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FOR SALE

1974 Ford Capri RS3100 (Mk1)

£42,950

1 of 250 Homologation Special | Upgraded 5-Speed Gearbox | ~26 Years Ownership

  • Mileage~732 at MOT
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine3.1L
  • LocationEastbourne

£42,950

1974 Ford Capri RS3100 (Mk1)

Premium Classified Sale

Video #2

Introduction

Alan Stuart
Automotive Photographer and Videographer

Developed for racing, the RS3100 is a rare Fast Ford that has a genuine pedigree and thirst for speed.

The Ford Capri had already placed itself in the nation's hearts by the time the car started making waves in the world of motorsport. Europe's answer to the Mustang, the Capri was available from 1969 and became an instant hit, thanks to Ford's clever marketing, but also its reputation of durability, ease of use, availability and sheer number of options and configurations available. Ford Advanced Vehicle Operations in Halewood was taking notice of the German-built RS2600's success in the touring car championships and its successor was announced in September 1973. As a homologation special, only 250 RS3100 were produced, all in RHD and available in just seven colours. Powered by the uprated Essex V6 3,098cc, it was lighter and more powerful than its predecessor. To help cope with the increased dynamics, its handling was aided by revised suspension geometry, upgraded brakes and that distinctive ducktail rear spoiler.

This 1974 example is finished in "Sebring Red" and has been in the hands of the current owner since 1999. Verified as an original RS3100, it is standard with a handful of reversible modifications. Neatly presented, it offers the new owner a solid and well-cherished car that could be further improved. Naturally, it is UK road tax and MOT exempt, since our visit Eugene has had a full new set of tyres fitted, a new set of rear shocks and an MOT has been carried out which is valid until 12-12-2025. The car has also been garaged over the last ~26 years which helps to explain the condition today.

This listing was written from information supplied by Alan after meeting Eugene the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

Resplendent in a proper Fast Ford colour of Sebring Red, the RS3100 stands out from the crowd that's for sure.

Wheels and Tyres

The RS 13” cast alloy wheels appear to be genuine Ford items. They have an age-related sheen, and the black paint has flaked on the front offside wheel as pictured, but overall they are in good shape.

The Capri is fitted with a full set of Kwik Fit's brand tyres, which are likely to be older than ~20 years old, since our visit Eugene has fitted a full new set of tyres.

Bodywork

Externally the car presents positively. The doors will need some adjustment; the driver's door edge is slightly proud and the passenger door might need a catch realignment. There's a little uneven metal on the offside rear wing, near the driver's door but overall the panel fit is good, with consistent panel gaps.

The chassis rails, floor pan and sills look solid, with some minor signs of age. The boot floor, engine bay and inner wheel wells appear solid, with the strut tops looking good. There is a liberal amount of inhibitor coat on the underside.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The "Sebring Red" has a decent lustre, with just some mild signs of hazing from age. The colour match is true throughout with no scuffs or significant road wear or chips. We noticed a little over spray on the windscreen valance panel. There are a few under-paint imperfections on the body, such as a handful of micro blisters mostly confined to the rear nearside wing and C-pillar.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The glass and seals are all in good shape, there are no issues with the lighting or lenses. The rear passenger windows are hinged.

The brightwork and black trim is correct for the model with some mild age-related wear. The gold decals are in decent shape. The distinctive black rubber ducktail rear spoiler is in good condition but appears to have been pop-riveted to the boot. The satin black bumpers are well mounted.

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INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

The cabin is classic Fast Ford, with the RS logo prominently featured on the centre of the steering wheel.

Seats and Carpets

The comfortable seats are in good condition, with only a minor tear noted on the rear of the passenger seat bench, and the driver's side seat belt is frayed somewhat.

The black carpets are in decent shape, with no signs of dampness. Take a look through the images to see the condition in more detail.

Dashboard

The dashboard presents well, with no damage of note. We spotted some mild wear on a few switches and the radio unit is missing, and the car is fitted with red needle dials.

The black headlining is in decent shape apart from the back corners which are ripped. The passenger side door handle trim is loose and the rear passenger side card on the right will need attention, otherwise the door cards are in decent condition.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The RS steering wheel is in good condition, the colour isn't the deepest black as can happen with age. There is some age-related wear noted on the gear knob.

Take a look at the photos and videos captured of the interior for a better view.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

Cosworth-derived upgrades made the RS3100 the quickest Capri of its era, pushing out ~148BHP from factory.

Engine and Gearbox

The V6 engine starts up with no issues, with no unwanted noises or excessive exhaust smoke. The engine presents well, it shows plenty of evidence of maintenance and displays decent hoses and ancillaries.

The car has been fitted with a 5-speed gearbox sourced from a Sierra and selects gears smoothly with the owner not reporting any issues with the clutch. The original 4-speed gearbox is included in the sale. Take a look at the video to see the car in action.

Suspension and Brakes

The car handled the roads without any concerns, the suspension absorbing the roads without any knocking or wallowing. Since our visit Eugene has fitted a new set of rear shock absorbers.

The rear brakes are fitted with discs, rather than the original drums and therefore should be a considerable improvement over the originals. However, the car does come with the original items, offering the option to revert back to the stock setup.

The Drive

Although this Capri is a race car developed for the road, the RS3100 is surprisingly comfy thanks to the sculptured seats offering plenty of support. The car was taken up to ~50MPH, driven through a series of gentle bends and clear straights with no negative feedback, with the steering remaining true with no observations of vibrations.

The car pulled very well and felt responsive during the test drive and Eugene is satisfied with the reliability of the engine, with no reports of oil pressure or engine temperature problems. Eugene worked up through the gears with no problems and no unwanted transmission whine, stating that the 5-speed transmission made the car so much easier to live with on longer journeys.

Electrics and Other

The odometer has had some issues in the time Eugene has owned the car but he has fixed it now, due to this we cannot confirm if the mileage is correct.

The car comes with several spare parts, including a rear spoiler, dashboard and its original 4-speed gearbox. Also as mentioned, the rear drum brakes come with the car too.

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Video #2

History and Paperwork

Coming to market from ~25 year ownership, a RS 3100 Capri is rarely seen coming to sale, let alone on the road, this is a great opportunity to get into a genuine Fast Ford.

First registered in Cambridgeshire in March 1974, the car has been confirmed by the late Len Pearce of the RS owners Club to be a genuine Halewood built RS3100. The current owner bought the car in 1999 and brought the car back up to scratch with welding, panel work and a bare metal respray.

There is a stack of receipts which include a rear disc brake conversion in 2002, a stainless steel system fitted in 2005 and others for general maintenance. It also comes with a handful of historic MOT certificates dating back to 1985 and an advert for the car on sale in February 1997. Since we documented the car, it has received a service, new of tyres and rear shocks fitted. It has also had a fresh MOT carried out which is valid until 12-12-2025..

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
13-12-2024 MOT 732
07-06-2019 MOT 98,585
11-12-2017 MOT 98,288
05-02-2016 MOT 98,287
24-04-2012 MOT 97,874
09-07-2003 MOT 96,660
09-07-2002 Body, Structural Work and Respray
27-06-2000 MOT 92,324
06-07-1999 MOT 90,261
31-03-1998 MOT 90,261
11-02-1997 MOT 90,261
16-06-1986 MOT 88,080
27-06-1985 MOT 81,398
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Key Details
  • ModelCapri RS3100 (Mk1)
  • Transmission5-Speed Manual
  • Reg. Date07-03-1974
  • CC3,098
  • Mileage~732 at MOT
  • HistoryRecent
  • ColourSebring Red
  • Interior ColourBlack
  • Interior TrimVinyl
  • Chassis #BBECND14091
  • Engine #ND14091
  • RestoredRepaint
  • MOTYes valid until 12-12-2025
  • MOT ExemptYes
  • Road Tax ExemptYes
  • HPi ClearYes - All clear
  • Former Keepers11
  • Tyre BrandKwik-Fit
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~26 years
  • Key FeatureRare original RS3100
  • Auction ID1888
VIEW ALL
VIEW ALL
Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos

Insurance Quote


Average annual insurance premium for a like this is via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

*Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid .

Vehicle Location

Eastbourne

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