The Ford Capri Mk1 2600 RS – The King of the Racetrack

When Ford introduced the Capri in the late 1960s, its advertising slogan was "The car you've always promised yourself." Before long, however, the Capri became far more than just a stylish sports coupé for the road. With the introduction of the Capri RS 2600, a remarkable success story began—one that would turn the car into a true motorsport legend.

In 1970, Ford's motorsport division, led by Jochen Neerpasch, developed the RS 2600 as a homologation model for touring car racing. Beneath its long bonnet was a 2.6-litre V6 engine equipped with a mechanical Kugelfischer fuel-injection system. Officially rated at 150 horsepower, many examples actually produced slightly more. With a top speed of around 200 km/h (124 mph), the RS 2600 ranked among the fastest German production cars of its era.

For racing, an uncompromising competition version was created. Every unnecessary kilogram was removed. The doors, bonnet, and tailgate were made from lightweight composite materials, the side windows were replaced with Plexiglas, and all non-essential equipment was stripped away. The first fifty lightweight cars were built to satisfy homologation requirements and weighed only about 900 kilograms (1,984 pounds), providing the perfect foundation for future racing success.

On the track, the Capri RS 2600 quickly became a formidable rival. The racing engines were enlarged to as much as 3.0 litres, initially producing around 260 horsepower and later exceeding 300 horsepower. The Capri competed head-to-head with BMW and Porsche, claiming numerous victories in the European Touring Car Championship. Legendary drivers including Niki Lauda, Jochen Mass, Dieter Glemser, and Jochen Neerpasch drove the factory-backed Capris, helping to make the car a favourite among racing fans.

The RS 2600 enjoyed its greatest success during the 1971 and 1972 seasons, when Ford dominated the European Touring Car Championship. Its thunderous V6 soundtrack, aggressively flared wheel arches, and outstanding handling made the Capri an icon of touring car racing's golden age. It proved that an affordable coupé could challenge—and often defeat—the established sports car elite.

By the end of 1973, just over 3,500 road-going RS 2600 models had been built. These cars served not only as exciting performance vehicles for the road but also as the homologation basis for the highly successful racing versions. Today, original RS 2600 models are among the most sought-after classic Fords, commanding impressive prices at auctions around the world.

To this day, the Ford Capri Mk1 2600 RS is far more than just a classic car. It represents an era when courage, engineering excellence, and motorsport were inseparable. Its unmistakable design, the unforgettable sound of its V6 engine, and its remarkable achievements on Europe's greatest racing circuits have secured its place as one of the true icons of motorsport history.