In December 1995, I was in Japan, and as I had owned a few Honda motorcycles, I went out of my way to go to Honda Headquarters at Aoyama to see the latest 2 wheels on offer. I can still clearly remember walking into the showroom and being struck down with absolute awe. There, high up on a rotating podium was a magnificent looking white sports car. Yes, it was the new Integra Type R spec. 96. I remember reading the specs, 200 ps @ 8,000 rpm and a 10,000 rpm techo. I was in love. I determined in my mind I was going to own one of those Type R Hondas.
Coming back to Australia, I started saving. In 1998, I went back to Japan and purchased a second-hand spec. 96 Type R. I was in a dream, driving around Tokyo in my Type R, doing laps around Ginza, Shibuya, Shinjuku just to name a few places. Took the car up north of Tokyo on highway 4 and give it a blast to 200 kph on my way to Nikko and the mountains. A couple of days later, I was up the side of Mt Fuji. Driving in country Japan is fantastic and even better in a Type R.
Six months later, I shipped the car to Australia. Driving around Brisbane and particularly Sydney really drew out the Honda faithful. Guys would cruise up beside me in awe and ask “Is that a real Type R?” Answering them in the affirmative brought a smile to my face. I am still in love with my Type R Hondas.
What story do you have about your Type R love affair? What feature about your Type R stands out in your thinking?
Coming back to Australia, I started saving. In 1998, I went back to Japan and purchased a second-hand spec. 96 Type R. I was in a dream, driving around Tokyo in my Type R, doing laps around Ginza, Shibuya, Shinjuku just to name a few places. Took the car up north of Tokyo on highway 4 and give it a blast to 200 kph on my way to Nikko and the mountains. A couple of days later, I was up the side of Mt Fuji. Driving in country Japan is fantastic and even better in a Type R.
Six months later, I shipped the car to Australia. Driving around Brisbane and particularly Sydney really drew out the Honda faithful. Guys would cruise up beside me in awe and ask “Is that a real Type R?” Answering them in the affirmative brought a smile to my face. I am still in love with my Type R Hondas.
What story do you have about your Type R love affair? What feature about your Type R stands out in your thinking?
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