2003 Honda Civic Type-R EP3

Highlights

• JDM-spec EP3 Type R

• Imported in 2022

• Maintained and rust-protected with Lanoguard by enthusiast owner

• Unique JDM features

• Great overall condition 

Overview

When Honda introduced the legendary EP3 Civic Type R in 2001, it was originally intended only for the UK market.

 

The much-loved 197bhp three-door hot hatch was essentially a ‘skunkworks’ project developed by Honda’s UK engineers, built at the Swindon factory using a 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine and close-ratio six-speed gearbox, plus suede-effect sports seats and subtle red stitching. It wasn’t as extroverted as previous Honda Type Rs, but it was sensational to drive, arriving at a time when the hot hatch segment was undergoing a resurgence.

 

The Type R joined the Renault Clio 172, MINI Cooper S, Ford Focus ST, MG ZS and Alfa 147 GTA among a selection of similarly powered versions of ordinary hatchbacks that recalled the hot hatch glory days, sending PHers into a frenzy that’s sees most of those cars rightfully sitting on a pedestal today. 

 

But among them, the EP3 Civic was arguably the best. Its eagerness to spin up to 8,000rpm, coupled with that slick six-speed manual box whose lever was mounted high up on the dash, encouraging you to snick between cogs just because the experience was so satisfying, made it one of the best drivers’ cars of a generation. 

 

So much so that back in Minato City, Honda’s big cheeses started to sit up and take notice – enough for them to decide that Japan might like an EP3 Type R of its own – so discussions with Swindon began. In 2002, a JDM market model appeared and became the first Honda to be imported into Japan from a European nation. The JDM cars were assembled to order alongside the UK models at the Swindon factory and shipped to Japan via Bristol docks, making them exclusive in their home market – and also quite rare.

 

They’re worth seeking out, though, as despite the cars being built in the UK, the Japanese kept the best bits for themselves, including a more powerful version of the K20A iVTEC engine shared with the DC5 Integra, with an improved valvetrain and higher compression ratio delivering 212bhp. JDM cars also got a limited slip differential and a shorter ratio six speed gearbox, thicker anti-roll bars and red Recaro bucket seats, carpets and mats. 

 

This example was repatriated in late 2022 and bought from the importer by the vendor in 2023. Over the past two years, he has enjoyed and improved the car, treating it to Lanoguard rust protection. It’s been used as his daily transport, covering over 24,000km (16,000 miles) and maintained meticulously.

History and documentation

 

• Imported to the UK in 2022 and first registered on 1 October 2022

• First registered in Japan in July 2003

• UK V5C in the owner's name (only UK owner other than DCY Europe, the importer)

• MOT valid until September 2025

• Copies of last two MOTs and previous Japanese sha-ken inspections

• Maintained by owner and last fully serviced in December 2024

• Large folder of invoices for parts and service items acquired by the vendor during his two years of ownership, in which he has regularly serviced the car

• Two keys

• Original import slip with auction photos

• Car will come with an additional litre of Fuchs Titan oil, a Honda HAMP oil filter, a cabin filter and miscellaneous spare parts, including the original Carrozzeria stereo from Japan

Interior

 

• Original JDM-spec red Recaro seats in excellent order

• Seats are free from any damage outside gentle wear and tear, with little-to-no bolster wear and the Alcantara fabric is in very good condition

• Original red Type R mats

• Everything on the car works as it should, the climate control blows cold using the A/C.

• Electric folding mirrors are a little lazy, especially the driver’s side mirror, but this is a common issue for these cars and nothing outside of the norm

• The car has an aftermarket Atoto A6PF android stereo with wireless Car Play and Android Auto functionality

• Reversing camera and dash cam integrated with the stereo

• Focal Auditor speakers front and rear; separate door tweeters at the front

• Original MOMO steering wheel professionally reupholstered in black Alcantara by Royal Steering Wheels

 

Exterior

 

• Championship White paintwork with matching wheels

• HID headlights

• Genuine Honda accessory wind deflectors fitted from factory

• Paintwork is excellent and free from any major damage, but the vendor reports that there are a few marks commensurate with the car being used regularly at home and in Japan

• Some very minor dents on the upwards facing panels and lower passenger door

• Slight grazes on the corners of the vehicle that have been touched up by the previous owner

• No accident damage, the vehicle is straight under the bumpers as these were removed to Lanoguard the car and inspect. 

• The wheels are recently refurbed in the correct Championship White and are immaculate all-round

• Tyres are a matching set of Rovelo RPX-988 205/45/17 with approx 4mm tread remaining 

• The undercarriage of the car is reported by the vendor to be free from corrosion, and during his ownership it has had two Lanoguard treatments to keep it that way

• Spoon Sports blue-tinted convex wing mirror glass

 

 Mechanical

 

• 2.0-litre K20A iVTEC engine

• Six-speed close-ratio manual transmission

• 212 bhp power output

• Limited slip diff

• Kakimoto R stainless back box

• Serviced at 132,000km, 141,000km & 151,000km using Fuchs Titan Race Pro S 5w40 oil with Honda HAMP filter

• Recent Denso alternator and auxiliary belt

• New front lower arms with brand new ball joints and drop links

• Front brake callipers rebuilt with new pistons and seals

• Brake system flushed with Castrol React DOT 4 brake fluid

• OE fitment Brembo discs and pads all round

• NGK Iridium spark plugs, IFR7G-11KS, correct spec for this car

• Genuine Honda fuel filter 

• Gearbox oil flushed with Honda MTF3

• Reported by the owner to drive without fault

 

Summary

 

The EP3 Type R is already a collectable car, not least because of its increasing rarity, led by the propensity of UK-spec models to suffer from corrosion. 

 

This one is unlikely to suffer the same fate. Coming from a salt-free climate and benefiting from two Lanoguard treatments, it’s likely one of the most robust EP3s available, with evidence of diligent maintenance by a true enthusiast.

 

You’ll struggle to find a more genuine example – and if you keep it in the manner to which it’s accustomed, it’s more than likely a safe investment, too. 

 

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. The car is located in North Yorkshire.