This classic 1997 Acura Integra Type R sold for an unbelievable amount of money at auction.
The message we’re getting here is that mid-’90s sport compacts are becoming historic pieces that collectors are going to shell out big bucks for--if you have one in nearly mint condition at least.
And the Acura Integra Type R is maybe one of the best mid-’90s sport compacts ever made. The third generation of Integra was sold between 1994 and 2001, but the Type R didn’t come to the US until 1997. Only 320 were made for the US domestic market, making it an incredibly rare car to find even back then.
Power came from a tuned version of Honda’s 1.8-L DOHC VTEC inline 4-cylinder engine producing 195 hp. A 5-speed manual was your only transmission option, with power routing to the front wheels only.
Even though this was a strictly FWD, the Type R still became critically acclaimed by car journalists of the era for its sublime handling. Strengthened welds and a stronger sway bar combined with a limited slip differential to both reduce torsion and improve steering. Despite the added materials, Honda engineers found enough weight savings in other areas to still drop 33 lbs from the chassis.
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And now an Acura Integra Type R has sold for $63,800 at a Barrett-Jackson auction in Las Vegas.
This particular model number 37 of the 320 made and is practically brand new with only 1,121 miles on the odometer. Original Champion White paint was that signature paint job of the Integra and there’s not a scratch to be found. The original interior is also in mint condition, and this is probably the cleanest engine bay for any Integra still alive.
A working air conditioning is also present, along with the original CD-player and 6-speaker audio system. Getting in this car is like getting in a time machine. It’s no wonder the thing sold for twice what it would cost to buy brand new back in 1997.
The only question is whether or not this priceless artifact will go to a museum or be driven as it had always meant to be?