Ford Capri MkIII 3.0S

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Launched at the 1969 Brussels Motor Show, the Capri instantly became the most desirable model in Ford’s European range and was every thrusting young executive’s dream set of wheels.

The MkIII version appeared in 1978 and was a real improvement over the MkII with more aggressive front end styling, improved aerodynamics and quad headlamps. The one we all wanted was the 3.0S with the Essex V6 under its long bonnet. With 138bhp on tap, it could sprint to 60 in 8 seconds with a top speed of 122mph – heady stuff at the time and double the national speed limit.

What really cemented its macho appeal were the tyre-smoking antics of Bodie and Doyle who both drove a 3.0S in ‘The Professionals’, the silver one driven by ex-SAS hard man Bodie selling at auction for £55,000 in 2016. The white 2.0S driven by Dennis Waterman’s Terry McCann in ‘Minder’, SLE 71R, was also recently sold for £52,500.

Sadly, this 1979 3.0S has no celebrity provenance that we know of, but it makes up for that with a very modest estimate. Although there is precious little history with the car, we are told that it recently had a thorough restoration following a long period in storage.

This included new wings, sills and front panel, new bumpers, refurbished fuel tank, new stainless steel exhaust, refurbished RS alloy wheels and a new set of tyres. The brakes and suspension were also fully overhauled with new discs, calipers, shocks and springs. It had reputedly had an engine rebuild some time previously and we are told that the oil pressure is excellent.

Looking very much the part in a fresh coat of ‘70s Signal Orange, it has the desirable manual gearbox and also benefits from a rare factory fitted electric sunroof which was working perfectly on the occasion of our visit. With just one owner from 1987 to 2018, it has an MOT until April 2020 with no advisories recorded.