2002 Honda Integra Type-R (DC5)

Highlights

• JDM market car - imported in 2007

• In current ownership for 13 years

• Outstanding condition - full respray in OE Championship White

• Comprehensive history

• Ready to go - just add fuel!

Overview

There’s something about forbidden fruit that makes it all the more tantalising, and the DC5-era Integra Type R is a perfect example. After whetting our appetites with the DC2 Integra Type R, Honda decided that its successor - henceforth referred to as the DC5 - was to be kept for themselves and the Japanese market, meaning we missed out here in the UK.

Thankfully, like many other JDM-exclusive cars, legions of enthusiasts made sure that these brilliant cars made it to English soil as ‘grey imports’ of which this is one such example.

First registered here in 2007, this DC5 has been in the care of its current owner for 13 years, during which time it has been driven sparingly, cossetted and maintained irrespective of cost, including a full exterior respray in OE Championship White in 2024, meaning it now presents in ‘showroom’ condition externally.

A striking example that is certain to draw a crowd wherever it goes, and yet spares its next owner from the somewhat overpowering red interior seen in many DC5s, this is an auction that any Honda or JDM car enthusiast should be keeping a close eye on…

History and documentation

• Registered 1 Oct 2002

• First registered in the UK 15 Nov 2007

• Japanese handbooks and servicing invoices

• Service invoices as follows: Dec 2007 @ 11,648 miles, Dec 2009 @ 25,686 miles, Dec 2010 @ 30,759 miles, Nov 2011 @ 33,578 miles, Oct 2013 @ 48,128 miles, Apr 2025 @ 80,085 miles

• The seller tells us that the car has been serviced ‘every year without fail’ in her ownership, barring the last three years, during which time the car has been serviced just once, having covered under 500 miles

• A4 folder full of history and MoT certificates

• Three keys

• Three remote fobs, of which two are working correctly

• Current MOT with no advisories expires 24 Apr 2026

• V5 present in owner’s name

• Full exterior respray in OE Honda Championship white, including fitment of new headlights, side repeaters and badges

• The original badges and lights are included in the sale of the car

• Invoice for respray in August 2024 at a cost of £4,750

• Front and rear brake discs and pads replaced in 2019 with invoice

• Numerous invoices for OE Honda parts, servicing items and sundries

• HPI clear

Interior

• Driver-focused Type R interior in very good overall condition

• Front Recaro seats in good shape, save for the typical wear on the outer bolsters

• The rear seats are in near-pristine condition

• Light wear to high-traffic areas such as the door kick plates, steering wheel, shifter and switchgear

• Kenwood stereo unit

• The driver’s side over-mat and carpet has a small hole

• The rear parcel shelf is present - something that is often missing from DC5s

• In the rear, the boot is tidy and clean, with some light wear to the plastic surrounding trims

• No reported faults or issues within the cabin

Exterior

• Iconic Honda Championship White paintwork in pristine condition

• Headlights, side repeaters and front badges replaced during respray in August 2024

• The seller describes the exterior as being in ‘showroom condition’

• Crystal-clear headlights - replaced due to the original items going cloudy with age

• All four wheels are in excellent shape, wrapped in matching Continental tyres

• Undersealed chassis for longevity

• An outstanding example that would look at home in any collection

Mechanical

• 1998cc naturally-aspirated i-VTEC K20A engine, producing 220hp at 8,000rpm

• The K20 engine was the first to see i-VTEC, which advanced or retarded valve timing as required, as opposed to VTEC which merely adjusted lift and duration

• Six-speed manual gearbox

• Power is sent to the front wheels through a limited-slip differential

• Brembo brakes, with discs and pads replaced in 2019

• The seller advises that since acquiring the car, the engine has always been warmed through before using the full performance 

• No reported modifications from factory specification, with the only non-OE parts being a set of front shock absorbers due to the OE items being unavailable

• Gear box oil changed – August 2018 

• New track rod ends front and rear – August 2018 

• New primary oxygen sensor – May 2019

• New front shock absorbers and tie rod ends – January 2021 – sourced from TGM Motor Sports 

• The seller notes that Millers Nanodrive 5w40 and Denso Iridium Tough spark plugs are used when servicing the engine

• The engine, drivetrain and chassis are reported to be in excellent condition and wanting for nothing other than a new owner!

Summary

The Japanese car industry likes to keep the cream of the crop for themselves, and the DC5 is no exception. A superb driver’s car by any measure and with its then cutting-edge i-VTEC technology, the DC5 was a true high-water mark for the Japanese car industry and Honda alike, and remains a firm fan favourite to this day.

Offered for sale in outstanding condition thanks to a recent respray, long-term ownership and in ready-to-use condition, this DC5 still gives some scope for the next owner to tidy up the interior to match the bodywork, and you may then have a concours-standard car on your hands. One not to be missed!

This car is with our concierge partner SPR Car & Classics in Gloucestershire. To arrange a viewing, please contact them on 07725 042124.