2006 Honda Integra Type R DC5

𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀

• Experience what is arguably one of the best front wheel drive coupes ever with this late example of the popular Integra Type R DC5 model • Free revving 220hp iVTEC engine and 6-speed manual gearbox • Imported in 2023, with just one UK owner • Japanese service records • Fresh, clean MOT

𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 This car’s predecessor, the DC2 Integra Type R, was certainly a hard act to follow, having been widely lauded as one of the best front wheel drive cars of all time. But while the DC5 may have been somewhat heavier, it packed in a range of upgrades to the engine, an extra gear ratio and a limited slip differential. Which is the best all-rounder is fiercely debated; the extra usability brought about by the six-speed gearbox is a welcome change under most circumstances and the limited slip differential provides grip for the DC5 where the wheels would be scrabbling in a DC2. But whatever the relative merits of the two, the decision of Honda not to bring the DC5 over to the UK remains a mystery. The evidence suggests that it would have done well, given the car’s popularity as a grey import, of which this is one example, from late in the DC5’s production cycle. Brought over in 2023, it’s been spared exposure to almost two decades of winter salt and, as a result, it’s much cleaner underneath than some. If your Japanese is up to scratch then you’ll be able to decipher the service records that come with the car but as with any car of this age, it’s best to judge on condition and we like what we see here. Cosmetically, it has stood the test of time well both inside and out and the seller tells us that it drives beautifully. Putting aside for the moment the question of which is best, the DC5 is undoubtedly up there with the front wheel drive greats. If you want to experience what we missed out in the UK, officially at least, then this one looks like a cracker.

𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

• Manufactured 2006 • Imported and registered in the UK 1 Apr 2023 • A Cat 1 alarm has been installed and the certificate is provided • Document pack containing some Japanese service records. Freshly serviced, including an oil service and new brake pads • Invoice shows refurbished steering rack fitted Oct 2023 • Current MOT with no advisories expires 24 Mar 2025 • V5 present in owner’s name • HPI clear

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿

• The deeply-bolstered Recaro seats are here to be found in a subtle grey rather than the often-seen red and they seem to have aged better than many red examples that we’ve seen • There is some bolster wear, as is to be expected, but they present generally very well and the rear seats look to be hardly used • In case you need a dose of racy red, then the Type R floor mats are in place • Honda’s trademark teardrop titanium gear knob, white-faced dials and the red Honda emblem on the leather-covered steering wheel provide the usual cues that this is the hot version but there’s also a plaque on the centre console if you were in any doubt • There’s also an auxiliary vacuum gauge which we’re guessing is for the intake manifold pressure but please leave a comment if you have a better idea • There is a double DIN Japanese Pioneer entertainment system • The boot is surprisingly capacious, is clean and tidy and houses a space saver spare under the floor

𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿

• Still looking like a relatively modern design and with square number plates and wind deflectors reinforcing its JDM credentials, this silver DC5 looks the part • Panel gaps are all Honda-tight and the bodywork is all straight, save for a minor ding • Although there are some minor marks here and there, the paintwork generally presents well for the car’s age and mileage • The alloy wheels are in good order and while they could perhaps use a refurb to look their absolute best, they are still reasonably presentable • Tyres are Michelin Pilot Sport 5s all round • The underside is as clean as you’d expect for a car that’s lived in Japan for most of its life • Overall, the appearance could be improved with some minor titivation but we’d bet that you’d rather be driving it

𝗠𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹

• Under the bonnet is the 1998cc K20A engine which is rated at 220hp @8,000rpm – it’s a right screamer, and features a wealth of trick features to make the most of the naturally aspirated motor, including a short 'isometric' intake manifold, dual exhaust manifolds, variable-valve silencer, plus a high-strength crankshaft and con-rods • The K20 also introduced intelligent VTEC or "i-VTEC” with variable timing control that could advance or retard the valve timing, in contrast to previous VTEC incarnations that merely adjusted the lift and duration • Drive is sent to the front wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox and a limited slip differential • Brakes are Brembo items, with the manufacturer’s logo in showing on the front callipers • Yellowspeed Dynamic Pro Coilovers, with the geometry setup by Automek • Fujitsubo Giken RM01 exhaust system • A closer look in the engine bay reveals what appears to be adjustable dampers • The owner reports that the car starts, goes and stops without any problems and “runs like a dream”; a fresh advisory-free MOT supports this

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆 The Japanese manufacturers are often accused of keeping their most interesting models for the home market and the DC5 Integra Type R is a prime example. This one is from late in the production run, has spent most of its life in Japan and is in lovely condition. It promises to provide a huge amount of enjoyment for its next owner. To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Grays, Essex.