Towards the end of its life, the Ford Capri enjoyed an upswing in interest as more buyers realised that perhaps a front-wheel hot hatch simply wasn't for them, and a V6-engined, rear-wheel drive sporting hatchback might very well do the job. Ford's Special Vehicle Engineering group was entrusted with developing the Capri 2.8 Injection that made its debut at the 1981 Geneva Motor Show. Based at the Research and Engineering centre in Essex, SVE decided to adopt the 2.8-litre V6 with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection - the first regular model since the RS2600 to use fuel injection - plus lowered suspension, thicker anti-roll bars, gas-filled shock absorbers, and wide-rim alloy wheels fitted with Goodyear's 205/60VR NCT tyres. The specification also included a five-speed gearbox, a limited-slip differential (1984 onwards) and ventilated disc brakes for the front wheels. All this translates into a car that goes with 'wonderful eagerness', the Autocar test team enthused after rocketing from 0-60 mph to just 7.9 seconds. The Capri 2.8 Injection breathed new life into the range and kept the car in production two to three years longer than Ford had planned.

In 1984, the 2.8 injection model was the subject of a substantial upgrade and was known as the Capri Injection Special. This development used Recaro half-leather seats and included a limited-slip differential. Externally the car could easily be distinguished by the seven-spoke RS wheels and its colour-coded grille and headlamp surround. Packed with performance and character, it paved the way for the superb Capri 280.

Offered here is a remarkable example of these rare Capris as it has been owned by one owner from new. It was ordered from new in Rosso Red with a half cloth and Steel Grey leather interior, a very rare combination. Sadly, the owner passed away recently and the car is being offered by his family, having not used it or registered it in the family name since his recent passing.

Clearly, the late owner was extremely proud of his special Capri and used it sparingly, more recently just attending the odd car show. At the time of cataloguing, the odometer was reading just 20,262 miles which, having purchased the car in 1986, works out at just 600 miles a year. Naturally, at this mileage and having been looked after by one respectful owner, this rare Ford remains in impressively original condition, remarkable and most likely unrepeatable.

It's accompanied by the original bill of sale, books, manuals, service booklet and some original parts. Currently sitting on the original RS wheels there appears to be another set of road wheels included with the car and these will be available to inspect at the auction hall during the sale. Quite simply, we do not know when there will be an opportunity to buy an example of the breed like this again. Silverstone Auctions are storing the Capri for the late owner’s family prior to the sale and we encourage and welcome your earliest inspection.