Description
At Gallery Aaldering, we often have icons in our collection, but recently we had a television broadcast featuring two very special icons from the 1970s: the Ford Capri RS2600 and the BMW 2002 Turbo. Both cars have achieved such legendary status that they are forever recognized in the history books as important cars of the 1970s.
The Capri RS2600 is an incredibly exciting car, wrapped in a body that is typically 70s and evokes sensational feelings in car enthusiasts. The 1972 Ford Capri RS2600 is a legendary sports coupe that consistently delivers on the promise of driving pleasure and performance.
Ford had great success with the Mustang in the USA. Due to this success, Ford introduced the Capri to the European market in 1968, “the car you always promised yourself.” The innovative fastback styling of the Capri was a relatively new direction for Ford, but underneath, the car remained typically Ford, with shared engines, gearboxes, and many other components from the rest of the range, although the engines in the British and German versions differed slightly.
Ford was running an extensive competition program at that time, with the British ‘division’ focusing on the development of the Escort for rally and circuit purposes. Jochen Neerpasch, head of the Motorsport division in Cologne, was tasked with starting the development of the Capri for racing. Known as the ‘RS2600’, this would be based on the 2600GT, Ford Germany’s top model at the time. Several successes, including class victories, were achieved in international rallies in 1969, but it soon became clear that the car’s greatest potential lay as a circuit racing car.
In Group 2 racing trim, the Weslake-developed V6 engine of the RS2600 was enlarged to 2, 995 cc and equipped with Kugelfischer fuel injection and dry sump lubrication. The suspension, brakes, and wheels were modified, and the body was lightened through extensive use of fiberglass panels. A ZF gearbox was standard equipment on the race version of the RS2600, while the production version, available only with left-hand drive, retained the 2. 6-liter engine with 150 hp. The RS2600’s greatest achievement on the circuit came in 1972 when factory driver Jochen Mass, who would later become a successful Formula 1 driver, was crowned European Touring Car Champion at the end of the season.
This specific 1972 Ford Capri RS 2600 is in good and well-maintained condition and beautifully represents this iconic 70s car. The car has been restored and overhauled in the past and has a fresh appearance with the correct details that are so important on an RS2600.
The exterior is finished in a fine paint in good condition. The body is free from significant damage, and the lines of the Capri are perfectly accentuated by the authentic finish. The interior offers a sporty driving experience. The seats and upholstery are in excellent condition, without any signs of wear. The dashboard, door panels, and even the floor mats look fresh and are free from notable user traces.
Under the hood, you will find the famous 150 hp V6 engine, which not only runs smoothly and powerfully, but also offers a sensational driving experience that takes you back to a bygone era of pure and raw driving pleasure. The manual gearbox shifts effortlessly and contributes to the sporty character of this Capri. The suspension and steering are solid, making every ride a pleasure. This car features authentic details both on the exterior, interior, and mechanical parts. With this Capri, we provide various invoices for maintenance work and parts. It is a unique opportunity to own a piece of 1970s car history that has now achieved legendary status.
Are you interested in this beautiful Ford Capri RS2600? Contact us today; we are happy to assist you. You are welcome at Gallery Aaldering, active since 1975. We have years of experience exporting our vehicles worldwide, ask about the possibilities.
