1981 Ford Capri Janspeed Turbo Prototype Rescued From Scrapyard
Before the famous Mustang Turbo became a legend, Ford was experimenting with something different in Europe. A unique piece of history, the 1981 Ford Capri Janspeed Turbo prototype, has surfaced for sale in the UK.
This isn’t just a used car; it is a “what if” moment in automotive history. Saved from being crushed in a scrapyard, this rare prototype offers collectors a chance to own a vehicle that Ford tested but never officially mass-produced.
The Turbo Ford Never Built
In the early 1980s, Ford sent four Capri 3.0S test cars to the tuning company Janspeed. The goal was to see if a factory-backed turbo model could work. Ultimately, Ford decided to go with the 2.8 Injection model instead, and this project was abandoned.
It is believed that this specific car is the only survivor of those four test vehicles. It represents a path not taken, sitting at the opposite end of the spectrum from modern powerhouses like the 770-horsepower F-150 Shelby Super Snake.
Specifications and Restoration
Under the hood, this Capri retains its original modified heart. It features a 3.0-liter Essex V6 engine fitted with a period-correct Janspeed turbo kit.
Here is a breakdown of the unique specifications for this prototype:
| Feature | Specification |
| Engine | 2,994-cc Essex V6 (Turbocharged) |
| Transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive with Limited-Slip Diff |
| Suspension | Bilstein Dampers |
| Exterior Color | Two-tone Beige and Roman Bronze |
| Current Price | £59,995 (Approx. ₹64 Lakhs) |
The car features a distinctive two-tone paint job with gold pinstriping and a prototype rear spoiler. Inside, it keeps the classic “Carla-check” fabric and even a quirky double-carpet arrangement from its testing days.
From Trash to Treasure
The story of this car is just as interesting as its engine. In the late 1990s, a Ford enthusiast found this car sitting in a London scrapyard. A worker mentioned it had a “turbo” badge, which led to a closer look and a rescue mission.
After being stored for a decade, it underwent a sympathetic restoration. The body was freshened up, and the engine was rebuilt using original Janspeed paperwork. Today, with just over 70,000 miles on the clock, it stands as a fully documented piece of Ford’s performance history.
At nearly £60,000, it is priced above almost every other Capri on the market, but for a one-of-a-kind prototype with this kind of provenance, it is a price serious collectors might be willing to pay.
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