16 Aug 01
Prices: £3000-£10,000
Engines: 1797 cc, 190 bhp, four cylinders
Check for: Full history, especially if it's an import, accident damage, boy-racer abuse, worn suspension and clutch
If the NSX is a super-civilised supercar, then Honda's Integra Type-R is a howling, stripped-out racer for the road and a surprisingly affordable one. Enthusiasts only need apply - and with a very unsubtle rear wing spoiler stuck on its tail, only petrolheads are likely to. Unlike many performance variants of a boring standard mainstream model, the Integra Type-R is right up there as a rival to the all-conquering Subaru Impreza Turbo and Mitsubishi Evo VI, although it's not quite so well known or easily recognised - a bonus for many buyers.
A non-turbo, 1.8-litre engine might not sound enough, but its clever VTEC variable valve timing produces an output of 190 bhp and as many revs as you could possibly want. It sounds fantastic with an F1-style scream as you whip round the rev-counter - so great, in fact, that you won't miss the nonexistent stereo. Standard spec includes a close-ratio gearbox, limited-slip differential, ventilated disc brakes and variable-rate power steering. Don't expect much in the way of comfort kit: to save weight, there's little more inside than the steering wheel, gearstick, a few instruments and some figure-hugging Recaro sports seats.
The ride is firm and noisy, so it might all get a bit much for just nipping down to the supermarket. But if you have another runaround for doing the mundane miles, or are looking for a second car for track days and fun days, the Integra is about as close as you can get to a road-legal racing car.
Early Integra Type-Rs came in Honda Racing white only, but later on, you got a choice of red or black as well. Mk2 models were launched in 2001, and increasing numbers of these are now available through specialist importers in the UK as well.
Road Test: Honda Integra Type-R
