1973 Ford Capri RS2600

During March 1970, the RS2600 made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show, albeit with a mock-up fuel injection system, but it wasn't until September the same year that the first 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 - 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 4-spoke items similar in design to those of the Mk1 RS Escorts but 6 inches in width. Twin Cibié headlamps also adorned these cars. 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 8.6secs and on to a top speed of 124mph, pretty impressive fifty years ago.

This 1973 Ford Capri RS2600, was supplied new in France, spending some time in Italy and then returning to France again when it became the property of the Mayor of a small provincial town. He added, what appears to be an aftermarket body kit, very much in the style and the colours of the 'works' Cologne/Broadspeed RS3100. It remained in his barn for many years before being discovered and imported to the UK around 2010.

We understand that the car, chassis number #GCECND21796, was inspected by British RS expert, Len Pierce, who confirmed that it was an RS2600, that all the correct identification plates and chassis stampings were present, and that it still has its original engine. The current indicated mileage is 10,371km but, naturally, this is unwarranted. 

Purchased by our vendor in 2014, the car has recently undergone servicing and a partial mechanical restoration with parts replaced for original parts where required to ensure it runs and drives. Offered at auction with a NOVA Certificate, your inspection at the Silverstone Classic is very much welcomed.