First launched in 2011 the EP3 Honda Civic Type R, was a car that changed the game for UK performance hatchbacks and was winner of multiple “Hot Hatch of the Year” awards.
With its double wishbone rear suspension, 6-speed manual transmission, and 197bhp 2.0-liter VTEC engine revving up to 8,250rpm, it captured the hearts of motoring journalists and owners alike. Even after two decades, the EP3 Type R still stands out as a top-tier hot hatch with exceptional handling and power delivery.
We are delighted to offer one of the best remaining examples in the UK - a 2005 facelift model in Nighthawk Black, with air conditioning. Even more enticing, is that unlike so many, it remains in completely original condition, presenting as it left the factory.
This example is a very rare find today. In addition, with just 45k miles from new backed up by a FSH (14 stamps), MOT and substantial documented history, this is a true "Collector's Grade" example.
The car looks absolutely stunning in Nighthawk Black, which has a slight blueish hue to it, when seen in direct sunlight. Even today it is a great looking car especially in facelift form, its boxy “breadvan” design, being offset by a deep front spoiler, sideskirts and roof mounted rear spoiler. With the lovely double spoked 17in wheels, the overall look has sufficient menace and poise to show it means business, without looking to over the top, which some feel later versions of the Type R have become.
As can be seen from the photos, the paintwork is in superb overall condition, holds an impressive shine, is uniform both in colour and finish across all panels and all panel gaps are factory tight. There are no dents or marks to the bodywork and no sign of any areas of corrosion.
As part of the pre-sales preparation the car was subject to a sympathetic detail and treated to two coats of Swissvax’s excellent Crystal Rock wax, which provides up to 6-12 months paint protection.
The interior presents in fabulous condition representative of a car with such low mileage. Factory-fitted equipment includes fabric and Alcantara sports seats, air conditioning, electric windows, rear parking sensors, electric and heated door mirrors, projector headlights, heated front and rear screens and original Honda radio/cd player.
All the switch gear, dials and warning lights work as they should and the optional air conditioning, blows cold.
All carpets are in unmarked condition and OEM overmats are fitted.
Finally, the car comes with its OEM space saver tyre, warning triangle and jack kit.
More than anything this car is defined by its legendary engine, code named K20A2. It’s an impressive achievement producing nearly 200hp solely through natural aspiration. The remarkable feat is not only attributed to the clever variable valve timing and lift, which enables it to reach its power at a staggering 8,250rpm, but also to the overall depth of engineering. Contrary to expectations, this VTEC is not a delicate or unpredictable beast. The energetic K20A2 motor will continue revving at its limit without any issues.
These engines are known for their reliability, but it’s important that the servicing schedules are kept in line with Honda’s recommendations. This car has been meticulously looked after, boasting an FSH.
The gear stick sprouting out of the dash is perfectly located close to the steering wheel. The gearbox is a delight to use, with a positive feel to the shift and the gearbox operates exactly as it should.
As can be seen from the photos of the suspension components, they present almost as new and completely free from any surface corrosion, a typical sight on many other less cared for and maintained examples. The suspension operates as it should, being on the firm side (as to be expected from a performance hatch), but delivering fantastic levels of grip that will see the inside rear wheel “cock its leg” in spirited cornering on a track day drive!
The car sits on its original 17" twin spoke alloy wheels which present in excellent condition and are unmarked. All road wheels are fitted with Bridgestone Potenza RE 050A tyres in the correct OEM specification of 205/45 R17.
Front and rear discs and callipers all present in excellent condition and operate as they should.
As can be seen from the photos of the underside, this is one of the cleanest examples we’ve ever seen and presents like new.
Poorly protected from the factory, many EP3s have succumbed to rampant corrosion on their undersides, as a result of being driven on winter salt covered roads. Many have needed welding to pass MOTs and suspension and braking components, front and rear sub-frames, exhaust hangers and bumper carriers, can suffer severe corrosion.
The underside of this example belies the fact it is nearly 20 years old.
There are no signs of any welding and subframes, suspension and braking components all present in excellent condition.
As part of the pre-sales preparation, following a through clean down of the underside, all mechanical componentry on the car’s underside were painstakingly treated to multiple coatings of clear DINITROL automotive wax . This provides outstanding rust prevention and corrosion protection treatment. This treatment was also carried out over the original underseal, sills, floor pans, inner wheel arches, inner chassis members, rear bumper hangers and brake lines.
This all adds up to a car that now has outstanding underbody protection from corrosion, that is better than when it left the factory.
The documented history folder, contains the registration document and clear Total Vehicle Check dated 23/05/2024, which also references all the MOT results dating back to its first in 2008.
The file also contains extensive maintenance and parts invoices, dating back to its pre-delivery inspection.
In addition, the file also contains a collection of MOT certificates dating back to 2018 to the most recent issued in 2024, which expires in February 2025.
The service booklet shows 14 stamps in the book to date, with its most recent service in 2023 at 45,165 miles.
Finally, the car comes with 2 sets of keys and remote key fobs and its original Honda owner’s folder, which contains the owner’s handbook, service booklet and radio code card.
Whilst every effort has been taken to ensure accuracy of the vehicle descriptions and information, some inaccuracies may occur. It is important that you do not rely on this information but check with Montpellier Motor Cars Limited about any items which may affect your decision to buy this vehicle, as well as examine the vehicle and check the accuracy of the information before purchasing any vehicle. We cannot accept any liability arising from any errors in the data provided.
Whilst every effort is made to represent details accurately on our Web Site, variations or errors may occur and so the information contained herewith does not constitute an offer for sale of any particular vehicle, accessory or specification.
