Bring a Trailer Bargain of the Week: 1996 Honda Integra Type R DB8
While the jury’s still out on the 2023 Integra, the original Acura Integra Type R is a certified performance icon. And as per usual, that means the import classic is priced out of reach for most enthusiasts. However, there are ways of getting an ITR experience without going broke. Getting an RSX Type S is one way. And another is to get something like this week’s Bring a Trailer bargain: a DB8 Honda Integra Type R sedan.
The DB8 Honda Integra Type R is the JDM ITR sedan we never got
| 1995-1997 ‘DB8’ Honda Integra Type R | |
| Engine | 1.8-liter ‘B18C’ four-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 197 hp |
| Torque | 131 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Five-speed manual |
| Curb weight | 2469-2557 lbs |
| 0-60 mph time | 6.6 seconds (2001 US-market Acura Integra Type R, Road & Track) |
US customers only briefly enjoyed the Acura Integra Type R’s presence in dealers. While the original Integra launched here in 1986, the Type R didn’t arrive until 1997. And after a one-year hiatus in 1999, it returned in 2000 only to leave after 2001.
Overseas, though, where it wore a Honda badge, the Integra Type R story stretches before 1997 and after 2001. And that’s especially true for JDM enthusiasts. Besides getting more Type R models period, Japanese customers could also get an ITR that was never offered in the US: a sedan. Specifically, the DB8 Honda Integra Type R.
Although it weighs slightly more and has four doors instead of two, the DB8 Honda Integra Type R is mechanically nearly identical to the US-market DC2 ITR. However, the DB8 has a few features that our Integra Type R didn’t get. For one, it has an enclosed front bumper with one-piece headlights. Also, front Recaro bucket seats were a factory option. Plus, its version of the fabled Honda B18C engine redlines at 8500 instead of 8400 RPM and makes 2 more hp.
But otherwise, the DB8 Honda Integra Type R is just like the DC2 ITR. It has the same four-wheel disc brakes, double-wishbone suspension with upgraded sway bars, and functional rear wing. Both cars have the same extra welding, chassis bracing—including a front strut-tower brace—and lack of sound-deadening material. Also, the DB8 has the same screaming jewel of an engine driving the front wheels through a phenomenal close-ratio manual and limited-slip differential.
And, crucially, the DB8 Honda Integra Type R has the same suspension and chassis setup as the DC2 Integra Type R. So, it’s not just one of the best-driving FWD cars ever, but “one of the best-handling cars ever made,” R&T says.
There’s one available right now on Bring a Trailer
It’s rare to see a stock Integra Type R these days, and the 1996 DB8 Honda currently listed on Bring a Trailer is no exception. However, this sedan hasn’t been extensively modified, either.
Under the hood, there’s a coolant temperature sensor, Spoon exhaust manifold, and an aftermarket exhaust. And inside, this DB8 has an aftermarket fixed-back driver’s seat—the passenger Recaro is still present—as well as A-pillar-mounted auxiliary gauges and a leather-wrapped 5Zigen N1R steering wheel. Also, it has some carbon-fiber-effect interior trim and a Carrozzeria CD stereo. The A/C is from the factory, though.
Underneath the mods, this 1996 Honda Integra Type R is in solid shape. The seller notes that a previous owner performed bodywork in 2018, and the only remaining imperfections are some chips and worn window trim. And it only has about 51,110 miles on the clock.
This DB8 1996 Honda Integra Type R is a genuine ITR at a bargain price
As of this writing, this 1996 Honda Integra Type R is listed at $22,000 with three days left in the auction. Because Acura never offered an ITR sedan in the US, market values for these DB8s are hard to determine. But it’s worth noting that known importer Toprank Importers currently has a BD8 listed for $34,995. And the last Integra Type R sedan listed on BaT failed to sell at $28,750.
However, while the BD8 isn’t as iconic as the DC2 body style, it’s the cheaper Integra Type R variant. For one, while the BD8 was Japan-only, Honda made over 5000 examples during its 1995-2000 production run. And thanks to the 25-year rule, the earliest examples are now legal to import. In contrast, Acura sold 3850 Integra Type Rs here. And a good-condition ITR is easily a $40K car, Hagerty says.
So, if you’ve been daydreaming of owning an Integra Type R but couldn’t find the cash, this BD8 Honda could be the solution.
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