Will This Low-Mile Integra Type R Command a Fortune at Auction?

Acura and Honda A specialist called RealTime is offering a 2001 Integra Type R with extremely low mileage.
This instance could become the next high-value Acura, as low-mileage NSX models are already commanding significant prices.
RealTime is closely associated with the Type R, having won several touring car titles when the vehicles were newly released.

Following the Acura NSX surpassing the $1 million threshold at an auction, enthusiasts who collect classic Japanese vehicles from the recent era are now searching for other models that could potentially set a new high. However, there's no need to search beyond Acura’s lineup since the Integra Type R has consistently sold for amounts far exceeding expectations despite being a front-wheel-drive car. Multiple low-mileage versions have previously received bids above six figures, and one particular example will soon go up for sale, possibly establishing a new standard.

This vehicle has extremely low miles, and the color matches expectations; however, a significant aspect of its background is the origin of this Integra. It belongs to the RealTime Collection Hall, a museum based in California that focuses on top-tier classic Hondas and Acuras, including both street-legal vehicles and race cars.

Peter Cunningham, a professional race car driver who had previously secured championship titles, founded RealTime Racing. Throughout the years, the team participated with numerous vehicles; however, their most notable period was between 1997 and 2002, during which RealTime Integra Type R racing cars claimed several World Challenge Touring Car championships, also contributing to Acura earning four of its initial manufacturer's title victories in the competition.

The 2001 Integra Type R featured in the RealTime collection's upcoming auction comes in Phoenix Yellow. It only has 4,800 miles displayed on the dashboard. Being a carefully preserved street vehicle from a race team with deep expertise in these models, it represents top-tier condition.

The current compact performance model of Acura is represented by the Integra Type S , which is an exceptional vehicle in its own right yet entirely distinct from its Type R predecessor. The original high-performance Integra was one of the outstanding achievements of Honda engineering icon Shigeru Uehara, who also designed the NSX and the S2000, and was a good personal friend of Formula 1 champion Ayrton Senna.

With Uehara at the helm, the Type R shed all comfort features to reduce weight and featured a lively 1.8-liter engine capable of reaching 8400 rpm with output of 195 horsepower. The vehicle was more rigid and lighter compared to the enjoyable Integra GS-R, giving the impression that Acura had enhanced an already excellent drive by adding five shots of espresso.

A Type R provides an intense driving experience that you rarely find in modern, more sophisticated cars. It’s not only about speed but also about the overall sensation. Because of this, it clearly belongs to the group of "vehicles they no longer manufacture." Such characteristics come with a higher price tag.

The collectible car enthusiasts will be keeping a close eye on how much money this high-value Acura model sells for. Being a museum-grade vehicle, it might be too significant to history to accumulate many kilometers. However, even one lap in a Type R is something worth appreciating.

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