1971 Ford Capri 3000 GT XLR Comanche
Highlights
- Exceedingly rare “Comanche” Capri, developed by Jeff Uren of Race Proven LTD
- Incredibly well preserved example throughout in desirable colour scheme
- Less than 40,000 miles displayed
- Backed by a wealth of Ford and Jeff Uren history
- Featured on BBC series “The Cars The Star”
- High GT XLR factory specification
- No former registered keepers
The Appeal
Well cemented as an all time great, Ford’s masterful coupe has long been considered an icon throughout motoring circles, and the name Capri is a legend and one that needs no introduction. A name that perhaps may need slightly more context is that of Jeff Uren, but these two names surprisingly went hand in hand to create an automotive masterpiece in the shape of a Capri.
In the 1950s and 60s, Jeff Uren saw great success as a Ford works driver and then as John Willment’s competition manager but it was his work after that built him a considerable legacy. Noticing an increasing demand for tuning and modifying road going cars, he formed “Race Proven LTD” a company set up to tune and turn Fords into pure performance animals without compromising on the Ford quintessential usability and practicality.
Whilst most popularly known for his Cortina “Savage'' models, Uren also developed a tuning package for the marque’s poster child coupe that would come to be known as the Comanche, and that's exactly what we have here.
This desirable pre facelift MK1 Capri has been lovingly touched with the Race Proven brush and turned into the top flight variant of the Comanche, with power sent from the dwindling 128 standard horsepower up to a fierce 190 the 3.0 litre Essex V6 nestled under the bonnet was now a proper performance piece. Other upgrades included upgraded suspension, a Kenlowe fan and engine balance turning this Capri into a true animal.
With its striking Maize Yellow paintwork, it's a rather well preserved example and surely one of the finest early Capris out there, almost certainly it may be the best and only genuine Comanche we see on the market for some time. As rare as Ford's go, this one does take some beating, and is sure to cause a stir amongst enthusiasts of the blue oval.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 24/08/1971
- Supplied from new with the Race Proven Comanche 190 conversion
- Verified as a genuine Comanche Capri by authority “The Savage Register”
- Zero previous registered keepers
- Invoices and build sheets for the original car and relevant Comanche work
- Accompanied by a large selection of relevant club literature and documentation
- Used as a feature car on BBC TV programme “The Cars The Star” with Quentin Wilson in the late 1990s
- The car has been kept in long term storage due to the passing of the registered keeper
- Tax, MOT and ULEZ exempt due to the vehicles age and historic status
- V5 registration document is with the vehicle
The Condition
- Exceptionally well presented car. Possibly one of the finest remaining Comanche cars on the roads today
- Finished from the factory in a striking Maize Yellow colour scheme, still in clean highly presentable order to this day, with generally very little, in the way of wear, patina or blemishing
- High specification GT XLR example with relevant upgraded metal trims, passenger conveniences and badging
- External trim, lighting, glass and chrome work is all in fine fettle
- The car currently resides on slotted style Wolf Race wheels which are in great order
- Contrasting black vinyl roof
- Quality interior space, standing in good highly original order
- Impressively well preserved cabin, still rich in its black hue with factory contoured seating all in generally great clean shape
- Upholstery throughout is in exceptionally good order
- Upgraded factory black Capri steering wheel
- Interior trim and switchgear all in great clean order, further signifying long and careful enthusiast ownership
- Internal map reading light and inertia reel seatbelts, factory fitted as part of the GT XLR pack
The Mechanics
- Fitted with the legendary 3.0 litre Essex V6 engine
- Upgraded to 190 horsepower as part of the Race Proven Comanche 190 conversion
- Also fitted with a kenlowe fan and given an engine balance as part of the Comanche work
- Engine and surrounding engine bay are presented in impressively clean order with surrounding period stickers still in place
- The car fires into life quickly and comfortably providing an addictive V6 engine note
- The Capri does start, move and stop however, having been sat in long term storage the vendor recommends a general going over before use
- The vendor notes that at present the rev counter is stuck and the kenlowe fan system is unfunctional
Summary
A genuine Jeff Uren developed Capri, with one registered keeper and less than 40,000 miles displayed on the clock? Cars this special seldom come to market and as such, this can be considered a thoroughly unique opportunity for a very lucky buyer. Surely one of just a handful of Comanche Capris out there, this striking yellow number makes a strong contender for being the best one on the roads today and is bound to be the stand out piece at many shows over the upcoming show season and summer months.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to 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 bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.
✓Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. If requested we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
Auction Details
- Year 1971
- Make Ford
- Model Capri
- Colour Yellow
- Mileage 36,948 Miles
- Engine size 2998
- Seller Type Trade
- Town Sawbridgeworth
- County Hertfordshire
- Country United Kingdom
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Auction ends
3
bids
- ian-gla•••• £16,000 01/07/24
- ian-gad•••• £6,000 01/07/24
- sam-ala•••• £5,000 01/07/24
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