1979 Ford Capri Group 1
The Ford Capri CC10 is a 1979 British Saloon Car Championship competitor built by CC Racing Developments to Group 1½ specification for Gordon Spice, one of Britain's most celebrated saloon car racers. During its active season it recorded six outright victories in the Tricentrol BSCC and competed internationally at Nivelles, the Le Mans 4 Hours, the Spa 24 Hours, and the Paul Ricard 24 Hours. Subsequently converted to Group 2 configuration, the car was later returned by a subsequent owner to its original 1979 appearance and mechanical specification. It has appeared on the cover of Autosport and is believed to be the model used by Corgi for a dedicated die-cast release.
Ownership
- 2015-07-23Auction saleSold £82,000 (≈ $103K)
- 1979 →Factory deliveryCC Racing Developments / Gordon Spicepartial documentation
Car was built by Dave Cook and Peter Clark of CC Racing Developments to Group 1½ specification for use by Gordon Spice in the 1979 Tricentrol British Saloon Car Championship. Identity confirmed by Spice's own inspection and a telephone conversation between the subsequent owner and Dave Cook identifying key chassis marks.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownPrevious vendor (supplier of original Group 1 parts)partial documentation
This owner held the car in Group 2 configuration with wide X-pack arches and associated modifications, and retained a stock of original Group 1 components including brake parts, body panels, tailgate, windows, and bumpers, which were supplied to the next owner.
- Date unknownPrivate saleCurrent vendorpartial documentation
A former racing driver who researched the car's identity, corresponded with Gordon Spice, and undertook a comprehensive programme of work to return it to 1979 Group 1½ specification. Used the car for track days and BRDC Members' days before consigning it to auction.
Competition
- 1979Tricentrol British Saloon Car ChampionshipTricentrol British Saloon Car Championship 1979Driver: Gordon Spice6 outright victories plus multiple other finishes
Car ran to Group 1½ specification throughout the season, accumulating six wins and numerous points-scoring finishes.
- 1979Nivelles raceDriver: Gordon Spice
One of several international outings during the car's active 1979 season.
- 1979Le Mans 4 HoursDriver: Gordon Spice
International endurance outing during the 1979 season.
- 1979Spa 24 HoursDriver: Gordon Spice5th overall
- 1979Paul Ricard 24 HoursDriver: Gordon Spice2nd overall
Maintenance & restoration
- —Modification
At some point after its racing career the car's front end was converted from Mk.2 to Mk.3 specification using parts supplied by Ford to championship competitors, and it was fitted with wider Group 2 X-pack arches and associated modifications.
Exact date and workshop unknown. The Mk.3 front-end update was a period practice facilitated by Ford's marketing programme.
- —Engine rebuild
The Neil Brown period engine was rebuilt shortly before the current owner acquired the car.
Engine was considered largely correct; only rocker gear, guide plates, inlet manifold, Weber carburettor, and air box required changing to restore full homologation compliance.
- —Restoration
Comprehensive recommissioning to 1979 Group 1½ specification by the current owner: engine ancillaries corrected to homologated configuration; rear axle and period rear drum brakes reinstated with new racing shoes; front brakes replaced with homologation-correct calipers; new oil cooler and radiator fitted; bodywork fully stripped revealing intact original rear arches, resprayed in original colour and refinished in correct period livery.
Original Group 1 components including brake parts, body panels, tailgate, windows, and bumpers were supplied by the previous owner, facilitating the return to period specification. Front dampers were assessed but retained as the car handled well on recent track days.
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