Never This Nice: 1999 Acura Integra GSR – SOLD!

January 26, 2023, Update – We confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

For those of a certain age, the Acura Integra is one of the most impactful sport compact cars ever sold. Alongside its cheaper sibling, the Honda Civic, the Integra was a tuner’s delight, perfectly capturing the Lego-like qualities of Honda/Acura products in the early 90s. You could build them to be a drag racer in the streets or on the strip; you could build them into extremely competent road cars; they were easy to lower and stuff fatter tires on, enhancing their already competent handling; and on top of all that, it was a Honda product which means it was as reliable as all get-out, even when being mercilessly flogged by teenage drivers. The seller last asked $14,500 for his 1999 Acura Integra GS-R in January 2023 via a Craigslist ad in Raleigh, North Carolina has to be one of the nicest examples left and features the high-revving, VTEC-enabled four-cylinder engine that sets the GS-R apart from the rest of the lineup. Comparing that price against the Classic.com model guide shows that the seller is asking for slightly more than its worth, with an average sale price of $12,000 that may not take into account the distinctive qualities of the GS-R:

If you are serious about buying this nicely preserved and updated Integra, you can start the conversation by emailing the seller here.  When you connect, please remember to mention you saw their Acura featured here on GuysWithRides.com.

The Acura of today is far from how the company was previously perceived in the marketplace. Despite knowing full well that the Acura brand was the more expensive companion brand to Honda, this hardly stopped a wide range of customers – from enthusiasts to hairdressers to young professionals – from wanting to slide behind the wheel of a handsome Acura product that typically came with all the upmarket features not offered by Honda in an entry-level model. Leather seating surfaces, CD players, upgraded audio equipment, polished wheels – and so on. The Integra was an excellent option for aspiring young professionals who wanted to reward themselves without raising too many eyebrows in the office parking lot. But when the first owner checked the box for the upgraded GS-R package, the personality of the little Integra changed dramatically, becoming a high-revving, rip-snorting performance car seemingly overnight.

The MotorWeek Retro Review YouTube Channel features this test drive of a then-new 1994 Acura GSR sedan to see improvements had been made over the launch model:

The problem with high-revving sports compacts such as these is that they become instant theft magnets. Remember, even if you stepped up to the top-of-the-line GS-R, all of your switchgear, door handles, front fascias, and more stay the same, year over year, shared with even the lowest base model. That means every Integra is potentially a target for a thief who wants to pad his bank account with desirable used parts sales. The seller has done a bang-up job of making this Integra stand out from the crowd, which will be appreciated at car meets but not as much if you have to park this car outside or on the street. The interior has been freshened with stunning red carpeting and new leather seat covers. Under the hood, a genuine red Integra Type R valve cover has been installed, and between that and the carpeting, it’s clear the seller was channeling the JDM Type R when restoring this example. The wheels have been refinished recently, and the emblems replaced front and rear. It’s rare to see an owner resist the urge to modify an Integra and rarer still to find one that spends money correctly.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“Super clean, 1999 Acura Integra GS-R, two owners, no accidents, clean title in hand, 182,500 miles. NC car, originally purchased in 1998 at Leith Acura of Cary. Rare opportunity to own a clean, stock, rust-free example of a car that’s becoming collectible.

Engine/Suspension: Stock, runs and drives great. The OEM Type R valve cover was installed recently (pictured), but I still have the original

Interior: Recently restored! In my opinion, it’s better than new with the beautiful red carpet, new black w/ red stitching Katzkin leather seat covers (professionally installed), and new front and rear speakers

Exterior: Original paint, has the normal scratches and dings you’d expect for a 24-year-old car. Recent detail/polish brought back the shine, now looks incredible for its age. New front windshield weatherstripping, all-new front and rear emblems, and professionally restored wheels look amazing. No cracks/chips in any of the glass.”

Fast and the Furious star: The Integra lit up the big screen back in the day; nowadays, is it a real-deal collectible?