A RETRO Ford Capri 1973 raced by a member of the Royal family and driven by a Formula 1 icon is up for sale for £120k.
The remarkable motor, which remained in storage for 36 years before a mechanical rebuild in 2014, is set to go under the hammer in April.
The Ford was fully restored in 2018, costing 100k[/caption]
The Capri was built in 1973[/caption]
It is set to go under the hammer at Bonhams auction in Goodwood, Chichester[/caption]
The genuine Ford works car, decorated with a blue and white ‘Shell Sport’ livery, was originally built for the 1973 Avon Tour of Great Britain.
It was during this event that HRH Prince Michael of Kent took the wheel of the Capri, which has the registration ‘XWC 713L’.
The royal achieved a respectable 16th place finish after driving in circuit races, rally stages, and across 1,000 miles of public roads.
Later that year, it was driven by Formula 1 World Champion Niki Lauda at a one-off race at the Österreichring circuit in Austria.
Eligible for prestigious events such as Goodwood Members’ meetings, it will go under the hammer at Bonhams’ auction in Goodwood, Chichester, on April 13.
The 3.0 GXL Group 1 Competition Coupé was purchased by its current owner in 2018.
It then underwent a full restoration, costing more than £100k.
The bodyshell required minimal repair, retaining its original condition, and the engine was rebuilt to factory specification.
This work was completed by Neil Brown Engineering, the same specialists who worked on the car in 1973.
The listing states: “Hundreds of new parts were sourced and the car was completely rebuilt over a period of 18 months with no expense spared.
“It is an important part of Ford‘s motor racing history and has the unique distinction of being the only car ever raced by a member of the Royal Family and Niki Lauda.”
The same vehicle was driven by Nigel Clarkson and Jeremy Walton in the 24 Hours of Spa Francorchamps, where it finished 13th overall.
In 1974, the Capri was allocated to Tom Walkinshaw for the British Saloon Car Championship, where he claimed six victories and finished 4th overall, topping Class C.
That same year, Grand Prix motorcycle star Barry Sheene raced the car in a celebrity event at Brands Hatch.
In 2021, after a full restoration, the Capri was driven to a strong finish – despite brake issues – by racing legend Steve Soper at the Goodwood Members’ Meeting.
In November that year, the car claimed 1st in class and 2nd overall at the endurance race 250km of Estoril in Portugal.
Niki Lauda celebrates winning the British Grand Prix[/caption]
Prince Michael of Kent in the Royal Box at Wimbledon[/caption]
Car Auctions: How To Nab A Bargain
Car auctions are a way to sell vehicles based on a bidding system with the highest offer securing the deal.
Auctions aren’t restricted to the rich and famous as thousands of cars are sold at motor auctions in the UK each week.
Here’s what you need to know before attending an auction:
- Be prepared: Do your research on the car you would like to purchase beforehand.
- Check the car: Cars will usually be lined up before the start, so make sure to arrive early to inspect the desired car thoroughly.
- Have a back-up: Be ready for disappointment as your desired motor may be sold to someone else and select a few back-ups.
- Be realistic: Realise that there won’t be a “perfect” car at an auction and adjust expectations accordingly.
- Set a budget: It is easy to overspend in the heat of the moment during bidding. Ensure you have set a budget and do not go over it.
Key phrases to look out for:
- ‘No major mechanical faults’ – suggests that there shouldn’t be any issues with the car’s drivetrain, gearbox, suspension, or engine.
- ‘Specified faults’ – the auctioneer will read out specific faults.
- ‘Sold as seen’ – the vehicle is sold with any problems it may have. The auction company will rarely entertain complaints regarding the mechanical or cosmetic condition of these vehicles after sale.
- ‘Sold with a warranted mileage’ – The car is being offered based on the report, which confirms the mileage through an independent check.
