A Honda Integra Type R DC2 Tolman restoration rarely reaches this level, but Tolman Engineering’s latest project sets a new benchmark for how these revered front-wheel-drive icons can be preserved and reimagined in the UK.
Built over 740 hours, this example goes far beyond a conventional rebuild.
Originally one of the official UK-market cars sold in the late 1990s, the DC2 has long held legendary status among enthusiasts.
Time, however, has not been kind to many surviving examples. This car arrived with extensive corrosion, particularly around the arches and floorpan where moisture had taken hold.
With genuine replacement panels now scarce, Tolman fabricated large sections from scratch, dedicating around 180 hours to reconstructing wheel arches, rear quarters and structural elements.
The aim was clear: restore strength properly, not disguise deterioration.
The finished car wears a colour that will divide opinion. Championship White has been replaced by a deep Peugeot green, applied using nitrogen during the painting process to eliminate moisture and deliver a cleaner, more consistent finish.
It’s a technically meticulous approach that reflects the wider build philosophy. New seals, refurbished lighting and thorough underside protection ensure the car is not only visually striking but also better equipped to handle modern roads than it ever was in period.
Mechanically, the philosophy remains faithful. The iconic B18C 1.8-litre VTEC engine has been rebuilt to factory specification, delivering a dyno-verified 190hp.
Upgrades are minimal and carefully judged, limited to essentials such as an immobiliser and additional soundproofing to improve usability without dulling the engine’s character.
Beneath the surface, the chassis has been comprehensively refreshed with Nitron dampers, new bushings, brakes and lines, sharpening the driving experience while retaining the car’s original balance.
Inside, attention to detail continues. The once-faded red Recaro seats have been retrimmed to match pristine rear upholstery, with period-correct fabric sourced from Australia.
Even the engine bay has been restored to a higher standard than factory, highlighted by a refinished red crackle cam cover.
What began as a simple repaint alongside the owner’s Tolman Edition Peugeot 205 GTi quickly evolved into a full-scale restoration once the car was stripped back.
With original parts unobtainable, Tolman chose to recreate rather than compromise. The result is a Honda Integra Type R DC2 restoration that respects its origins while elevating it for modern ownership.
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