Description:

To be sold by Silverstone Auctions at ‘The Silverstone Classic’ on Thursday 27th July 2017 in The Wing building, Silverstone Circuit, Northamptonshire, NN12 8TN.  For further details please contact Will Smith on 01926 691 141.

Registration: N/A

Chassis Number: GAECNE52545

Engine Number: 6090BAB

Number of cylinders: 6

CC: 2900cc

Year of Manufacture: 1971

Estimate (£): 45,000 - 55,000

(+buyer’s premium of 15% including VAT @ 20%)

The Ford Capri was a dominant force in saloon car racing during the early 70s, driven by legends such as Gordon Spice, Stuart Graham and Brian (Yogi) Muir. Easily adapted and set up for racing, it was a popular choice for the professional and club driver alike.

This left-hand drive 1971 Ford Capri was built in Cologne, Germany and sold new to the USA. It spent some time as a road-car and was later converted to a national oval racer. In 2011, the vehicle was imported to the UK and purchased by our vendor as a rolling shell in September 2012. The shell was found in remarkably rust-free condition and he set about a painstaking 5-year restoration.

As a life-long Capri racer and enthusiast, the vendor's idea was to accurately recreate one of the three Capris that raced at the Le Mans 24 hours in 1972. Specifically, Number 52, the Dieter Glemsar, Alex Soler-Roig car that finished 11th overall. The restoration was managed by our vendor using many Ford specialists and was finished by Tickover Classic Ford in Dartford. The finished article is a joy to behold and must be seen to be appreciated. The bodywork, paintwork and livery have been completed to a high standard and significant time has been spent ensuring period details are all present and correct, such as badges, trim and chrome.

The specification is as follows: John Toovey 2.9 Cologne V6 race engine, producing 255 BHP, downdraught Weber Carburettor, race clutch, alloy bell housing, 52 inch Atlas axle fitted with Quaife semi-floating half shafts, rear disk brakes, new German ZF limited slip differential, 3.6 ratio (Gartrac built), adjustable top mounts, Gaz coil over front struts, and disc brakes at the rear. Additional features include solid-mounted rear race leaf springs, Koni shock absorbers at the rear, Gaz coil over shock absorbers at the rear (Watts Linkage if wanted to be fitted at a later date), race radiator, Image bolt-on BBS style wheels, period FIA Recaro seats, period Britax belts, and an FIA-spec roll cage. A photographic album documents the entire build and is included in the sale.

This Capri is now ready for use and would make an ideal circuit or road-rally companion in the right hands. It can be UK registered for road-rally use or if the new owner were to obtain FIA papers, it would be eligible for some of the world's biggest circuit events. Equally, it would make a superb museum piece. The vendor informs us that: "the car is on the button and requires very little in order to race... it also sounds awesome!"

We welcome pre-sale inspections and encourage prospective bidders to contact the office for further information. This faithful homage of the iconic Works Ford Capris would be a welcome addition to any collection.