1979 Ford Capri 3000S

Strong 3.0 Essex engine - fully rebuilt just 1,200 miles ago

£10,000 restoration - based on a very solid original shell

Original registration, only 4 former keepers, rare non-sunroof model

In the era-defining colour of Signal Orange; the performance bargain of the 1970s

Subtle performance upgrades; drives superbly

As exciting as the Capri Mkll was rational, the Mklll (1978-1986) was one of the industry's most effective facelifts with a distinctly modern shape, and its improved aerodynamics naturally resulted in better performance and economy. Quad headlights, wrap-around bumpers and a plethora of TV star associations restored the Capri's "mojo'. At launch, the existing engine and transmission combinations of the Capri Mkll were carried over. Only two 3.0-litre versions of the Mklll were available, the 3000S (Sport) and the luxury Ghia. The 3000S is now generally regarded amongst enthusiasts as the most desirable. The character of the car stems from its cast-iron V6 engine. This is the legendary British-built, 2994cc "Essex" version (not the 2.8-litre German V6 which was adopted by the Granada range), putting out 138bhp and a healthy 174 lb/ft of torque at 3,000 rpm. It's such a basic, solid but effective design, described by a motoring journalist of the time: ''I have visions of this engine having been created by a Dagenham blacksmith beating it out on an anvil, with its character akin to a shire horse: totally un-temperamental, uncannily flexible and effortlessly powerful."" This mighty engine and better aerodynamic efficiency meant the hard-charging Mklll 3000S now combined a 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds with a 122 mph top speed. Heady stuff indeed.

The car presented here is a 1979 Ford Capri Mklll 3000S in a totally restored condition. This particular car, a rarer non-sunroof model and wearing its original registration number, has had just four previous keepers, the first of which was a manager at a Ford Dealership. Its closeted life meant it was a prime candidate for an extensive £10,000 restoration, with the restorer stating the shell was one of the best he"d ever started with. The inner wings and floor-pans are all believed to be original. The car benefited from a complete bare-shell renewal just two years ago and is now finished in "Signal Orange" – a suitably extrovert colour for the 'less than shy' 3000S. A thorough approach to the job saw the underside blasted, etch-primed, 2k primed, painted with U-POL Raptor tinted signal orange, then finished with a good coat of 2k Ford Signal Orange. The engine was professionally rebuilt by Paul Finch of "Finch Motorsport" in Northampton just 1,200 miles ago, fitted with a new Weber DGAS carburettor and a V34 rally camshaft, and is said to run and drive superbly. The restoration work also created an opportunity to fit a 2.8 special rear end, single leaves, an LSD, 2.8 special front struts, new control arms, and a full manifold-to-tip stainless steel Janspeed exhaust system. There are new 4-spoke RS wheels with R888R tyres, original and properly fitted Ford small logo flaps, plus original clips and fixtures etc. The Recaro seats and 'Carla' check cloth are in immaculate condition with original fishnets fitted, and no holes in the parcel shelf or door-cards. Everything is said to work as it should, even the clock. Our vendor describes the car as "wanting for nothing", with an MoT valid until June 2019, hence he keeps it in a protective 'Carcoon'. If you"ve always wanted a special Capri – the 3000S is considered to be one of the stand-out models – then this example is the car for you. Don"t miss it!