LONDON.- Once in a while a car manufacturer hits the jackpot with a design that appeals to millions and produces a driving experience not previously available in the mass market. This is what happened when the Ford Capri was unveiled and its racing brother the RS 3100 hit the racetracks of Europe. It just grabbed the imagination.

Bought new for £1,500 the asking price now is £50,000 to £60,000 which says all one needs to know about the appeal of this car.

Classic Car Auctions will be selling this Sebring red orange red 'Holy Grail' of Capris, the prototype RS 3100, with just one owner from new at their June 18th sale.

Simon Langsdale who consigned the car for Classic Car Auctions, says: “The Prototype RS3100 built at AVO South Ockendon in 1972 was part of the pre-the production run of the 249 cars built in 1973. Ford used the car for the studio shots which in turn were used on the Single Sheet Sales Brochure and the Supplementary Handbook, the latter being supplied with all production cars. This fabulous Capri represents a once in a life time opportunity to own a very special piece of Ford's RS history.”

He adds: “As a young man of 18, having had a MK1 1600 GT Capri, my aim was always to have the ultimate 3.0 V6 version, which came along in the form of the 3000 GXL that shares many features of the RS3100 and was the envy of my pier group of like-minded petrol heads. Having 130 BHP at my disposal was at the time the pinnacle of my driving experience, fighting to control the rear end, made for a hairy drive, making any trip truly entertaining and sometimes heart-stopping. To say I am a Capri fan is an understatement, having owned no less then 16 of them ending up with the 280 Brooklands that was Turbo Technics converted I think I can talk with some confidence. The “Holy Grail” of Capri’s has always been out of reach so the chance to be able to offer such a special car is good enough and keeps the juices flowing for sure!”

The Capri arrived in 1969 as 'the car you always promised yourself', as Ford Europe's response to the huge sales success of the Mustang in America. To boost UK interest, Ford relied heavily on the motorsport spotlight in the 1970s and soon an RS 2600 Capri was commissioned and built to compete in the European Touring Car championship.

Used by AVO until 1975 then registered on a 'P' plate with only 500 miles on the clock making it the only one in existence and the last RS3100 to be registered.

Purchased by the vendor from AVO in April 1975 and owned by him ever since makes it a one owner car. It is offered for sale with the original Bill of Sale from AVO for £1,500.

The car differs from the production 249 in having fixed rear quarter windows, flat 3-spoke steering wheel and black rocker covers (production ones are blue). It has a unique chassis number BFECRK, the rest being BBECND-series.

KVV 648P was Ziebart treated in 1975 helping to keep it in its original unrestored condition having only had some small paint rectification

Stored on chassis stands from 1982 until 2022 at which point it was recommissioned but up until 1982 it was a daily driver covering 70,700 miles from new.

CCA is the sister company of Silverstone Auctions and caters for 'Everyman Classics'.