Unicorn-grade Ford Capri RS3100 for sale
Almost all Capris are cool - but they come no cooler than the homologation special
The Capri RS3100 might not be the fast Ford that first comes to mind when thinking about those designed with competition as their raison d’être. Not with Lotus Cortinas and Cosworths to think about. Plus all manner of Escorts.
Rarity has to play a part in that. Just 250 RS3100s were made back in the '70s, all right-hand drive, to supersede the earlier RS2600. Having notched up some touring car success, it was no longer the boss of Group 2 with the BMW CSL on the scene. So Ford set about creating a better Capri, with regulations dictating that 100 production cars had to be made for a race car to be homologated. Instead of the Cologne V6 of the RS2600, the 3100 used the 3.0-litre Essex V6, bored from 2,993cc to 3,098cc and with polished ports. It mustered a modest (for now) 150hp, but it was lighter, lower and faster than the 2600.
The oil crisis won’t have helped the Capri’s cause. A race car had to compete in a European Touring Car Championship season running reduced rounds (and Ford pulled out for 1975), while as a road car, the demand for sports coupes wasn’t assisted by soaring petrol prices. A Mk2 Capri was on the horizon, too. Bad timing for a very cool car, basically, an occasionally forgotten chapter of the Ford RS story.
This one has its own very interesting tale to tell, with its life beginning as the only RS3100 that ever made it down to Cornwall. This Sebring Red car was actually owned by the boss of Kelly’s Ice Cream - bit more interesting than the usual four-door saloon. It then stayed in Cornwall well into the 21st century, to be discovered - you guessed it - in a barn, looking a bit sorry for itself. At the time, the person who found it was there to buy another classic, and the Capri wasn’t for sale. But a couple of years later a deal was done, and an almighty restoration embarked upon. ‘No compromise was made and no expense was spared’ on the resto according to the advert, in case the images weren’t enough of a clue.
As well as a perfect retrim and what must have been many hours of paint, the famous V6 was also treated to a spicy rebuild courtesy of Specialised Engines. So it’s now in the region of 180hp strong; bear in mind that’s their Stage Four spec and you have an idea of how much is required to pep up the old lump. It’s surely going to be as good as an Essex gets now.
Indeed, this must be as good as a Capri now gets, with very little use since the investment and a design that’s just getting better and better with age. The visual changes for the RS3100 were relatively modest, but those RS four-spokes and the ducktail ensure this will never be mistaken for any old Mk1. It’s fast Ford royalty to those that know - and a beautiful old Capri for everyone else. Win-win…
Out of curiosity a few weeks ago I looked at the new electric Capri……I was going to be polite but really what’s the point, by any reasonable measure….it was
Would love to have this in the garage, which sadly would be where it would have to stay if purchased, because a; driving it would devalue it massively, and b; how could you drive it safely with no door / wing mirrors?
I think if I were int he market for one, would find a well done restomod type thing, maybe with a V8 in, I know its not original and not an RS but think that badge and scarcity means its way out of most folks reach and wont be as capable of something you could buy for a third of the money or less.
These Essex engines were a very old design, the standard was 138 bhp. Mind you, 150 does seem on the low side, maybe a restriction under racing rules required this level... much like a Nissan Skyline.
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