A Factory Built Race Car

I have always heard about the Honda Type R (Integra R released in Japan in 1995 and the Civic R -1997) and how good it is, especially in the areas where the typical front wheel drive car is found wanting. There are countless articles, written by automotive journalists, who heap innumerable praises on this model, which in the views of some, is a race car built for the streets. I remember reading the August issue of Sport Compact Car magazine in 1998 and in one of the articles there was a detailed account of DC Sports’ plan to campaign two race prepared Honda Integra Type R cars in Speed Tv’s World Challenge series in 1998.

No Ordinary Car

It was obvious that this car was no ordinary car and just to indicate the high esteem, in which the car was held, Dave Coleman, the technical guru of Sport Compact Car magazine, had a permanent picture on his page, of his grinning face, taken next to an Integra R. So what you actually saw was Dave grinning from ear to ear beside the words Integra Type R!

To cut a long story short, I was unable to rest comfortably knowing that I had not driven a Type R. So I did what the monster in me advised. I went in search of one to drive. Fortunately I knew someone who owned one and he was kind enough to put a stop order on my misery and allow me to drive his car. Before he handed it over to me, he did point out, that this was the first time he was loaning his ‘girl’ to another man. I felt sorry for the fellow, but my selfish desires stifled my conscience and off I went (he was in the passenger seat).

In 10-15 minutes of driving the Honda Integra Type R along Washington Blvd. my eyes were opened to an entirely new and exciting world. I felt like Tom Cruise in the movie Eyes Wide Shut. I was blown away, I was taken aback, I was beside myself, watching myself being overcome with myriad emotions all indicating satisfaction. I guess I decided there and then that, – God’s willing, I would own a Type R. This was 2006.

Honda Civic Type R

Fast forward to 2008, the opportunity presented itself and I tried to purchase an Integra R but, at the last minute, the deal fell through and a friend of mine bought the car. I was devastated, but my determination was only strengthened. As quickly as that chance evaporated, another appeared (thanks to the same friend who beat me to the previous deal).As a result of a set of pleasant circumstances and with assistance from two of my friends (Totty and Biggs) I became the proud owner of a 1998 Honda Civic Type R.

Cecil Munroe, Gleaner On-line Writer