Description
A Unique, Possibly One-Off Factory-Linked Development Car
This extraordinary Ford Capri 3. 0S Janspeed Turbo may well be the sole survivor of a prototype project undertaken in the early 1980s, intended to evaluate whether Ford should put a turbocharged 3. 0S supercar into production. Four cars are believed to have been converted and assessed; this appears to be the only remaining example — making it an exceptionally rare and historically significant Capri.
Originally discovered in a London scrapyard in the late 1990s, the car’s unique beige-over-brown colour scheme, unusual rear spoiler and turbocharged Essex V6 immediately set it apart from any regular 3. 0S. Once the Janspeed turbo badge under the bonnet was spotted, its fascinating backstory started to emerge.
Background & Discovery
The current long-term owner had gone to a scrapyard simply looking for parts — but a rough, two-tone Capri caught his eye. When the young yard worker mentioned “it’s a turbo… and it says Janspeed under the bonnet”, his interest was piqued.
On inspection, the car proved to be a genuine Janspeed-converted 3-litre Essex, complete with twin-choke carb, Janspeed-badged plenum and a large turbocharger feeding the V6. The rare colour scheme and bodywork details suggested something more than a normal aftermarket conversion.
Prototype Origins
Over the years, the story gradually came together. According to period Janspeed information and conversations with former Capri specialists:
• In 1980, Ford sent four Capri 3. 0S models to Janspeed Engineering for evaluation as potential factory-approved turbos.
• The cars were completed, tested at selected dealerships, and considered impressive — but were ultimately deemed too costly to insure compared to Porsche or Ferrari rivals at the time.
• The project was shelved, leaving the converted cars scattered between private hands and dealers.
The featured car is believed to be the brown-and-beige prototype, identified by several unique traits described by those who saw the development vehicles when new.
The rear window still carries the original dealer sticker from Bristol Street Motors, one of the dealerships involved in the trial.
Recommissioning & Restoration
After years stored abroad, the car later underwent a thorough restoration and mechanical overhaul:
• The engine had documentation showing a full Janspeed rebuild just a few years before its recovery.
• Turbo pipework and exhaust manifolds were remade to correct specification.
• Bodywork required only minor welding, followed by a full respray, keeping the original Roman Bronze lower tone beneath the gold pinstripe.
• Suspension was sympathetically rebuilt while retaining originality.
• The interior features Carla check seats, period Ford trim and even an unusual double-carpet arrangement exactly as found.
Once reassembled, the car was started and driven for the first time in more than 20 years.
Historical Enquiries
Attempts to uncover additional information from Janspeed were limited by the age of the records, but confirmation was obtained that the car is fitted with a genuine, early-type Janspeed Essex Turbo kit, of which very few were produced.
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Key Features
• Believed one-off Ford/ Janspeed prototype Capri 3. 0S Turbo
• Essex V6 with authentic early-generation Janspeed turbo system
• Rare beige-over-brown prototype colour scheme
• Restored sympathetically to preserve originality
• Extensive historical documentation, including Janspeed engine rebuild paperwork
• Featured in Classic Ford magazine (March 2015)
• A unique opportunity for serious Ford collectors and enthusiasts
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Summary
Cars like this simply do not appear on the market. With its potential Ford factory connections, unique prototype heritage and genuine Janspeed turbocharged Essex V6, this Capri is an irreplaceable part of Ford performance history.
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