1981 Ford Capri S 3.0

Highlights

3.0L Essex V6 with 4-speed manual transmission
Imposing black livery with fully restored bodywork
Impressive Orange Check Carla Cloth interior
Fully restored in 2020 by Tiger Racing

The Appeal

Perhaps one of the best styling updates in European motor history, the MkIII Capri was an aggressively styled, sporty and long-nosed car that owed much of its design language to the legendary Uwe Bahnsen - and it was an instant hit. These became the most popular sports car in the UK - and one of the most stolen during the 80s and early 90s, for that matter!

The 3.0S - the most desirable of the Capris - landed a starring role in The Professionals, was lauded by the motoring press, and continues to be the most clamoured for - with the hardy British-built V6 producing healthy performance and a rock-solid built quality. Indeed, the 3.0L S managed a top speed of 122mph and 0-60mph in only 8.5 seconds.

This example was restored in 2020 to the utterly superb example you see here - with the original orange check Carla cloth interior retrimmed in ex-factory fabric and the engine rebuilt to a very high standard. The result is a simply superb car that’ll turn the heads of any enthusiast.

The History and Paperwork

First registered in August 1981
6 previous owners
In current ownership since September 2020
From 2020 onwards the car was subject to an extensive restoration
Restored by Tiger Racing of Wisbech, which was completed by 2022
Currently indicates 33,832 miles, which the car’s MOT history supports
The paperwork includes:
- Owners manual
- Original handbook
- A collection of restoration invoices
- A memory stick containing a photographic record of the restoration and older invoices
- A selection of MOT certificates

The Interior

Excellent black interior with Orange Carla Check cloth seats
The interior was retrimmed by a specialist with 4.5metres of the original factory fabric
These are, as a result, free of rips, tears and staining
The door cards are also new and the seat bolsters repacked
The dashboard is highly presented with very few signs of wear
Instruments are clean and present well with no faults
We’ve been informed of no technical problems with any of the interior options
The array is completed with a Ford-branded steering wheel
Carpets and headlining are in excellent order
Boot is relined with a spare wheel in situ

Beautifully presented and expertly retrimmed, this Capri is a perfect fusion of old and new. The factory-spec Orange Carla Check is beautifully presented, having been sourced specifically to keep the car as accurate as possible to condition from which it left the factory.

The result is seriously impressive - everything is clean, full and well-kept, with every bolster and door-card properly refurbished and the instruments given a good clean-up - the result is one of the finest Capri interiors we’ve seen, and one that’s equally capable of impressing the purist as it is the layman.

The Exterior

Impressive black paintwork
Highly presented, fully restored bodywork
Bodywork was stripped and restored from 2020 to 2022
No dents, dings, paint chips or blisters we can spot
All panel fits are spot-on
Trims, appliques, glasswork and lenses are all superb
The car is sitting on its original RS alloy wheels - which are period correct and date-stamped
Fitted with a full set of brand new Toyo tyres, including the spare wheel
Underneath, the car is superb with no signs of corrosion or wear
Fitted with a bespoke stainless steel exhaust system

Perfectly appointed from top-to-tyres, this Capri has done very little mileage since restoration and is in absolutely superb condition. The paintwork is clean and glossy, and really suits the aggressive lines of the MK3 in style.

The car is matched up with RS alloys, which are embedded with gloss black inserts and are perfectly polished, complete with a brand-new set of tyres.

The Mechanics

Powered by the highly desirable Essex V6 powerplant
4-speed manual transmission
Fitted with triple downdraught Weber carbs
New manifold and stainless steel exhaust system
The car was rolling-road tested with 197bhp - about 50bhp more than when built
Last MOT tested in January 2022 - which it passed with zero advisories
The car has only done around fifty miles since

With no reports of leaks, knocks, bangs or smoke, this spectacular example of the Capri is ready and waiting to hit the road. The newly restored and rebuilt engine is proudly on display under the hood, with those Weber carbs all equally resplendent.

The car is starting first time, driving perfectly and with nearly 200bhp being fed to the wheels, should provide quite an exhilarating experience for even the most experienced driver.

Summary

Perfectly presented, and fresh on the heels of a thorough restoration, we’re convinced that this Capri is the definition of desirable. Everything is well-appointed, clean and restored, with meaningful upgrades and a clear eye for detail.

We’ve no doubt that this car will get plenty of attention. It’s certainly turned our heads - so we can’t imagine how many people will be impressed out on the open road.

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