- Tolman revitalizes the Integra Type R with a 740-hour “non-invasive” restoration.
- The coupe benefits from hand-fabricated steel panels and re-trimmed buckets.
- It also got an engine rebuild along with fresh suspension and brake components.
Classic Japanese performance cars are reaching a point where preservation carries as much weight as modification. A UK-based firm, Tolman, best known for its Peugeot 205 GTi program, has now turned its focus to a Japanese staple, the Honda Integra Type R (DC2).
Rather than chasing power gains or visual drama, the company takes a restrained, “non-invasive” route that leans into the car’s high-revving personality and understated design.
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Work began in September 2025 and ultimately consumed 740 hours. The starting point was a UK-spec example of the DC2-generation Honda Integra Type R, first introduced in 1998. It looked tidy enough on the surface, though a closer inspection revealed corrosion lurking underneath.
Original body panels are no longer easy to come by, so Tolman had little choice but to get creative. The team spent 180 hours hand-fabricating rear quarter panels and wheel arches from steel, while also repairing the doors to restore the coupe’s structural integrity. Where replacements could be sourced, new exterior trim was fitted, and the original lighting units and rubber components were carefully refurbished rather than replaced outright.
The exterior no longer wears its original Championship White, now refinished in a deep Sorrento Green to match the owner’s Tolman Edition Peugeot 205 GTi. The paint was applied using a nitrogen-based system for a cleaner, more consistent finish, while the underside received a factory-grade seam sealer aimed at keeping future corrosion in check.
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Inside, the cabin remains faithful to its late 1990s aesthetic, with the addition of modern soundproofing and a new immobilizer. To address the common issue of the red Recaros fading to pink, the team sourced rear seat fabric from Australia to retrim the front buckets.
VTEC Power
Under the hood, the naturally aspirated 1.8-liter DOHC VTEC four-cylinder has been completely rebuilt to factory specifications, delivering a healthy 190 hp (142 kW / 193 PS) on the dyno.
The car has also received new brakes and fluid lines, along with a fully refurbished suspension featuring fresh bushings, springs, and Nitron dampers. The white 15-inch Enkei wheels have been refinished and wrapped in modern Michelin Pilot Exalto 2 rubber.
While Tolman hasn’t disclosed a specific price for the Integra Type R commission, the level of detail and time invested suggest it was far from inexpensive. The special Honda is one of four unique customer commissions Tolman plans to complete this year.
