Determination
People build cars for many different reasons, some people do it for personal reasons, others do it for bragging rights, other people do it to have something to do with friends, it takes many different humans to piece together this puzzle we call the car world. The owner of this Civic, Leon would fall into the category of personal, something he can look back at and be proud of, even if no one is watching. When he wanted to put together an EK9 he looked to both Japan and the US for inspiration.
Its almost impossible to have an immaculate car in Ireland, as much as people here look to America for inspiration, we often get upset at just how meticulously clean most of their vehicles are. In Ireland, a quick trip to anywhere in your prized possession includes navigating your way through some of the crappiest potholes, speed ramps, bumps cracks, muddy laneways and well oh, to make things a little more interesting, a splash of the four seasons, dumped on top of you when you least expect it.
I have nothing but respect for Leon wanting to go against all odds, a guy who lives in the middle of nowhere, down roads most Americans would loose their life trying to navigate in their prized beauties. I have the greatest respect for someone who wanted to put together his idea of an immaculate well built timeless EK9.
Already starting with an amazing base, Leon wanted that clean Japanese take on USDM mix mash cocktail look and bring it to Ireland. A super simple, minimal Ek9 with tasteful modifications from both sides of the pond. The purpose of this car was just to enjoy it as a daily driver in the summer, when the roads are not complete chaos, a super clean well looked after EK9 that he can keep with him for a long time to come.
Retaining most of what he adored about his EK9 he went about making sure the body work was brought up to a flawless specification. Something usually ends up being a harsh contrast against our muddy countryside roads, roads where the tractor reigns king. This shiny shoed Civic would almost be out of place out there. A Japanese car wearing expensive American shoes with a backdrop of cows, mud and more cows. How about that Titanium J’s racing catback tip poking out, all about the little things.
Leon worked his face off to save up for a set of these wheels. It was apparently the first set to ever be fitted to an EK9 and the first set to be purchased in the republic of Ireland. Scary how someone determination can push people, these wheels were by no means cheap, and to get them to Ireland was going to cost an arm and a leg. This had Leon doing crazy hours on the farm, eventually giving Leon the idea that he was going to fly to the US and pick up his wheels in real life! Which he did! Going that extra mile regardless of what people thought.
The car was dropped up to Taylors shedin Rosslare, where it received a stripped down look in the engine bay in the form of a wire tuck, something Leon had planned on doing for a long time, receiving a Willwood brake. servo kit and some copper nickel brake lines. The idea was simple, work off of what Honda had already done, and just tidy up everything on the car so it became a perfect adaptation of a Civic Type R. Subtle touches like Polisihing the OEM cover to pop against the J’s Racing manifold and spotless clean bay.
Leon loved the inside of the civic, wanting to retain much of what was already factory from Honda, a set of Takata harnesses are the perfect marriage for the The red Recaro EK9 seats. There is more plans in the pipeline as time goes on to add more subtle goodies but for now he is more than happy with just a completely refreshed original interior that’s meticulously clean and factory.
The car looks great, Leon opted for more of a timeless look, taking little elements from each side of the Honda culture and putting them together to make to make his take on the civic. Clear side repeaters, Carefully selected sticker action and a perfect balance of wheel fitment, nothing over the top that will look dated in the not so distant future.
With a super fresh paint job the car almost looks like something from a catalogue. The Honda sits pretty with the aid of some BC Coilovers, accompanies by Buddyclub lower control arms and adjustable camber arms, he wanted the car to remain a fully functional beast and not alter the handling too much which would kill the overall spirit of the Type R.
The J’s racing system gives the B series such a fantastic note that resonates against the night. This car brings a smile as it rolls along next to you, unusually shiny against good old Ireland. Its great seeing the satisfaction when something works out for someone. Where many others would take the short cut with wheels or parts, Leon patiently waits till the right time to grab what he needs for his car. Sometimes the build can be a slow process, with some of the most enjoyable elements being the hunt for that perfect part,. This EK9 perfect blend of elements from the broad styles inside the Honda culture. We look forward to seeing what comes next Leon and his delicious Ciic Type R.
Hope you enjoy this car as much as we do.
Wheels/Tires/Suspension/Handling
BuddyClub lower control arms
BuddyClub Camber Arms
Bc Racing Coilovers
CCW LM20’s
Exterior
Original exterior revamped
All dents and scratches removed
Car underwent respray with new front bumper sourced.
Factory tint
Clear side repeaters
Engine
Full Wire tuck from the the depths of Taylors shed
Fidanza Flywheel
Exedy organic clutch
Titanium J’s Racing Catback
J’s racing manifold
Polished Rocker cover
Copper nickel brake lines
Willwood brake servo kit
Interior
Full Standard Ek9 Interior
Personal wheel
Takata Harnesses