Key features

Restored and modified to faithfully replicate the Capri RS2600 that competed in the 1973 24 Hours of Le Mans
Bodywork sandblasted on a rotary frame; no signs of impact found
2.9-litre 24-valve Cosworth V6 engine from Cologne, producing 220 bhp, with a kerb weight of just 985 kg
Brembo brakes, adjustable suspension and a Torsen limited-slip differential
Suitable for use on the road or on the track
‘French Collection’ registration confirmed with matching serial numbers
MOT valid until 2028

The appeal

Ford’s wide-body Capri RS2600 completely dominated Le Mans on its debut in 1972, taking first and second places in its class. But you could say it didn’t need to win, because with its imposing widened bodywork and white and blue livery, it was quite simply magnificent.

If you weren’t there, you don’t need to picture the car or look it up on Google, as this 1973 Capri 2600GT is a very faithful replica of the 1973 RS2600 racing car. It is the realisation of a lifelong dream for its seller, who grew up just a few kilometres from the Circuit de la Sarthe and used to watch the race with his father.

Purchased as a project in February 2020, the bodywork was completely stripped down and sandblasted on a rotary frame, revealing a body free from any impact damage. A layer of phosphate-based primer and a black epoxy coating were applied to the entire bodywork before the car was repainted in 2022 in the factory Ford Racing colours of the 1973 Le Mans livery, complete with period decals. The fibreglass panels and sliding Makrolon side windows replicate the racing specifications, whilst the interior is fitted with a 6-point OMP roll cage covered in imitation leather, semi-bucket seats, 4-point harnesses and a reupholstered dashboard with aviation-style switches.

The mechanical conversion is just as comprehensive. The engine is mated to a modern 5-speed gearbox, and a stainless steel exhaust system allows the driver to switch between a silent mode and an open mode via the centre console. Weighing just 985 kg, the seller describes the car as offering excellent performance on the track whilst remaining easy to drive and comfortable on the road, thanks to modern fuel injection and well-thought-out engineering. Re-registered in April 2023, it has covered very few kilometres since then and has always been garaged. Now being sold due to the seller’s health, this is a car that was designed to be driven.

The seller states:

‘Obviously, this Capri isn’t for everyone. But as it had been modified in the past, it was very difficult to restore it to its original appearance. And the desire to drive the Capri – which had fuelled my dreams as a young boy whilst watching the 24 Hours of Le Mans with my father (we lived just a few kilometres from the circuit) – gave rise to the car you can admire today. Now that I’m 77 and have a few health issues, I’d rather part with it. I built it to drive it, not to leave it gathering dust in my garage; which is why it isn’t fitted with a vintage racing engine, which is difficult to tune, maintain and use. It’s perfect for leisurely drives, outings with friends and, if needed, for a bit of fun on a circuit or elsewhere. Weighing 985 kg and producing 220 cv, it performs very well and is highly efficient thanks to the upgrades. But it can also be very docile, thanks to its modern fuel injection system and its manoeuvrability.”

Key details

Mileage: 138,000 km (as per the engine odometer, which dates from 1998; no independent verification of the vehicle’s total mileage is available)
Country of registration: France
MOT status: valid until April 2028
Technical specifications: 2,935 cm³ 24-valve Cologne Cosworth V6, five-speed manual gearbox
Documents: French classic car registration certificate in the seller’s name; serial number match confirmed

The seller states:

‘Purchased in February 2020, restoration and modification work then began with the aim of turning it into a replica of the Capri RS that competed in the 1973 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Capri, a 1973 2600GT that had been modified over the years by various owners, was completely sandblasted and stripped down for a full restoration of the bodywork and chassis. Everything was then reassembled using new or refurbished parts to create a reliable and attractive car, suitable for everyday use. As for modifications, the bodywork now features a bonnet, a tailgate, rear wing extensions, complete front wings and a fibreglass front bumper. The rear window and side windows are made of Makrolon (Plexiglas), whilst the front windows are sliding, just like the racing model. An aviation-style lockable fuel cap has been fitted over the original filler flap. The aluminium fuel tank, fuel pumps and batteries are housed in the boot, which offers enough space for the spare wheel and other luggage if required.

‘The interior has been fully fitted out to racing specifications, but with approved clip-in 4-point harnesses, new upholstery on the door panels, the rear trim and rear shelf, as well as the rear seats and the cover for the 6-point roll cage, comprising two new semi-bucket seats and a dashboard reupholstered in black Alcantara-style fabric. The dashboard has also been completely overhauled: it is now made of aluminium and the centre console houses new instruments, aviation-style switches and fuses. Several USB sockets have been fitted. The front windows are sliding. The ventilation and heating systems are fully functional, just as they were originally.

‘Electrically, everything has been overhauled and modernised with LED headlights, an automatic electric cooling fan and the option to activate the system manually. As for the chassis, everything has been overhauled: Brembo 4-piston brakes at the front, discs at the rear, four adjustable shock absorbers, a reinforced and adjustable front suspension, a rear suspension without leaf springs comprising four link arms and a Panhard rod, as well as a reinforced Torsen limited-slip differential.

‘The mechanical components have also been updated and given a power boost: a Cologne-built V6 engine, similar to the original 2.6-litre unit but in the 2.9-litre, 24-valve Cosworth version producing 220 cv, fitted with the original Ford fuel injection system to ensure reliability. The gearbox is now an original Mazda 5-speed unit, and the new original Cosworth clutch is capable of withstanding the engine’s torque. Added to this is a new bespoke driveshaft leading to the rear axle. The stainless-steel exhaust system, fitted with a silencer and an electric control allowing the car to switch to ‘open exhaust’ mode, exits on the passenger side, as on the Le Mans version. The engine bay is fitted with aluminium components: a high-capacity radiator with two fans, an expansion tank, a windscreen washer reservoir and an oil vapour recovery system. The Capri is therefore practically new, having always been stored in a garage.

‘Thanks to its mechanical upgrades (modern Ford electronic fuel injection, 5-speed gearbox, brakes, suspension and alloy wheels), the Capri drives like a modern car in terms of reliability and fuel economy, whilst allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a 1970s racing Capri. With the exhaust closed and at moderate speeds, the ride is actually very comfortable thanks to the suspension, which is firm without being harsh – made possible by the very reasonable kg weight of 985 kg, measured during the MOT test (1,068 kg minus the weight of the MOT inspector, i.e. 83 kg). On the track or when driving sportily, thanks to the switch on the centre console, you can switch to ‘open exhaust’ mode and find yourself at the wheel of a speedster that handles, brakes and accelerates like a modern sports coupé, whilst retaining the look of a high-performance car from the 1970s.”

Details

Repainted in 2022 in Ford Racing colours, replicating the livery from the 1973 24 Hours of Le Mans, with vintage racing decals applied
Fibreglass body panels: front bonnet, rear bonnet, rear wheel arch extensions, front wings and front end
Rear and side windows in Makrolon (Perspex); the front windows are sliding, as on the racing model
An aviation-style locking fuel cap fitted to the original fuel filler flap
Aluminium fuel tank, fuel pumps and battery relocated to the boot, leaving space for a spare wheel and luggage
Interior fitted out for racing with new upholstery on the door panels, rear trim, rear shelf and rear seat cushions
OMP 6-point roll cage, bolted in place and covered
Two semi-bucket seats and two approved 4-point clip-in harnesses fitted
Dashboard reupholstered in black Alcantara-style fabric with an aluminium panel, new instruments, aviation-style switches and USB ports
Fully overhauled and modernised electrical system with LED headlights
Ventilation and heating systems reported to be in working order
Major engine overhaul carried out in 2022, including the timing chain, tensioners and cylinder head gaskets
Original Mazda 5-speed gearbox (85,000 km on the clock) overhauled and tested
New genuine Cosworth clutch and bespoke drive shaft fitted
Brembo 4-piston front brakes and rear disc brakes
Four adjustable ‘coilover’ shock absorbers with a reinforced and adjustable front axle
Converted rear axle: converted from leaf springs to four-link suspension with Panhard rod
Reinforced Torsen limited-slip differential fitted
Electrically operated stainless steel exhaust system allowing switching between silent and open modes; side outlet on the passenger side
Automatic electric fan with manual control option
Aluminium radiator with two fans, expansion tank, windscreen washer reservoir and oil vapour recovery tank in the engine compartment
Four three-piece aluminium wheels in vintage BBS style (15-inch) fitted with new Pirelli tyres
A few minor micro-scratches on the paintwork due to normal wear and tear
The seller describes the car as suitable for road driving, day trips and track use

The seller states:

‘The bodywork was completely refurbished and repainted in 2022. It features the 1973 Ford factory racing colours, specifically those from the 24 Hours of Le Mans, complete with all the original racing decals from that era. Following a full sandblasting on a rotating gantry, the bodywork was treated with a phosphate-based primer to protect it from rust before being fitted with new fibreglass components and a new coat of paint. The Capri’s engine compartment, boot, interior and underbody are painted in black epoxy, just like the Capri that competed in the 1973 24 Hours of Le Mans. There is therefore no risk of rust on, under or inside the Capri. Furthermore, it has been fitted with four 15-inch three-piece BBS aluminium wheels, fitted with four new Pirelli tyres

‘As mentioned previously, all components of the Capri have been replaced or overhauled. Only the 1998 engine, with 138,000 km on the odometer – which has nevertheless undergone a full service (timing belt, tensioners and cylinder head gaskets replaced in 2022) – and the gearbox dating from the 2000s, with 85,000 km on the clock, are not entirely new, but have been overhauled and checked.

‘The Capri was back on the road in April 2023 and has been driven very little since; it has always been garaged. However, despite the care and attention it has received, it has a few minor scratches here and there due to normal use.

“The entire interior has been restored to mint condition and fully prepared for racing. It features two approved clip-in 4-point harnesses, new upholstery on the door panels, the rear trim and rear shelf, as well as on the rear seats and the bolted-in OMP 6-point roll cage, two new semi-bucket seats, and the dashboard reupholstered in black Alcantara-effect fabric. The dashboard has also been completely redesigned: it is now made of black-painted aluminium, and the centre console houses the new instruments, aviation-style switches and fuses, as well as several USB sockets. The front windows are sliding. The ventilation and heating systems are fully functional, just as they were originally fitted. Electrically, everything has been overhauled and modernised with LED headlights, an automatic electric cooling fan and the option to activate the system manually.”

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to Car & Classic’s terms and conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller, which means that consumer rights under European consumer protection legislation do not apply. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s terms and conditions.

✓ We require a non-refundable fee to be paid if you are the successful bidder or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our FAQs and terms and conditions for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is sold ‘as is’, on an ‘as seen, where seen’ basis and without warranty. Photographs and descriptions are provided for guidance only, and it is standard practice to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle before purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer’s deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final price of the bid or offer, as specified in the advert.

✓ We are as keen as you are for the transaction to go smoothly, which is why cars and motorbikes registered in theand listed for sale on Car & Classic are subject to an HPI check to verify that they have no insurance database flags for damage or theft, and that they are not subject to any financial charges, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are registered as written-off following a total loss at the time the advert is placed on Car & Classic, and we provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) to help you. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status, and it is always advisable to carry out a full check of the vehicle’s history before making an offer.

✓ Buyers are responsible for collecting or arranging delivery of the vehicle. Importing vehicles may incur additional customs duties and import taxes. If you wish, we can recommend a third-party transport company to assist you. For further details and to speak to the team, please email auctions@carandclassic.com.