While sifting through a file chock full of photos from a Honda Day event shot by long-time Honda Tuning freelancer Sean Bradford, I came across an auto that really stood out to me. Even though the high-powered drag cars and some spotless show cars certainly caught my attention, it was the virtually bone-stock, pristine condition, Acura Integra that stopped my clicking, and instead, had me zooming set forLower than 5,000 units produced for both the Usa and Canada, the 1992-93 Integra GS-R is considered by Honda enthusiasts to be a true classic. It was a standout amongst the influx of hot hatches and sport compacts that seemed to assault the U.S. market in 90s.
The vehicle in question was a 1992 Aztec Green Pearl Integra GS-R together with the only mods being a pair of OEM optional window and sunroof visors. The body was perfect, every little the paint shined to absolute perfection, even the engine bay was absolutely spotless. Having recently searched low and for this exact vehicle year and type to begin a new project, I had been taken back by how unnaturally the auto defied the laws of general aging. Instinctively, I thought to myself how nice it might have been to find that exact car during my long search, rather than the ragged, weathered version that I’d recently registered. Then reality stepped in and reminded me that this type of car should never, ever end up at the disposal of someone like myself.
There weren’t a lot of ’92 or ’93 GS-R Integras produced originally. In fact, figures are estimated at less than 5,000 units for both the U.S. and Canada. They still pop up on Craigslist and Autotrader from time to time, but as the years pass, the pickens have become quite slim. You’d be hard pressed to discover one that hasn’t been modified or slapped with the dreaded salvage title like a scarlet letter because of theft or damage, and also since they were so comfortable and reliable, mileage is rarely under 200K on the used market. The car pictured is truly a rare beast in that it carries the cliche cleaner than the day it rolled off the factory line appearance and even has its own original documentation. For a Honda enthusiast, it’s like owning a piece of history. For a nut job like myself, it might be the similar to holding a sheet of raw meat in front of a hungry lion. Listen, I have a problem with leaving good enoughyour third brake light into the GS-R models standard rear wing. With LS, LS Special, and GS models, the third brake can be found mounted on the rear glass rather than the wing.
If I would purchase this vehicle, it will remain in this type for exactly one week – just enough time to get a collection of coilovers as well as a rear sway bar installed and delivered. The showroom fresh 14in alloys could be stacked in the corner of my garage, making way for slightly larger and wider wheels and tires. That meticulously maintained engine bay? Well, its heart could be ripped out, completely disregarding the painstaking detailing method that probably included Q-tips and contorting other cleaning devices into all sorts of quirky shapes to free grime and corrosion from every nook and cranny. The engine’s block and head would be split, perhaps for the first time in its life, and a built bottom end would be about the agenda. Though Honda suitable for that B17 to scream savagely to redline in all of the of its naturally aspirated glory, I’d be inclined to look right the other way as I shopped for turbo that was neither too big or too small. That old school A/C with the good air could be removed along with the cruise control module and that jittery unrefined ABS along with it. Honestly, the above actions are essentially my to-do list on the haggard ’92 GS-R that I recently purchased and further proof that a car this nice, this well respected, should be kept far away from me.
Even though I have a lengthy road in front of me, I’m glad I stumbled upon a car which had been destined for more deterioration and possibly non-operational status rather than a true gem like the one the truth is pictured. Some quip that you should never say never but I’m likely to ignore that completely and admit that this type of car should never, be registered to someone like me.