The Acura Integra Type R arrived in the US for the 1997 model year as a purpose-built performance car. To reduce weight, it lost sound deadening, a sunroof, and cruise control. It gained a seam-welded chassis for rigidity and a hand-ported 1.8-liter B18C5 engine that produced 195 horsepower and revved to 8,400 RPM. Paired with a close-ratio 5-speed manual and a helical limited-slip differential, the Type R delivered one of the purest driving experiences of the 1990s.
Collectors prize the Integra Type R for its rarity and its legendary status as one of the best-handling front-wheel-drive cars ever produced. Only about 3,823 were sold in the US over its 1997-1998 and 2000-2001 model years. Decades of hard driving, modifications, and theft have made finding clean, original examples incredibly difficult. Its raw, analog character stands in stark contrast to modern performance cars.
The market for the Type R has matured from a tuner favorite to a blue-chip collectible. While the average sale price sits around $33,000, this figure includes modified cars and those in fair condition. Truly exceptional, low-mileage, and all-original examples have soared in value, with sales exceeding $200,000. This car's trajectory solidifies its position as a top-tier Japanese classic.
Buying Tips
- Verify authenticity. Check for the correct DC2 chassis code, B18C5 engine stamp, 5-lug wheels, and the absence of a sunroof. Many fakes exist.
- Check all VIN tags. These cars were theft magnets, so ensure the VIN tags are present and matching on the chassis, engine, transmission, and all body panels.
- Prioritize originality. Unmodified cars with original paint and interior components command the highest values. Look for factory wheels, exhaust, and intake.
- Inspect for rust. Common areas include the rear quarter panels, wheel wells, and floor pans. A clean chassis is critical for long-term value.
- Ask for service history. The high-strung B18C5 engine requires consistent maintenance, especially timing belt changes (every 90,000 miles or 7 years) and quality oil.
Prices for the Integra Type R span a massive range, from $5,500 for projects to $204,204 for immaculate, low-mileage examples.
604 Acura Integra Type R 3rd Gen vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 122 currently live.
Data sourced from Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, eBay Motors, PCarMarket, and Collecting Cars. Updated daily.
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