Honda used the sixth-generation Civic for the first-ever Civic Type R. Codenamed EK9 after the GF-EK9 chassis code, this high-revving icon wasn't sold in the United States or Europe. It was a JDM affair that was produced in limited numbers: 7,007 for the 1998 model year, 4,009 for the 1999 model year, and 5,225 units for the 2000 model year.
Said production total includes 200 examples of the N1-spec Motor Sports Edition, which is even lighter than the regular Civic Type R due to a plethora of weight-saving measures, including anti-lock braking system, audio system, power steering, electric mirrors, and electric windows deletions. The car we'll cover today isn't a Motor Sports Edition, but a Championship White-painted Civic Type R that's currently located in Canada.
Chassis number EK91103163 was acquired and imported from the United Kingdom to Canada by the seller in 2023. Offered on Bring a Trailer at no reserve with little in the way of modifications, this 1999 model is currently going at $5,100 with a little under five days of bidding left. It should be noted that $5,100 is peanuts for such a coveted vehicle.
In the first year of production, the Civic Type R used to retail at 1,698,000 yen. That means ¥1,875,870 adjusted for inflation, which is $11,940 at current exchange rates. The rarity of the JDM-only EK9 and its prestige makes it a helluva lot more valuable in this day and age.
For example, a pristine 2000 Honda Civic Type R with few miles on the clock and no mods whatsoever sold in 2020 at auction in Japan for a whopping 7.64 million yen before taxes and shipping costs. In other words, 8,244,745 yen or 52,465 freedom eagles adjusted for inflation.
Photo: savethewheelsplz on Bring a Trailer
It's pretty obvious that whoever bids the most on EK91103163 isn't going to match that, especially after the winning bidder goes over the visual imperfections and the aftermarket upgrades of this vehicle. Approximately 5,000 kilometers of the 123K shown by the odometer were added under current ownership. 123,233 converts to 76,573 miles, which is nothing for the 8,400-rpm B16B.
As implied, the naturally aspirated four-pot engine displaces a little under 1.6 liters. The block is cast iron, whereas the VTEC cylinder head is light alloy. From a per-liter standpoint, B16B was the hottest free-breathing four of its era. In the Civic Type R, it developed 182 horsepower (185 ps) and 118 pound-feet (160 Nm) at 7,500 revolutions per minute.
Pictured on 15-inch alloys mounted with 195/55 rubber, this EK9 had its timing belt replaced for extra peace of mind. A new battery, spark plugs and wires, a Spoon Sports air filter, and a thorough service of the braking system also need to be mentioned. As far as the aftermarket stuff is concerned, the list includes an alarm system, an aluminum radiator, and a tubular header.
The 2.5-inch exhaust system is aftermarket as well. The seller notes corrosion along the body and a cracked front spoiler. Because the EK9 was never certified by the EPA or DOT, prospective bidders from the United States of America should consider the 25-year import rule. Offered without a title, chassis number EK91103163 comes with a registration in the seller's name, vanity plates, a Civic Type R cover, and a selection of spares.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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