Ford Capri RS3100 of unicorn quality

The Capri RS3100 may not be the fast Ford that first comes to mind when they think of those designed with competition as their reasons of existence. Not with Lotus Cortinas and Cosworths to think about. Plus all kinds of escorts.

Rarity must play a role in this. Only 250 RS3100S were made in the 70s, all right -hand ride, to replace the earlier RS2600. After collecting a Touring car, it was no longer the boss of group 2 with the BMW CSL on site. So Ford began to create a better Capri, with instructions that dictated that 100 production cars had to be made to homologize a racing car. Instead of the Cologne V6 of the RS2600, the 3100 used the 3.0-liter Essex V6, bored from 2,993cc to 3,098cc and with polished ports. It collected a modest (provisional) 150 hp, but it was lighter, lower and faster than the 2600.

The oil crisis did not help the Capri case. A racing car had to compete in a European Touring Car Championship season that was saved (and Ford withdrew before 1975), while as a road car the demand for sports coupes was not assisted by rising gas prices. An MK2 Capri was also on the horizon. Bad timing for a very cool car, actually an occasional forgotten chapter of the Ford RS story.

He has his own very interesting story to tell, with his life begins as the only RS3100 who ever came to Cornwall. This Sebring Red car was actually owned by the boss of Kelly’s Ice Cream – a little more interesting than the usual four -door salon. It remained in Cornwall in the 21st century, to be discovered – you guessed it – in a shed, which saw a bit of regret for himself. At the time, the person who discovered it was to buy another classic, and the Capri was not for sale. But a few years later a deal was closed, and an almighty restoration began. ‘No compromise was concluded and no costs were saved’ on the resto according to the advertisement, in case the images were not enough of an indication.

In addition to a perfect retrim and what must have been paint for many hours, the famous V6 was also treated to a spicy rebuild thanks to specialized engines. So it is now in the region of 180 hp strong; Keep in mind that that is their phase four specification and you have an idea of ​​how much is needed to draw on the old chunk. It will certainly be as good if an Essex now becomes.

Indeed, this must now be as good if a Capri now becomes, with very little use because the investment and a design that simply gets better and better with age. The visual changes for the RS3100 were relatively modest, but those RS four spokes and the Ducktail ensure that this will never be for an old MK1. It is fast Ford Royalty for those who know – and a beautiful old Capri for everyone. Win-Win …