Vehicle Description
Chassis No. JH4DC2312VS004280
Engine No. 4300312
OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE
Only a few years on from introducing one of the most cutting-edge
rear-wheel drive super cars ever produced (the NSX Type R), Honda
would take the same performance-oriented approach to an
exhilarating front-wheel drive sports car. Sold as the Acura
Integra Type R in North America, the Championship White four-seater
coupe sat atop the Integra line, aimed squarely at the performance
purist.
Like its Type R big brother, the Integra did without sound
deadening in the name of weight reduction, leaving little to stop
the scream of the engine's 8,400 rpm redline from entering the
cabin. The highly-tuned, hand-built 1.8-liter inline-four VTEC
engine produced a potent 200 horsepower - more horses-per-liter
than the contemporary Ferrari F355's 3.5-liter V8 - thanks to
polished and ported intake ports, high-compression pistons,
lightweight connecting rods, and upgraded intake and exhaust
systems. Transmitting the Type R's considerable power to the front
wheels was a close-ratio five-speed manual transmission and a
helical limited-slip differential. But the Honda engineers didn't
stop there, as the Integra's chassis was stiffened using thicker
metal around the rear subframe and suspension mounting points,
while beefed-up springs and shocks were employed to tame the added
power.
This left-hand drive, US-market Acura Integra Type R was completed
at the Suzuka, Japan plant in June 1997, finished from new in the
only available color of Championship White (NH-0) over a black
microsuede cloth interior. Equipped with optional air conditioning,
the Type R was delivered to Mungenast Acura of St. Louis. Missouri
where it was purchased by its first owner for a sum of $23,100 as
shown on the original window sticker. The accompanying Carfax
report indicates that the car remained with its original owner in
Missouri for the next 22 years, accumulating only 6,190 miles
during their ownership. In July 2019, the Acura returned to
Mungenast Acura of St. Louis for a major service which included a
new timing belt, water pump, tensioner, drive belts, a clutch
adjustment, and an oil change. Shortly thereafter, the car was
acquired by a highly respected Illinois-based collection where its
careful preservation among all manner of Japan's best sports cars
has continued.
Under current ownership, the Type R has only accumulated a mere 30
miles over the past three years and remains in remarkable original
condition. The factory Championship White finish presents very well
and is complemented by its original set of matching white 15-inch
alloy wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza tires. Considered by
many to be the best front-wheel drive sports car of all time, this
exceptional low-milage example is worthy of continued preservation
and would make an ideal addition to any collection of important
sports cars.
