When I told my mother we were buying a 25-year-old Civic for the next Gapped giveaway car, she looked confused and asked, “Why would anyone want that, love?” In most cases, starting a conversation with the words "25-year-old Civic" doesn't exactly spark excitement in the people you're talking to.

So, why does this 25-year-old Civic get everyone so excited?

When I was 17, my first car was a 2005 Honda Civic Sport in Lunar Silver Metallic. Since it was my first car, the clan I’d be joining was always going to be the Honda community, along with the people surrounding that “scene” (though I hate using the word “scene”). The 18 months that followed were consumed by Honda forums and everything JDM. I was hooked, and soon, I was idolizing JDM Hondas built in Japan. These cars were designed to be well-balanced, lightweight remakes of their standard versions. One of these models was the ’96-spec DC2, which I personally owned two of and loved every minute of ownership. The second DC2 I bought had only 60,000 kilometers on it, and I got it for a remarkable price of fifteen hundred quid (I know, mental). That car ended up being one of those I still wish I had. It just felt perfect, and I was lucky enough to be a “youngster” when I picked it up.

Anyway, I don’t want to go too deep into my past and spiral into self-indulgence—save that for another time. But I do want to give you a quick warm-up on why you should be excited to own this immaculate EK9. It’ll be brief because we’ve got a detailed content stream coming your way. If you're not convinced now, you will be by the end of the competition.

So, here’s your brief warm-up.

Imagine pulling up to a gathering with friends. The weather is warm, and the sun is just setting behind the golden arches of McDonald’s. The smell of a freshly cooked double cheeseburger drifts through the air. Then, a mid-30s guy in a Yas Marina F80 M3 parks nearby. His hair is perfectly styled, and the sun reflects off his M Performance sunstrip. He steps out and walks over to you with a confident stride. Why? What’s his deal? Should I be worried? Does he think I sell discounted chicken selects?

The closer he gets, the more it’s clear that his eyes are locked onto the EK9, almost in a daze. Then, he asks, “Who owns this car?” You point to yourself while a family of five drives past, clutching five meals for under a tenner. He tries again and says, “I’ve always wanted one of these. I think this is only the second one I’ve seen in the flesh. Great car, mate. It must be amazing to drive.”

Now, I know this is a made-up scenario, but trust me, something like this will happen. If anything, I’ve toned it down to not overhype how well this car will be received by random people.

Many people know why the EK9 is such a special car, but if you don’t, keep an open mind and follow our journey over the next few weeks. We’re going to take you through its history and more.

Unless you’re a heartless beast, of course.