Here's one for the Japanese Domestic Market fans. The original CH1 Honda Accord Type R from the late 90s was extremely well received in the UK, offering a combination of exotic powertrain and finely honed dynamics that nobody really expected. Bear in mind this was the time of the original Vectra GSI and you can see why the Accord appealed so much.
But Honda never brought the CL7 replacement to the UK, which seems rather a shame given this was the time of the Mitsubishi Evo VIII and Impreza STI - Jap saloons were definitely still very popular. It boasted 220hp thanks to the K20 engine from a DC5 Integra Type R, came with a standard LSD and yet looked even more discreet than its predecessor, because no rear wing was offered.
PHer 'Kewy', somewhat of a Japanese fan by the sounds of it, was eager to get hold of a CL7 having owned other Type R Hondas. Seeing one parked outside their house (!), and subsequently getting a passenger ride in it, simply sealed the deal. Imported by Torque GT, Kewy has had the Pearl White Type R for 18 months now, and by all accounts the gamble has paid off.
The thread has only been started this morning, so hopefully there's plenty more to come on the ownership experience, but we're so desperate to hear more that the Accord had to get its 15 minutes of homepage fame. Kewy, we hope the Accord has lived up to expectations, and congratulations on taking the plunge on a proper JDM rarity - bravo!
Read the full thread here.