1972 Ford Capri RS2600 (FIA Group 2) - Le Mans Classic Class Winner

Ford's ubiquitous Capri had a long list of options and engines, but it did not have a true performance version that could be developed sufficiently within the regulations to enable it to regularly be successful in the sales-enhancing world of international saloon car racing. A number of manufacturers faced the same problem and, consequently, several of them began to develop what were to become known as homologation specials. These were showroom saloons fully developed to be effective and competitive on the circuit but, in order to comply with the regulations that a certain number were available for sale to the public usually 500 were finished fully trimmed and road legal.

So, in late 1969, work began on a 'special RS Capri'- a full performance model aimed at potential success in the European Touring Car Championship and the resultant Capri RS2600 was developed at Ford’s Boreham Competition Department in England and built in Cologne.

During March 1970, the RS2600 made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show, albeit with a mock-up fuel injection system as it wasn't until September the same year that the first fully developed fuel injected RS2600 left the Niehl assembly line in Cologne. The RS was easily recognisable as it had no bumpers, two vents in the front panel and sported Richard Grant road wheels - the lightweight versions of the car used Minilites - and it also had a pair of rectangular wing badges reading RS2600 and an RS roundel on the boot lid.

These cars had the front cross-member re-drilled for negative camber and were fitted with uprated brake pads and linings supplied by Ferodo, competition front springs, single-leaf rear springs and Bilstein shock absorbers all-round. Inside, as with the lightweights, Scheel sports seats were used though these were now reclining and the rear seats were of a bench design trimmed in the same heavy cord material. A Springall deep dish steering wheel was used, but there was no centre console, which was widely used on the Mk1 Capris. Production cars gained chrome quarter bumpers with the front ones incorporating the indicators, but the two vents in the front panel were now deleted and the wheels were now RS four-spoke items similar in design to those of the Mk1 RS Escorts but six inches in width. Performance figures for the RS2600 were very impressive with 2,637cc producing 150bhp at 5,800rpm which was sufficient to propel the RS2600 from 0-62mph in 8.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 124mph, pretty impressive fifty years ago.

Dating from November 1971, this is one of just 256 RS2600 examples originally exported to France, first taking to the road on 8th March 1972 and appears to have spent much of its life doing what it was designed to do. A proven and highly competitive race car, it has enjoyed significant success under current ownership, including an overall victory in the Equipe 70s series, and most notably a very impressive class win at the 2023 Le Mans Classic. With its FIA HTP valid until 2029, it is fully eligible to compete at the front of Peter Auto’s Heritage Touring Cup, Motor Racing Legends' HTCC, and Equipe Classic Racing’s 1970s series.

Expertly restored in 2018 to Group 2 competition specification by the Jordan Racing team, renowned for crafting some of the fastest and most technically accomplished historic racing cars, it boasts an INIT Racing–prepared Westlake V6 engine, a ZF close-ratio five-speed gearbox, and a Custom Cages FIA-approved roll cage. Importantly, this particular example benefits from all the experience gained from being the third and final racing Capri prepared for the same owner and is, arguably, the most developed of the trio.

Offered with its original French registration document and confirmed by RS Capri Club Registrar, Len Pierce, this RS2600 offers access to some of the very best historic motorsport. Its next custodian also has the opportunity for road re-registration, unlocking participation in iconic rallies such as Peter Auto’s Tour Auto and Modena Centro Ore, resulting in genuine historic touring car versatility.