Silverstone Auctions continues to work its way through the 'Faster Fords' back catalogue courtesy of our vendors and we are delighted to further tick the 'Capri box' with this super original and rare Zakspeed Turbo by Ford of Europe’s well-respected tuner Erich Zakowski. Conceived early in 1980 by the Ford Motorsport Performance Vehicles Program, the idea was to build 200 units powered by the 2,300cc V6, however, the success of the newly launched 2.8-litre engine soon changed the final specification.

Unique correspondence in this car's history file noted that 50 units were at their Niederzissen facility being prepared for the launch event, all with a 30,000 Deutschmark sticker price, excluding options. Although the intention was to build 200 examples between July 1981 and September 1982, numbered transmission tunnels indicate that just 155 conversions were produced and German RS dealers were then tasked with marketing this Zakspeed-inspired, left-hand drive only “Werksturbo” based on the 3.0S, but with widened Series-X bodywork, front and rear 'Ford Motorsport' badged spoilers, and deep 7.5j four-spoke RS (Ronel) alloy wheels.

The interior featured the Scheel seats finished in Shark Grey crushed velour trim that were currently fitted to the Escort RS1600i in production at the same time and an RS steering wheel. The engine was based on a normally- aspirated, carburettor-equipped, 2.8-litre Cologne V6, Ford Granada (Europe) engine using electronic ignition, a Tuftrided crankshaft, heavy-duty head gaskets, HD oil pump, oil cooler, an RS exhaust, and a single Garrett T4 turbocharger providing 5.4 psi of boost resulting in 188bhp at 5500rpm. Handling was improved with the addition of a limited-slip differential, Bilstein dampers all around, an anti-dive kit, uprated RS anti-roll bars, single rear leaf springs and 7.5" x 13" Ford RS AVO four-spoke wheels with Goodyear NCT 235/60/13 tyres.

Zakspeed Capris were only available through the European Ford RS Dealer network and this example was ordered by its first UK owner in 1982 and supplied by dealer Autohaus Holbelt finished in Strato Silver with a Shark Grey interior. It was subsequently acquired by our vendor in 1988 and has been cossetted by him ever since. The current indicated mileage is 32,100. The comprehensive history file contains numerous magazines featuring the Capri but more interestingly are the copies of letters from Ford Europe outlining the original plan and execution of the Zakspeed Capri run to Ford luminary Bob Lutz and others.

The rarest of Capris from a time in Ford's 80s motorsport history when everything and more was possible.