Type approval

Oh no. Have I pressured our beloved Integra into a rub upon its synchro ring? (Art of Speed, evo 230) Have I been overly handling its gearknob [pictured above], god forbid? I will promise from now on only to grip firmly as I bang up another gear, then will leave well alone.

When I drive our beloved DC2, I see no black plastic or fake carbon inserts while sitting deep down in its black Recaro seat. I search only apex to apex through that ice-thin glass and a spinning rev counter behind that Momo steering wheel, and then the Integra and I are as one. It becomes an extension of my hands, feet and backside. I love it to death.

Acquired in 2000, and even after 16 years of ownership, our red, 61,000mile Integra is factory standard and one of the family. It is without doubt the finest drivers’ car I have ever driven – and I have driven a lot since I passed my test in 1959 when I was 17 years old. Yes, I am 74 going on 12 and I own an Integra type R. Bob Levine