Overview

The Honda Civic Type R EK9 remains one of the most iconic Japanese performance cars ever produced and this 1998 example finished in Championship White represents an increasingly rare opportunity to secure a genuine Type R directly from Japan.

Showing 148,612km from new, equivalent to approximately 92,344 miles, this Honda Civic Type R has clearly been enjoyed throughout its life and should be viewed as an honest enthusiast owned example rather than a concours show car. The auction sheet reflects this with a number of cosmetic imperfections and age related wear, but in today’s market originality and authenticity are becoming increasingly important.

Finding genuine EK9 examples in Japan is becoming more difficult every year. Buyers are often willing to accept cosmetic imperfections in exchange for securing an authentic Honda Civic Type R, particularly one finished in Championship White with the desirable factory red Type R interior.

With an auction start price of approximately £5,000 and an Autoselecta guide price of £9,000 to £11,500, this could represent one of the more affordable entry points into one of Japan’s most respected and collectible hot hatches.

Honda from Japan

Auction Information

• Auction House: USS Tokyo
• Auction Date: 25 June 2026
• Lot Number: 10013
• Year: 1998
• Make: Honda
• Model: Civic Type R
• Chassis Code: EK9
• Engine: 1.6 Litre B16B DOHC VTEC
• Transmission: 5 Speed Manual
• Drive Type: Front Wheel Drive
• Exterior Colour: Championship White
• Colour Code: NH0
• Interior Colour: Red Type R Interior
• Mileage: 148,612km
• Approximate Mileage: 92,344 Miles
• Auction Grade: 3
• Interior Grade: C
• Auction Start Price: £5,000
• Autoselecta Guide Price: £11,000 to £13,500
• Bidding Deadline: 9pm UK Time on the day before auction

Vehicle Specification

• 1.6 Litre B16B DOHC VTEC Engine
• 5 Speed Manual Transmission
• Factory Limited Slip Differential
• Factory Red Type R Interior
• Power Steering
• Electric Windows
• Air Conditioning
• ETC System
• Lightweight Type R Chassis
• Seam Welded Body Shell
• Close Ratio Gearbox
• Championship White Paint Finish

Why The Honda Civic Type R EK9 Has Become One Of Japan’s Most Collectible Hot Hatches

The Honda Civic Type R EK9 was the first Civic ever to wear the famous Type R badge and immediately established itself as one of the greatest front wheel drive performance cars ever built.

Honda engineers focused on reducing weight, improving handling and creating a pure driver’s car rather than chasing outright horsepower figures. The result was a machine that rewarded skill, precision and commitment behind the wheel.

At the heart of the Honda Civic Type R sits the legendary B16B VTEC engine. Producing remarkable power from just 1.6 litres, the B16B became famous for its willingness to rev and its addictive VTEC crossover. Combined with a close ratio gearbox, limited slip differential and lightweight construction, the result was a driving experience that many enthusiasts still consider impossible to replicate today.

Modern hot hatches have become larger, heavier and increasingly dependent on electronic systems. The EK9 represents a simpler era where driver involvement came first and that purity is exactly why values continue to rise globally.

Ultimate Guide for Japanese Imports

Condition Report

• This Honda Civic Type R has been awarded Auction Grade 3 with Interior Grade C.
• The auction inspector notes that the air conditioning is not functioning correctly.
• The spare tyre is missing.
• Damage is present within the rear luggage compartment area.
• The driver’s seat shows wear consistent with age and mileage.
• Dashboard deterioration is noted.
• A steering wheel cover has been fitted.
• The front spoiler shows scratches and damage.
• Paint deterioration and cosmetic imperfections are present on lower body sections.
• The rear lower panel shows scratches and wear.
• The interior requires cleaning and shows signs of regular use.
• The exterior carries various cosmetic imperfections consistent with the vehicle’s age and auction grade.
• Overall this should be viewed as an honest enthusiast owned example rather than a collector grade show car.

Japanese Auction Grades

Auction Sheet Notes

• Air conditioning fault recorded.
• Spare tyre missing.
• Rear luggage compartment damage noted.
• Driver seat wear present.
• Dashboard deterioration present.
• Steering wheel cover fitted.
• Front spoiler scratches and damage.
• Lower body paint deterioration recorded.
• Rear lower panel scratches recorded.
• The interior requires cleaning.
• Multiple small scratches present around the body.
• Multiple small dents present around the body.
• Repair marks recorded on the right rear quarter.
• Additional repair work noted on the rear section.
• Paint deterioration recorded on the rear bumper area.
• General age related wear throughout.

Import This Honda Civic Type R EK9 To The USA Through Autoselecta

One of the biggest attractions of this Honda Civic Type R EK9 is that it is fully eligible for import into the United States under the 25 year import rule.

The EK9 was never officially sold in America, meaning every genuine example currently on US roads has been individually imported from Japan. This exclusivity has helped establish the model as one of the most sought after Japanese performance cars available to American collectors and enthusiasts.

At Autoselecta we provide complete support throughout the import process. We handle auction bidding, vehicle collection, export paperwork, shipping arrangements and customs documentation from start to finish.

Before bidding we can provide a full landed cost quotation based on your chosen destination so you know exactly what your Honda Civic Type R will cost before making a commitment.

As genuine EK9 examples continue to disappear from the Japanese market, importing directly from Japan remains one of the best ways to secure an authentic Type R.

Why Use Autoselecta

Buying a Honda Civic Type R directly from Japan can seem daunting if you have never imported a vehicle before, but Autoselecta makes the entire process straightforward, transparent and stress free.

From the moment you enquire about a vehicle, our team handles everything on your behalf. We translate the auction sheet, explain the condition report in plain English, provide realistic bidding advice and ensure you fully understand what you are purchasing before any money is committed.

Once your bid is successful, we manage every stage of the process including auction payment, inland transport within Japan, export documentation, shipping arrangements and customs procedures. Whether you are importing to the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, New Zealand or elsewhere in the world, we can provide a complete landed cost estimate before you bid so there are no unexpected surprises later.

Unlike many import companies that pass customers between multiple departments and third party agents, Autoselecta provides a single point of contact throughout the entire journey. From your first enquiry until the vehicle arrives at its destination, you will always know exactly who to speak to and exactly where your vehicle is in the process.

For enthusiasts searching for increasingly rare vehicles such as the Honda Civic Type R EK9, direct access to Japanese auction stock is often the only way to secure the right car at the right price.

Auction Caution

This vehicle should be viewed as an enthusiast grade example rather than a collector grade show vehicle.

The auction inspector notes an air conditioning fault, missing spare tyre, seat wear, dashboard deterioration, cosmetic imperfections and repair marks around the body.

The vehicle has received Auction Grade 3 and Interior Grade C which accurately reflects the overall condition.

Prospective buyers should review all available photographs and auction documentation before bidding.

Why The Honda Civic Type R EK9 Continues To Appreciate

The EK9 sits at the very beginning of the Type R story and remains one of the purest examples Honda has ever produced.

Supply continues to decrease every year as vehicles are exported, restored or absorbed into private collections while global demand continues to increase.

For many enthusiasts, the Honda Civic Type R EK9 represents the perfect balance between performance, simplicity and collectability.

As a result, original Championship White examples continue to attract strong interest from collectors throughout Japan, Europe, Australia and the United States.

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Contact Our Team

If you would like additional photographs, shipping quotations, inspection assistance or further information regarding this Honda Civic, contact the Autoselecta team today.

Our specialists can provide guidance on bidding strategy, import costs and worldwide export options.

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