Description
26th Oct, 2024 10:00
The October 2024 Auction
1997 Honda Integra Type R
Appears to be unmodified and in original specification
Estimate
£7, 500 - £8, 500
Buyer's premium: 15. 00%
Lot details
Registration: R871NDS
Chassis: DC21207077
Odometer: 165, 139 km (102, 612 miles)
Transmission: Manual
MOT: April 2025 (No advisories)
Driven some 178 miles to the saleroom
Believed to be unmodified
Imported into the UK in 1997
Powered by 1. 8L B18C DOHC VTEC inline 4-cylinder
Rated at 187HP at 8, 000RPM and 131 lb-ft of torque at 7, 200 RPM
Supplied with original book pack
Every so often a car comes along that’s truly groundbreaking. One that years after its debut is still revered as a brilliant piece of engineering, one that has stood the test of time so well that it wins plaudits for the way it drove, even against more modern machinery. One such car is Honda’s Integra Type R (DC2), a car that back in 2006 was proclaimed by some as the best front-wheel drive performance car ever.
Such a proclamation is bound to spark lively debate and while you might agree / disagree with the Integra’s abilities there’s no getting away from what a great package it was. Even if you don’t see it as being the pinnacle of the front-drive breed you have to admire what Honda achieved with the first Type R to hit these shores.
Drive the Integra slowly and it feels a bit flaccid. You could almost wonder what all the fuss is about, but once that firecracker engine ignites, the humble Honda is transformed into a humdinger. It thrives on high revs, that classic VTEC kick hitting home at 6000rpm, from which point the fizzing four-cylinder emits a magical howl as the tacho needles home in on and then passes 8, 000. It’s like driving a real exotic: the super-high-revving engine, rifle-bolt gearshift, rigid bodyshell and incredibly controlled suspension melding to deliver sensationally effective performance.
Grip levels are miraculous on such modest rubber, and the limited-slip differential generates tremendous traction. There’s no torque-steer to speak of, but then it’s hardly rippling with lb ft, which probably explains it. Nevertheless, the combination of taut but supple suspensions, a terrifically effective diff, abundant grip and no torque-steer leaves you with one of the purest and least corrupted front-drive helms ever.
This example was imported into the UK in 2022 and has had 1 former keeper since then. Presented in Iconic Championship White with the striking Red front seats. Outside, the paintwork would benefit from some minor rectifications here and there, namely on the mirrors. This is to be expected from a car of this age. It is the same story inside, the seats could do with a tidy up and there is some wear to the steering wheel. However, the interior does appear to be in original specification. Spend some money and time on rectifying the wear and you will have yourself a show stopper.
These early Type R’s rarely come to market, never mind unmodified examples such as this one. Japanese modern classics keep on rising in price, be sure not to miss this one before they get silly.
