How rare is the Integra Type R?
The Integra Type R is exceptionally rare, with production limited to only a few thousand units worldwide and a disproportionately small share exported to non-Japanese markets. In practice, that scarcity is most evident in the United States and Europe, where official allocations were brief and counts remain difficult to pin down.
To understand just how rare it is, it helps to look at how the model was produced and distributed. The DC2-generation Integra Type R was Honda’s performance-focused variant of the Integra/Integra Type R lineage, built to deliver a lighter, more driver-centric experience with a high-revving engine, stripped interior, and tuned suspension. Production spanned mid-1990s into the early 2000s, but in most markets only a fraction of the total was sold, and many surviving examples have seen track use or modifications that affect collectibility and condition.
Global production and market rarity
Before listing market-by-market estimates, note that exact figures are not universally published, and numbers vary by source. What follows are commonly cited estimates used by enthusiasts and market analysts to gauge rarity.
- Japan: Approximately 5,000–6,500 units. The Japanese market accounted for the majority of DC2 Type R production, making these cars relatively more common there than elsewhere.
- United States and Europe: Combined total roughly 1,000–2,000 units. The US saw a limited, brief window of official imports, with Europe receiving only a small handful in most cases.
- Other markets (Australia, New Zealand, parts of Asia outside Japan): A few hundred units in total. These regions contributed marginally to global output.
These broad figures illustrate why the Integra Type R remains rare outside Japan: a high percentage of units were produced for a single market, and the cars are now aging with relatively low survivorship in original, unmodified condition.
Why the Integra Type R attracts collectors
Engineering and design attributes
- Lightweight construction with aggressive weight reduction relative to standard models
- High-revving B18C engine tuned for performance, known for strong, linear power delivery
- Tuned suspension, precise steering, and a driver-focused interior with minimal insulation and equipment
- Limited-slip differential and track-oriented chassis setup that appealed to enthusiasts
These engineering choices, combined with Honda’s build quality, help explain both the desirability and the fragility of surviving examples. Rarity is amplified by the fact that many cars have accumulated track miles or undergone modifications that can affect originality and value.
Current market appeal and value dynamics
- Prices have risen significantly as global interest in JDM-era Type R models has grown, particularly among collectors seeking authentic, low-mile examples.
- Condition, originality (stock parts, matching numbers), asthetic integrity, and documented history heavily influence value.
- Import history and documentation (e.g., service records, import paperwork) can substantially affect desirability and price.
With aging and climate exposure, pristine or well-preserved examples command premium prices, while cars with significant wear, accidents, or non-original parts can see more modest valuations. Buyers often weigh provenance, mileage, and maintenance history just as heavily as mechanical condition.
Buying considerations: what to verify
Authentication and condition checks
- Verify originality: stock engine internals, exhaust, intake, and suspension components when possible
- Inspect for rust, especially in frames and common weak points on older cars
- Review maintenance history and records of proper, Honda-specified servicing
- Check for matching VINs on major components and documentation of any modifications
Because the Integra Type R was built to a high standard but in limited quantities, minor deviations from original equipment can significantly impact value. A thorough pre-purchase inspection and provenance review are especially important for potential buyers.
Summary
The Integra Type R stands out as one of the most coveted and scarce performance Hondas of its era. With an estimated worldwide production in the low-to-mid thousands and a distribution heavily skewed toward Japan, the model remains rare in most other markets. For collectors, the car’s appeal rests on its purity of design, driving focus, and the challenge of finding well-preserved, original examples. As numbers continue to be limited in the wild and values rise for pristine specimens, the Integra Type R remains a headline pick for enthusiasts seeking a compact, focused performance classic.
