2006 Honda Integra Type R (DC5)

Highlights

• One former UK owner, long MOT
• Screaming 220bhp 2-litre iVTEC
• 6-speed manual transmission
• Yellow Speed Coilovers
• Fujitsubo exhaust system

Overview

We all love a turbo, right? Of course we do. But there’s something about a really well sorted naturally aspirated engine that’s just right and proper. And Honda are the absolute masters not only of wringing every drop of potency from an atmospheric engine, but also giving them a character all of their own.

Their VTEC powerplants have long been beloved of petrolheads – and it’s easy to see why, they’re hugely robust, very welcoming of modifications and spine-tingling in their delivery. When that VTEC kicks in and the engine unleashes its banshee wail of induction and blurring valves, well… let’s just say you never forget it.

One of the most well respected and sought-after vehicles to benefit from this fabulous technology is the Integra Type R, Honda’s 2+2 coupe that was based on the Civic platform. Sadly, other than a limited run of the earlier DC2 model, we didn’t get them officially in the UK. Thank goodness for importing then, or this delightful DC5, with its howling 220bhp nutjob of an engine and smooth, tasteful styling wouldn’t be gracing your internet right now. But it is, so let’s have a look at it.

Finished in glistening silver with a subtle black cloth interior (itself a rarity – most Integra Type Rs had red seats), it’s presented in overall excellent condition, with a couple of rather delicious but tasteful modifications and a long MOT.

There’s not much available these days that feels as alive, nimble or invigorating as a Type R Integra. It’s the kind of car that has almost entirely disappeared from sale now. All the more reason to snap up this lovely example and revel in the instant performance, tight turn-in and whip-crack responses that this noughties gem is renowned for.

History and documentation

• Imported 2006MY car, first registered in the UK in April 2023
• One former owner in the UK, current owner since April 2024
• Japanese service documents and some maintenance invoices from its time in the UK
• Two keys
• HPI clear (checked September 2024)
• Current MOT with no advisories expires 24 March 2025
• 195,719Km on the clock (121,614 miles)
• V5 present in owner’s name

Interior

• Deeply bolstered Recaro sports seats in the front, sculpted rear bench
• Black cloth upholstery, with red contrast stitching all looks to be in good condition
• Seats show no obvious signs of notable damage or sagging – just a little wear to the outer driver’s seat bolster
• Black carpets with red ‘Integra Type R’ over mats, which all look to be in good order for their age, with just a little wear
• The gearstick gaiter and the factory-fit Momo steering wheel are finished in black leather with red stitching and show very well, with no damage or significant wear apparent
• The headlining is light grey and appear to be secure, undamaged and taut
• JDM Carrozzeria double DIN head unit
• Air conditioning
• Electrically operated windows and door mirrors
• Blitz vacuum gauge fitted to the left of the instrument binnacle
• All of the instruments are clear and look to be in very nice condition, the original dial with measurements in Km are still fitted
• The switchgear and internal trim all appears to be present and correct, with nothing missing, no damage and no notable wear we could see
• The vendor tells us that everything works as it should, reporting no faults with any of the cabin features
• The boot is spacious and finished with a rubber liner
• Underneath the liner there is a spacesaver spare wheel, meanwhile the boot floor appears to be in excellent condition with no corrosion or damage on show

Exterior

• Metallic silver paintwork presents very well, with just a few minor age-related chips and blemishes
• All of the bodywork looks to be in excellent condition, with no corrosion or damage on display, good panel alignment and consistent gaps
• All of the badging and external trim appears to be present and correct, with only a little light wear in a couple of places, but nothing missing or broken that we could see
• The lights front and back show very well, being clear and free from moisture and with no cracks or chips we could discern
• Similarly, all of the glass looks to be in fine fettle, with the rear quarters and rear screen quite heavily tinted
• Smoked wind deflectors have been fitted to the side windows and present very well indeed
• Thankfully, the original 17-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels are still fitted and appear to be free from kerbing or any notable damage, just showing a small amount of pitting and brake dust adhesion
• The wheels are fitted with a nearly new, matched set of Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tyres

Mechanical

• 1,998cc four-cylinder DOHC iVTEC (K20A)
• 220bhp at 8,000rpm with an 8,400rpm redline (yes, you did read that right)
• Front wheel drive, with a factory-fitted limited slip differential
• Six-speed manual transmission – known as one of the finest gearboxes ever made
• Factory fitted Brembo brakes
• High specification Yellow Speed Dynamic Pro Coilovers, with geometry set up by Automek
• Fujitsubo Giko RM01 exhaust system
• The engine bay is nice and clean, with no evidence we could see of any leaks or other issues
• In October 2023 a refurbished steering rack was fitted
• A Hornett Maxx1 alarm (Thatcham approved) is fitted
• The vendor assures that the car starts first time, every time, and drives just as it should, with no mechanical issues reported

Summary

From that large factory-fit rear wing to the smooth, sweeping front end, the DC5 Integra is unmistakably a 00s performance car. The styling is certainly restrained and subtle by modern standards, and we love it all the more for that – we think it still looks fabulous, especially with this metallic silver finish.

But, of course, one does not purchase a Type R merely for how it looks. No, one purchases a Type R to wallow in the delights of an 8,400rpm redline, 220bhp of naturally aspirated glory and the kind of gear change that makes hardened racers go weak at the knees and has long since passed into petrolhead legend.

Make no mistake about it, this is classic JDM hot-hatch witchcraft at its finest. Presented in excellent condition, with some tasteful mods and a cracking specification, we think this is actually a very special little car. Whoever walks away with it is going to have some very envious friends…

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 Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex.