1974 Ford

The RS3100 was developed as a homologation special by Ford Advanced Vehicle Operations in Boreham, Essex in order to challenge the European Touring Car Championship. The previously successful RS2600 of 1971 was now being bettered by the BMW E9 CSL and the RS3100 was Ford’s response.

Announced to the press in late 1973, just 250 cars were to be built, all right-hand drive and featuring the distinctive spoiler kit and larger engine to make the Capri competitive in Group 2 once more. Derived from the 3.0 unit found in the Capri 3000GT, the RS3100 featured enlarged cylinder bores giving an overall displacement of 3098cc from 2993cc. Additional Cosworth derived upgrades included hand polished inlet manifolds, cylinder head ports and exhaust ports. Blue cam covers differentiated it from lesser versions. Obviously, there was a myriad of detail upgrades in all areas from suspension to braking.

This fine example finished to original specifications in the great shade of Sebring Red was originally supplied by Ford main dealer Phillips and Geake Ltd, the only Ford RS dealer in Cornwall, indeed this was the sole RS delivered new in Cornwall where it has remained for most of its life. First registered in 1974 the car was bought new by Kelly’s Ice Cream, still a Cornwall success story as a company car for a director and clearly a car enthusiast. It must have been quite a sight on Cornish roads back then. He kept the car for some years before selling it to a good friend and RS enthusiast, also Cornwall based. Following his passing the car passed to his brother, a fellow enthusiast who continued to use the car, albeit lightly into the 1980’s as indicated in MOT and tax discs on file. The intention was always to restore the car hence this owner purchased many new old stock body parts and stored them carefully with this intention.

Around a decade ago the fourth and last owner, a Cornwall based car enthusiast and regular Hairpin customer saw the car in a barn whilst purchasing another classic from this third owner of the Capri. He tried in vain to buy it then, but his careful perseverance paid off and in 2016/7 he became the owner. Following consultation with the RS3100 section of the Ford AVO Club he contacted the four recommended restorers with the intention of making the Capri as new again. He settled upon the renowned specialist Andy’s Autobody and the many invoices on file and photographs of the work as it progressed over the following two years show that no compromise was made and no expense spared.

The drivetrain was entrusted to Specialised Engines Ltd, the original engine being rebuilt to their ultimate Stage Four specification giving a reliable 175-180 bhp compared to the 148 bhp of the original road version.

The interior was re-trimmed by Aldridge Trimming who know what they are doing with this model hence it is to original finish and as new.

The RS3100 has seen minimal use following this full and comprehensive restoration other than for snagging and servicing and hence it remains in probably better than new order throughout with fantastic detail.

A very special RS3100 restored by renowned specialists with just four owners from new, correct in all respects and known by the RS3100 Register. It comes with correspondence, the above-mentioned MOT and tax certificates and the many restoration invoices and memory stick of many restoration photographs not to mention a rare RS3100 workshop manual and RS3100 handbook supplement copy.