example has not been left standing for ages, both current and previous owner have driven it very few miles, but its wheels have been kept turning each year. The car has an MoT test certificate valid until September 2024 and is ready to drive away in fantastic condition. All paperwork and invoices are available alongside the original invoice with dealer-fitted CD changer and A/C is present, along with the unopened red key.

Recently only run on E5 fuel and more recently switched from Shell V-Power to Esso 99 as the Esso fuel has 0% ethanol. Overall, the condition is superb inside and out. Even the OE stereo head unit and six CD changer works as it should. There cannot be many chances left to buy a car like this, the sublime gearshift and free revving nature of the engine is something a modern, forced induction car will never be able to emulate.