Get out and drive
IF YOU’VE EVER tried to organise a group activity with a bunch of busy friends, you’ll understand why it can be easier said than done. Myself and a group of former colleagues often talk about getting together for a drive, but in reality it probably happens once a year at most. Given the fact we’ve been missing many of the regular events due to Covid-19, the appetite to make something happen this time seemed stronger than usual.
With plenty of parking and outdoor space, the charming little cycling-themed Café Ventoux was chosen as a start point. Naturally, a quick fluid and level check at my workshop in the morning turned into a full hour-long pampering session – so I turned up a little later than planned. As I pulled into the car park, I was surprised to spot another Integra Type R! It was interesting to have a close look around the Japanese-market example and chat with the owner about his five years of ownership.
Thankfully this wasn’t a day for clock-watching, as we were still waiting for photographer Aston Parrott to arrive. After nerdy car conversation over breakfast, it was time to head out. Aston pointed us in the direction of a beauty spot by Rutland Water.
If you’ve read evo magazine at any point in the past ten years, you might recognise some of the cars – all pictured above. It’s an interesting mix and, as we attempted to find a common theme between them, Aston proclaimed it the ‘no cupholders club’. This would have been quite a serene spot if it weren’t for the Lancia’s cooling fan working overtime. To be fair, it did feel like the warmest day of the year so far.
After years of living with slightly finicky and highly strung French cars, there’s a refreshing confidence driving the Honda on a blisteringly hot day like this. The temperature gauge was rock-solid all day, never wavering above the half-way point. Working air conditioning is a blessing too, and one of the reasons I bought this particular Type R.
After a high-octane refuel in Corby, we headed towards the B660 – a particularly good stretch of road between rural Northamptonshire and Bedford that’s about 40 brisk-driving minutes away. I stayed towards the back of the pack, and was soon reminded that, as magnificent as the 1.8-litre VTEC engine is, it needs to be worked hard to extract best performance. Get caught below the magic 6000rpm switchover point and Antony’s 106 Rallye vanishes into the distance.
I know this road very well, but it’s actually the first time I’ve been here in the Type R. Keeping it on the boil is half the fun, and it’s when you’re driving in the upper limits of its 9000rpm rev range that the chassis, steering and subtle yet effective limited-slip differential really wake up. It tingles with feedback and tactility, which is always fun to re-discover.
Our end-point was a village pub with a nice beer garden. The heat was intense all day, and that first Pepsi went down incredibly well. It can be hard to find an excuse to get out and drive but, after the year we’ve all had, this was just what the doctor ordered.