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NZ Autocar
2 days ago
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
1978 Ford Capri 3.0i Group 1
Mention the words 'Ford' and 'touring car', and most enthusiasts will likely think of the Falcon, Sierra or Escort. Few Kiwi fans recall the Ford Capri, the stylish coupe that some consider made Ford sexy during its tenure. It enjoyed a motorsport career that lasted the majority of its 18-year production run. Originally homologated as a (relatively disastrous) 2.0-litre Group 1 car, it would be developed into a feisty V6 battler. First came the 2.6-litre in 1971, followed by the BMW-battling RS3100. Come 1977 and the Capri 3.0S debuted in Group 1 form. Compared with the previous Capri homologation specials, these were mild. Group 1 regulations were based around series production cars. Ford's presence in the British Saloon Car Championship (BSCC) was spearheaded by the Capri. Gordon Spice would become synonymous with the Group 1 Ford Capri, winning 27 races and scoring six class victories between 1975 and 1980. Five of these were at the wheel of the Capri 3.0S, and four as a team owner. But he never won an outright championship thanks to the way the points were awarded. However, in 1978, Spice would take one of his (and the Capri's) most famous victories. He stood atop the podium at Spa after a gruelling 24 hours, sharing his Belga-sponsored Capri with Teddy Pillette. This car, built by CC Racing Developments, bears the chassis number CC-5. Headed by Dave Cook and Pete Clark, CC Racing Developments screwed together arguably the most competitive Capri 3.0S of the period. From 1977 through to 1982, they engineered between 20 and 25 cars. Most were destined for England. But Europe also provided a market for the CC Capris, quite likely off the back of the Spa successes. The recipe for these cars was fairly simple, owing largely to Group 1 regulations. These dictated a production block, in this instance a 3.0 litre Essex V6. While the showroom version was hardly a performance unit, common opinion suggests that these engines were pumping out around 250-270hp. It's worth mentioning they also had to run induction consistent with the production car. In this instance, a two-barrel Weber carburettor, rendering that power level all the more impressive. The car's Type 5 four-speed gearbox was equipped with a Hewland gearset. An LSD was installed on the rear axle. Suspension allowed more freedom. Adjustable platform front struts with spherical bearing top hats, and a modified leaf-sprung rear ensured trueness to production layout. Appropriate anti-roll bars were installed to retain a degree of body control, and the result was a low-slung stance that only improved the Mk3 Capri's svelte lines. Key to the aesthetic were the 13-inch wheels. The production car rolled on 13s, ergo, so must the race car, albeit wider and shod in competition rubber. These wheels covered an RS3100-sourced vented front rotor grasped by Girling 16 calipers. At the rear, a rudimentary pair of drums. The Spa 24 hour car gained a hefty tank bolted into the rear and quick-fill fuel caps neatly installed under an OEM flap. The flanks saw the installation of lights, to ensure the race numbers were visible in the pitch-black Belgian night. But otherwise, it's a straightforward, competitive Group 1 Capri. The story of CC5 didn't end with its 1978 Spa win, however. As evidenced by the original sticker on the centre switch console, it'd run in England and Europe through until 1981. Drivers like Andy Rouse graced the interior – by all accounts, the car has done a lot of racing. As the 1982 season dawned, so too did the Rover SD1. This marked the competitive end for the Capri, but instead of being mothballed, CC5 was spirited over to Asia alongside its stablemate CC7. The car would be raced at the Macau GP that year, without any notable success, and sold. CC5's contemporary motorsport career would wind up in 1986. At this point the car was acquired by a Manxman named Barry Forth. An ex-motorcycle road racer, Forth operated a business named 'Road and Track Performance.' Catering to a wealthy Asian client base, the company specialised in motorsport preparation but, for whatever reason, the Capri was acquired as part of a deal, then mothballed. Forth would eventually find his way to New Zealand, settling in Canterbury, and bringing a container or two with him. In one of those was the Capri, which would languish in captivity for some time before well-known Christchurch restoration specialist, Gary Wilkinson, came into the picture. While at the Forth residence completing a bit of auto electrical wizardry, Wilkinson tells a story of Capri discovery. A chance glimpse through the open door of the container revealed the unmistakable Mk3 Capri silhouette. The real kicker though? The 'Gordon Spice Racing' sunstrip adorning the front screen. The car wore a fairly plain white coat of paint beneath a thick coat of dust. As a self-diagnosed Ford fanatic, Wilkinson couldn't help but delve further. Closer investigation revealed the Essex V6 between the front struts. The tag in particular caught his eye, bearing the characters 'CC5.' This was where it was left, with Wilkinson finishing up his job and heading back to base where his research would begin. A while later, a deal was made, and Wilkinson pumped up the tyres and rolled CC5 onto a trailer in May of 2018. He recalls his excitement at his initial discovery of the dual fuel fillers and the presence of the 1981 RAC 'advertising permit' stickers. Despite the typical chequered history and neglect that comes with old racing cars, the Capri was complete and authentic. Only the absence of the original Minilite wheels was noted, hardly much of a concern. It'd be 18 months until work would begin on the car. Allan Scott, an ex-Walkinshaw engine development guru, assisted Wilkinson in making the right connections to verify authenticity and restore the car in a manner befitting its provenance. Wilkinson's modus operandi when it comes to restoration is key to the end result. As he says, 'the devil is in the detail,' and it's not always about things being returned to better than new order. Race hardware was never 'perfect,' even in its heyday. Aesthetically, Wilkinson has been careful to retain a degree of original patina. The aforementioned center switch panel wears its age with pride. A trio of Smith's gauges in the dash display decades of telltale readings. The leather of the 'RS' emblazoned steering wheel evokes close-quartered racing in each of its cracks and nicks. The engine and 'box are also original to the car, built in period by Neil Brown Engineering, a company still operating to this day. In the pursuit of power, Wilkinson experimented with some modern Holley carbs. But the original Weber left the engine builder and the dyno operator speechless. A forensic examination showed the carb had some bespoke modifications, an indication that in 1978 they knew exactly what they were doing. Within the rules? Who knows, but perhaps a clue as to how they got those Capris performing so well. Overall, Wilkinson doesn't deem the restoration as being too difficult. Often, the tricky bit is sourcing components, which were generally discarded as the race car evolved. The originality of the Ford Capri meant that, by and large, refurbishment of existing components was the order of the day. Even after being stripped to a bare shell, it revealed an excellent base with virtually no rust. Upon confirming the car's provenance with Dave Cook, Wilkinson learned that the team put around 400 hours into each shell. Every two inches, the seams are hand brazed for stiffness. It did however show signs of a repair in the front left. It's documented that in hour 17 or 18 of that 1978 Spa 24 hour race, Spice nailed the armco and lost his two and a half lap lead. The team would repair the damage, install a new strut, and absolutely send it to the finish. Pilette and Spice would peg back the leading BMW and take that historic win. Wilkinson makes no bones that he's proud the car is presented 'as it ran' in period. No special upgrades or concession to modern trends. 'Just how it was' is his summation. After a season competing among the Historic Touring Cars NZ grid, Wilkinson made the call to put the car up for sale. With such extensive provenance in the UK and Europe, keeping the car on Kiwi soil was always going to be a long shot. The Ford Capri has since left our shores, landing in England. Its next track outing is fitting; competing in the Gordon Spice Trophy race. It's a new addition to the Goodwood Members Meeting, aimed at contemporary and period Group 1 specification touring cars. It's a full circle moment for the Capri, a genuine Gordon Spice machine racing for a trophy bearing the original racer's name. And it's something Wilkinson can be immensely proud of.
The Sun
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Inside Eric Cantona's new electric Ford Capri with shirt number on doors and nod to THAT kung fu kick
HERE'S Eric Cantona with his electric Ford Capri. It can only be his. It's got his signature on the front wings, '7' on the doors (his Man United shirt number) and a 3D crown printed on the rear pillars. 5 5 For King Eric, obviously. There's even a silhouette of his infamous kung-fu kick stitched on to the front headrests. I'm not even joking. Cantona was promised a car after fronting Ford's big unveil last summer. He told me: 'I like this car. 'It's a bit like me. 'I was a footballer, then I became an actor and a singer. 'But inside I'm the same person. 'I just express myself with football, express myself with acting, with music or with lyrics or whatever. 'But it's the same soul. I'm an EV driver & it's painful... Brits MUST hit two key criteria before they even think about getting one 'It's me. Like the Capri.' Cantona doesn't have a car collection, like almost every other Prem star. He prefers art. He said: 'We have different passions. 'Me, I collect art. Sculptures. Paintings. Different things. 'I have two of Anish Kapoor – the one who did the big sculpture in front of the Olympic Stadium (the Orbit). 'He's in every museum in the world. 'The first money I earned, I invested in art. 'So I have a nice collection.' Cantona did once own a Rolls-Royce Corniche, which was daubed in graffiti by street artist JonOne to raise money for a French homeless charity. He said: 'I had it for 15 years when I was in England – the car was in France, and I drove it maybe 500km. Nothing. 'So I sold it at auction for the Fondation Abbé Pierre. 'I think it made 120,000 euros. 'You can see it if you go to Paris. 'It was bought by the president of the Accor group and it's now in the reception of the Hotel Molitor, which is a very famous place. So nice.' Maybe his Capri will end up there one day too. 5 5
Scottish Sun
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Inside Eric Cantona's new electric Ford Capri with shirt number on doors and nod to THAT kung fu kick
Scroll down to see what Eric collects instead of cars NEW, CAR, CANTONA Inside Eric Cantona's new electric Ford Capri with shirt number on doors and nod to THAT kung fu kick Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HERE'S Eric Cantona with his electric Ford Capri. It can only be his. It's got his signature on the front wings, '7' on the doors (his Man United shirt number) and a 3D crown printed on the rear pillars. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Eric Cantona's personalised Ford Capri looks stunning Credit: Ford 5 Cantona doesn't have a car collection, but has owned a Rolls Royce Credit: Ford For King Eric, obviously. There's even a silhouette of his infamous kung-fu kick stitched on to the front headrests. I'm not even joking. Cantona was promised a car after fronting Ford's big unveil last summer. He told me: 'I like this car. 'It's a bit like me. 'I was a footballer, then I became an actor and a singer. 'But inside I'm the same person. 'I just express myself with football, express myself with acting, with music or with lyrics or whatever. 'But it's the same soul. I'm an EV driver & it's painful... Brits MUST hit two key criteria before they even think about getting one 'It's me. Like the Capri.' Cantona doesn't have a car collection, like almost every other Prem star. He prefers art. He said: 'We have different passions. 'Me, I collect art. Sculptures. Paintings. Different things. 'I have two of Anish Kapoor – the one who did the big sculpture in front of the Olympic Stadium (the Orbit). 'He's in every museum in the world. 'The first money I earned, I invested in art. 'So I have a nice collection.' Cantona did once own a Rolls-Royce Corniche, which was daubed in graffiti by street artist JonOne to raise money for a French homeless charity. He said: 'I had it for 15 years when I was in England – the car was in France, and I drove it maybe 500km. Nothing. 'So I sold it at auction for the Fondation Abbé Pierre. 'I think it made 120,000 euros. 'You can see it if you go to Paris. 'It was bought by the president of the Accor group and it's now in the reception of the Hotel Molitor, which is a very famous place. So nice.' Maybe his Capri will end up there one day too. 5 A nod to the infamous kung-fu kick on the car's seats Credit: Ford 5 Eric's signature on the vehicle Credit: Ford
The Irish Sun
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Inside Eric Cantona's new electric Ford Capri with shirt number on doors and nod to THAT kung fu kick
HERE'S Eric Cantona with his electric Ford Capri. It can only be his. It's got his signature on the front wings, '7' on the doors (his Advertisement 5 Eric Cantona's personalised Ford Capri looks stunning Credit: Ford 5 Cantona doesn't have a car collection, but has owned a Rolls Royce Credit: Ford For There's even a silhouette of his infamous kung-fu kick stitched on to the front headrests. I'm not even joking. Cantona was promised a car after fronting Ford's big unveil last summer. Advertisement READ MORE ON MOTORS He told me: 'I like this car. 'It's a bit like me. 'I was a footballer, then I became an actor and a singer. 'But inside I'm the same person. Advertisement Most read in Motors 'I just express myself with football, express myself with acting, with music or with lyrics or whatever. 'But it's the same soul. I'm an EV driver & it's painful... Brits MUST hit two key criteria before they even think about getting one 'It's me. Like the Capri.' Cantona doesn't have a car collection, like almost every other Prem star. Advertisement He prefers art. He said: 'We have different passions. 'Me, I collect art. Sculptures. Paintings. Different things. 'I have two of Anish Kapoor – the one who did the big sculpture in front of the Olympic Stadium (the Orbit). Advertisement 'He's in every museum in the world. 'The first money I earned, I invested in art. 'So I have a nice collection.' Cantona did once own a Rolls-Royce Corniche, which was daubed in graffiti by street artist JonOne to raise money for a French homeless charity. Advertisement He said: 'I had it for 15 years when I was in England – the car was in France, and I drove it maybe 500km. Nothing. 'So I sold it at auction for the Fondation Abbé Pierre. 'I think it made 120,000 euros. 'You can see it if you go to Paris. Advertisement 'It was bought by the president of the Accor group and it's now in the reception of the Hotel Molitor, which is a very famous place. So nice.' Maybe his Capri will end up there one day too. 5 A nod to the infamous kung-fu kick on the car's seats Credit: Ford 5 Eric's signature on the vehicle Credit: Ford Advertisement 5 The electric motor has the football star's shirt number 7 on the side Credit: Ford
Auto Express
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Oooh, ah. Eric Cantona's designed a car! French soccer legend pens his ideal Ford Capri
During the new Ford Capri's launch last year you may have noticed a certain Eric Cantona drumming up excitement for the all-electric SUV – and now he has teamed up with the company to build a one-off Capri to commemorate their partnership. Working with the exterior designer for the new Capri, Thomas Morel, Cantona has created a Capri in Signal Orange, a historic Ford colour that was used on the Mk3 Capri in the seventies. There's also a gloss black motif on the side that runs into the number seven – Cantona's shirt number for much of his career. In addition, the special edition sports gloss black racing stripes running from front to rear, 21-inch wheels in black and silver, and a one-off rear spoiler. There's also some more discreet detailing such as Cantona's signature on the front wing and a crown badge on the rear pillar in a nod to the French footballer's nickname, King Eric. Advertisement - Article continues below For all that, though, the exterior is rather restrained compared with the interior. That's because here you'll find numerous references to Cantona's fairly maverick playing career. On the headrests, for instance, there's an outline of Cantona delivering his infamous flying kick on a Crystal Palace fan during the 1995 season, which was followed by his enigmatic statement, 'When the seagulls follow the trawler, it's because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea." The centre console has been redesigned with a removable cover and another typically curious Cantona quote about the Capri: 'When a goat follows his hero in his car, it's because the ruler on the racetrack returns. The Legend is back.' Matching the exterior, the seats come with orange stitching and twin orange stripes along with orange-edged floor mats and a leather steering wheel stitched in, you guessed it, orange. The Capri that forms the basis for this special edition is the Extended Range RWD with a 77kWh battery sending power to a rear-mounted 282bhp electric motor. While the 0-62mph time still stands at 6.4 seconds, we're not sure how that new rear wing affects the car's 369-mile range. Speaking at the reveal of his new car, Cantona said, 'True joy comes from expression, whether that is on the football pitch, on canvas or the stage. This Capri reflects the many facets of Cantona – it deserves the title of 'Legend'.' Now you can buy a car through our network of top dealers around the UK. Search for the latest deals…
