The Green Machine

When we first received the UK specification Honda Integra Type R from our customer it seemed that it would be a simple repaint as the car looked outwardly very good. With no reference point it seemed to drive well too.

Further inspection revealed that it was indeed too good to be true!

The rear half of the body had been suspiciously coated with black underseal which would have to come off before we could be sure of the substrate below. Subsequently removed, a horror show of corrosion was there for all to see. Much of the rear half of the sills both inner and outer, wheel tubs, up around the arches, and some of the floor area were distictly frilly and in need of repair or replacement. There was also evidence of minor impacts to both front and rear. This was not supposed to be a full restoration job but a life lived on British roads had taken its toll and whatever we were going to do we had to at least start with solid metal before painting!

With the car now stripped the body could be repaired. Availability of panels was virtually nil so new pieces had to be fabricated and grafted in. Time consuming but worth every hour spent. While the body shell was being painted we could turn our attention to the rest of the car. Front seats went away to be re trimmed in genuine Recaro material (imported from Australia!), black rather than the original red was chosen by the owner so that the front seats would now match the back ones. The rest of the interior was to remain as Honda intended so was just thoroughly cleaned and refitted when we had the car back in the build bay.

The one area where it seemed unlikely that we would need to do too much was in the engine bay. These high revving BC18 VTEC units are legendary for their bulletproof characteristics. Wrong!

Sadly it turned out that somebody had been messing around with this engine in the past and done more harm than good so a complete rebuild was required. At this point it would seem a shame not to give it the “as new” look with re plated parts and crackle coated cam cover.

On the outside the sparkling Type R was reassembeled with freshly coated suspension components, new bushes and bearings, rebuilt and coated calipers and much more besides. Nitron dampers replaced the tired factory items and the re coated iconic white wheels were wrapped in new Michelin PE2 tyres. The revitalised bodywork was then re acquainted with genuine Honda graphics and badges to complete the look.

The shakedown drives only served to prove what a great car the Integra was in the first place. The ergonomics, visibility and control weight are all spot on and serve to enhance the delicious handling balance of this willing little coupe. It is simply a joy to drive and to hear that legendary engine scream so willingly to the redline.