Chris Griffith's MKI 1973 Modena Green RS3100 Capri
Cologne arches; 7 1/2 inch RS alloy rims; engine rebuild by Ric Wood (mid 2017); full restoration by 'RESTORE-A-FORD' 2016-2019 (Stuart & Alec Baldy); high-spec front brakes. Fully restored just in time for the 2019 show season. Suffered rear end damage in August 2019 due to a hit-and-run incident but when you see it now - you would never know - all down to the 'magic' worked at Restore-A-Ford.
First registered by Motor Co.in May 1974, this RS3100 was one of twelve with the 'RPU' prefix registration - these twelve were used as Ford demonstrators.With only 6490 miles on the clock, this Capri was sold to Mick Hill Racing in October 1974. The first private owner (in the American Air Force) then bought the car in December 1974 John Coles bought the car in 1980 and had it modified by Ho,am Blackburn at Mann's Garage to GP1 spec with triple 42DCNF carbs. This RS3100 won it's class in the 1983 BARC Sprint Championships.
John sold RPU to Chris with 54,000 miles on the clock and Chris used it daily until 1991 when it was taken off the road. the next time RPU was the light of day was for a journey by trailer to Castle Combe in 2009. Time was taking it's toll on the car and from 2009 to 2016 it sat in Chris's garage looking very sorry for itself. By 2016 Chris was in a suitable financial situation to arrange for Stuart and Alec at Restore-A-Ford to go-ahead and carry out a full restoration. In early June 2019 this RS3100 was 're-born'. This beaury was displayed at Mallory Park (Classic Ford Day), Castle Combe (MK1 National Day), Wonderland Classic & Sports Car Festival 'Capri 50 Years' timeline display, Silverstone Classic 'Capri 50 Years' track parade, Ford HQ Dunton 'Capri 50 Years' show, Brooklands 'Capri 50 Years ceberation' show.
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