We all remember the first time we saw The Fast and the Furious on the big screen, and most of us peeled out of the parking lot in our 127hp Honda Civic EX. If you long for those days when you made the VTEC kick in, now is your chance to own an original movie car with this 1996 Integra GS-R.
Despite the fact that the ad says this car is RWD, it seems to be well a documented and unique car for the right collector.
The 1996 Acura Integra GS-R is one of four principal cars in the films street race scenes. Driven by Jeffrey Atkins, better known as rap artist Ja Rule, playing the part of Edwin, the tricked-out Integra really makes a lasting impression. Originally built by Bill Kohl and Samko Racing Enterprises the car features not only the eye-grabbing paint job and graphics as well as the Wings West RS Racing series ground effects kit, but this Integra got some real performance modifications to back up the look.
From the Momo GT rims and Michelin radials to numerous suspension modifications, aimed at keeping the car tracking straight down the street, it's under the hood where things get interesting. The 1.8 litre V-Tec 4-cylinder's original 170 horsepower rating was pumped up with a cold air intake, 3mm over-bored throttle body, TruTime adjustable cam timing gears, Type-R intake cam, overdrive pulleys for both the alternator and power steering, DC Sports headers and exhaust, MSD 6A ignition and external HVC blaster coil and an Exedy racing clutch with a lightened flywheel, to help the 5-speed manual get the power through the gears and to the ground. While it all gives the Integra extra power and agility, it isn't over-the-top where it will affect reliability or overall drivability.
With primary sponsors AEM, Modern Image Sign Works, Michelin, Momo, Neuspeed, Polk audio, and Wings West being prominently displayed, it's easy to see why this car was also featured at both the 2002 and 2003 SEMA shows in Las Vegas as well as being the catalyst for over a dozen magazine atricles.
Knowing the value of the car, Universal Studios made a copy that was ultimately destroyed in the making of the film, leaving this as the only one remaining. Complete with the documentation and behind the scenes photographs and Ja Rule's signature under the dash pad cover, there's no doubt as to its provenance. Today the Integra has a scant 32,000 original miles on the odometer and looks every bit the contender that it did in the movie.
From the white MOMO wheels, to the Wings West body kit, this car brings back fond memories of browsing the pages of Sport Compact Car in order to find ways to upgrade my '95 Prelude. The big question is whether or not all that nostalgia is worth the current bid of $50,000.
If you have a question, a tip, or something you would like to to share about car-buying, drop me a line at AutomatchConsulting@gmail.com and be sure to include your Kinja handle.