Joshua Vides Fulfilled a Childhood Promise With His 2001 Acura Integra Type R
The contemporary artist’s ‘Teggy is so limited, it was nearly stolen in transit.
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A lot of people make promises to themselves when they’re young on what supercars they’ll have when they inevitably become a success. Lamborghinis, Bugattis, Porsches – the sky’s the limit, really. For graphic designer and artist Joshua Vides, his childhood promise was realized with a “sensible” Integra.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last decade, chances are you’ve seen Joshua Vides‘ work. The Guatemalan-American based contemporary artist is best known for his “flat” artwork, one that mimics if our reality were drawn to life using pen and paper. The execution is visually stunning, the applications are endless, and the artwork remains timeless. Vides’ vision is so widespread that it resonates globally, allowing for partnership work with such brands as Disney/Pixar, New Balance, Converse, Topps baseball cards, luxury brand Fendi and even automotive companies like BMW and Toyo Tires. For car guys, it doesn’t end there – Joshua even applied his signature style on a classic Acura/Honda NSX and drove it around the streets of LA, which naturally went viral.
Vides definitely has a keen eye for visuals, and a heightened sense of taste in terms of his automotive interests too. His 2001 Acura Integra Type R speaks volumes – what was once “just” a high-revving Japanese sports coupé in a sea of Honda Civics, Mitsubishi Evos and Subaru WRXs is now a hero car in the JDM car scene. Acura stands by its Integra moniker: they’ve recently resurrected the name in the form of a four-door sedan, and just unveiled the sporty, widebody Type S edition as well. Vides’ edition, however, is the one you’d want and now considered a modern classic to enthusiasts.
The DC2 third-generation Integra Type R had a very limited release globally, with model years 1997, 1998, 2000 and 2001 seeing low 300-2000+ numbers each year in the United States. Vides’ 2001 however is especially rare, having imported it from Canada in Championship White over Red interior. The combination was never actually released in the United States in 2000 and 2001, with Type R models only available in Yellow or Black for the US market. Ask any enthusiast however and they’ll unanimously agree that Championship White is the move, and an all-red interior is the icing on the cake.
Check out our latest edition of DRIVERS and in case you missed it, our previous entry was with Leen Customs founder Hansel Echeverria and his 1973 Nissan Skyline “Hakosuka.”
Antonio Dymsza
Antonio Dymsza
Antonio Dymsza
Antonio Dymsza
Antonio Dymsza
Antonio Dymsza
Antonio Dymsza
Tell us about your car.
This is a 2001 Acura Integra Type R, Canadian spec. 1 of 187 were ever produced with this color combo.
When did you acquire it?
The purchase started in June of 2021 but took a few months to get settled and into the states. I honestly had no idea how difficult it would be to import a used car from Canada but now I know and probably wouldn’t do it again. EPA Compliance approvals and having Honda Canada and Honda U.S. to communicate back and forth took weeks. Apparently, someone tried to steal it during transit knowing the rarity but that’s a story for another day.
What made you choose this car specifically?
Not only the Type R but the Integra in general brought a lot of attention to Acura in the late 90s. The headlights being the focal point, but incorporating the B18 engine into the lightweight frame created a visceral and new experience inside of a 2,600lb coupe. But to me, the Championship White colorway is what I settled on the moment the Type Rs hit the road.
Back then, I was 12 years old and I promised myself that one day I’d own that exact car. 21 years later, I made little Josh very very happy.
“I think there are commonalties [between art and automotive]. Both artists and car companies strive for perfection through performance.”
What is the main purpose of this car for you?
Mainly a trophy to stare at in my garage, but I definitely take it out on the weekends if the roads permit. At the moment it has 76k miles so I’m trying to keep that as low as possible knowing one day I’ll be handing it over to someone else.
Any details? Modifications? Changes?
I’m going to keep this bone stock. As of now the only upgrades I made were the tires, only because the last set were 10 years old. If I do anything down the road it would most likely be suspension, and grab the 1998 16” Type R wheels in white with a fatter tire. Interior is immaculate and the exterior needs no attention so any changes would be strictly for performance.
Any interesting stories you’d like to share about this car?
My older brother had a 4-door GS Integra back in the day. That’s probably when I really fell in love with the car, when I would sneak out of the house and drive it to see my girlfriend at 3 in the morning.
Antonio Dymsza
Antonio Dymsza
Antonio Dymsza
Antonio Dymsza
Antonio Dymsza
Antonio Dymsza
Antonio Dymsza
Antonio Dymsza
Antonio Dymsza
You’ve worked closely with car brands before. What attracts you to working within automotive?
I think anything I’ve done has all organically presented itself. I like cars, and car brands like people who like cars, plain and simple. I have a really big automotive project coming out later this year that I can’t wait to show it.
Where do you see parallels between art and cars?
I think there are commonalties within each category. Both artists and car companies strive for perfection through performance. At least the good ones do…
Any recent automotive projects or designs that really inspired you?
I drove my [Porsche 911] 993 up the mountain the other day. My ass slipped out on some dirt on the road from the storm a few weeks ago. I adjusted my steering wheel while I drifted into this 65º turn. I felt like I was in a movie… It was magical. So yeah, that was inspiring as I’m still alive.
What are cars to you: aspirational achievements, functional tools, stress-relievers, etc?
That’s a tough question as they check all the boxes above. I guess it depends on the car but they really all introduce separate emotions and experiences.
What’s in your three-car dream garage?
Wow. Thats like asking what my top three movies are. Since we don’t have all the time in the world I’ll answer quickly…
1. 1980 BMW M1 – White
2. 1998 Ferrari F355 Berlinetta – Black
3. 1994 Porsche 911 Turbo S 3.6 Package – Black
Antonio Dymsza
What is the future of the automotive industry, and car culture in general?
From the looks of it, a bunch of electric-powered vehicles. It’s interesting seeing people adapting to the climate and modifying their older cars with electric capabilities.
As far as car culture goes I feel we’ve seen the best we’re going to get. The newer cars aren’t as exciting to me as early 00s and so on. Sure there are a few cars that stand out but really, anybody who cares about car culture is looking for all the older goods and crossing their fingers the AC still works.
