2008 Honda Civic Type-R (JDM-only FD2)

Highlights

• JDM-only FD2 Type R

• Widely regarded by enthusiasts as the pinnacle of the Civic Type R lineage

• Just one registered UK keeper

• Built as a fast road / track day toy

• Extensive JS Racing upgrades

Overview

Here in the UK, Honda enthusiasts get a bit of a bum deal; we missed out on the NSX R, didn’t officially receive a Type R until the EP3 of 2001, and - perhaps most painful of all for millenium-era Type R lovers - we never received the FD2 Civic Type R, despite the fact it was built right here in the UK, in Swindon. 

To quote PH’s own ‘Spotted’ article from March 2024, the FD2 was the right to all of the UK’s Type R wrongdoing; an incredible K20A engine, independent rear suspension in place of the FN2s torsion-beam setup, a factory-fit limited-slip differential, revised suspension, and - arguably - it was far better-looking than the controversial FN2. 

Thankfully, the import market for JDM specials has always been strong here in the UK, and with plenty of importers offering FD2s, there is now a number of them floating about here on our little island, and this example takes Hondas’ hardcore Type R approach and turns it up. 

Featuring a number of aftermarket upgrades including a JS Racing ECU, intake and manifold, as well as a titanium exhaust culminating in the requisite ‘can of Japan’ backbox, not to mention a striking Mugen wing, this Type R has been built around the ethos of being a fast-road / track-day special, a mission which has evidently been accomplished judging by the scrutineering/event stickers on the windscreen.

Naturally, there are some areas of wear-and-tear in keeping with the way this FD2 has been used and enjoyed, but if you’re looking for a track day toy or like to carve your way around the local B roads in something far rarer and interesting than any hot hatch / saloon we received here in the UK during the 2000s, then this is just the ticket…

History and documentation

• Registered 01 Nov 2008

• First registered in the UK in June 2024

• Japanese import

• Invoice from Opie Oils for Petronas Synthium oil and Motul RBF 660 DOT 4 fluid

• Japanese-language manual/handbook

• One key

• Current MOT with no advisories expires 14 Oct 2026

• V5 present in owner’s name

• HPI clear

Interior

• Driver-focused interior with extensive upgrades for both aesthetics and usability

• MOMO Tuner steering wheel

• Limited-edition Recaro Super Stark front seats

• Mugen monitoring gauges

• Spoon centre mirror

• Aftermarket double-din stereo

• Aftermarket carbon trims

• The interior looks to be in good condition throughout, particularly for the vehicle’s age and mileage

• Some typical wear is noted on the high-traffic areas such as the shifter, steering wheel and door cards/sills

• In the rear, the seats look to be in good condition with no damage or tears noted

• The centre console shows some scratches and scuffs

• We note some heavy wear to the driver’s footwell mat

• The offside rear door card upper edge is damaged

• The plastic trim for the boot lid is missing

• The tint film on the rear windows is beginning to rub through in places

• No reported faults or issues

Exterior

• Crystal Black exterior with numerous JS upgrades

• JS carbon-fibre bonnet

• Mugen rear wing

• JS front bumper with diffuser

• Spoon side mirrors

• Factory-spec BBS forged wheels

• The offside front bumper / front quarter display evidence impact damage

• Both leading edges of the side skirts show some typical chips/gravel rash

• There is a patch of paint damage by the offside rear wing support

• The lacquer on the carbon-fibre rear lip is peeling/damaged

• We note some larger chips on the upper edges of both rear quarters and on the edges of the rear bumper

• The nearside headlight lens is starting to cloud over

• The Mugen rear wing uprights are corroding/bubbling

• All four wheels present well from afar, but display a number of smaller blemishes and minor kerb rash upon close inspection

• We’re told that the underside is free from corrosion, which would tally with the lack of issues noted on the recent MoT inspections

• Overall, a strikingly modified example that shows evidence of track and fast road use in keeping with the ethos of the build

Mechanical

• 1,999cc naturally aspirated K20A inline-four engine with VTEC variable timing

• Six-speed close-ratio manual gearbox

• Front-wheel drive

• Factory-fit limited-slip differential

• JS Racing ‘Hyper’ ECU

• JS exhaust manifold

• Custom titanium exhaust

• JS carbon induction kit with cold air feed

• Toda clutch

• The red crinkle-finish paintwork on the engine is flaking off due to age

• The seller reports that the brake discs and pads were replaced at the tail end of summer 2025

• No reported mechanical faults or issues

Summary

Whilst a hardcore fast-road / track-focused build may not be to everyone’s tastes, those that enjoy such pastimes will certainly appreciate this FD2, which has been considerately upgraded for those exact purposes, using a plethora of JS Racing, Mugen and Spoon parts to make the most of the fantastic K20A engine and Type R chassis.

Offered for sale by the sole registered UK keeper, this Japanese Market-only Type R is one for the enthusiast that likes their VTEC kick with an extra side order of rarity, and plenty of carbon-fibre trimmings.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Birmingham.