One to Buy: Sebring Red 1973 Ford Capri RS2600
/
During four years in production between early 1970 and late 1973, Ford’s Capri RS2600 Group 2 homologation special underwent a series of changes aimed at broadening its appeal.
The first 50 RS2600s (completed between March and April of 1970) came with an array of special Lightweight body and interior parts for the FIA inspectors to base their homologation report upon. These cars, sometimes dubbed ‘Plastikbombe’, were followed by the ‘regular’ RS2600, production of which started in September 1970.
During October 1971, Ford switched the RS2600 to softer springs that increased the ride height. In addition, the company fitted larger (now ventilated) brake discs, RS-branded wheels, a four-speed Type E Toploader gearbox with revised ratios and a longer rear axle ratio.
Externally, the ‘72 model year RS2600 came with bumpers (chromed quarter type with the fronts incorporating indicators) and a plain front apron. Inside, the now RS-branded Scheel seats featured softer cord upholstery and bucket rear seats with a folding armrest in between (replacing the original bench-type arrangement).
For the 1973 model year, the RS2600 was face-lifted in line with the rest of the Capri range. Changes included a new front grille, larger tail light clusters (now with integrated reverse lights), a new rear apron, a new dash / instrument binnacle and redesigned door panels.
Changes specific to the RS2600 included bumpers with a satin black finish, a full width rear bumper, a satin black chin spoiler, Hella headlights with GXL satin black shrouds and new badging. Inside was a flat three-spoke RS-branded steering wheel, a revised centre console and map reading light. The rear bucket seats had cloth cord over the bolsters and centres with just the central area in between (to include the armrest) left in black vinyl. Under the hood, the Kugelfischer fuel-injection system was equipped with a new injection pump, different injectors, new fuel lines and a new throttle body.
This fabulous Sebring Red example is a 1973 model year RS2600 of which just 1050 were built. Currently residing at the Gallery Aaldering showroom in Brummen, the Netherlands, it was originally delivered to the Clermont-Ferrand region of France and is said to be “in exceptionally well preserved matching numbers condition having undergone a carefully executed restoration to factory configuration”.
