#Erich Zakowski

[carsthatnevermadeitetc]

Zakspeed Capri RS2800 Turbo, 1982. One of 155 Capri models prepared under Ford's Motorsport Performance Vehicles Program by Erich Zakowski sold recently by Silverstone Auctions for £64,688. The car had only 2 owners from new and has travelled 32,000 miles. The original plan was to build a special edition of 200 cars. The engine was based on a normally- aspirated, carburettor-equipped, 2.8-litre Cologne V6, Ford Granada (Europe) engine using electronic ignition, a Tuftrided crankshaft, heavy-duty head gaskets, HD oil pump, oil cooler, an RS exhaust, and a single Garrett T4 turbocharger providing 5.4 psi of boost resulting in 188bhp at 5500rpm. The cars came with widened Series-X bodywork, front and rear 'Ford Motorsport' badged spoilers, 7.5j four-spoke RS (Ronel) alloy wheels and were offered for 30,000 Deutschmarks (€15,000).

auction listing

[a110crazy13]

R.I.p. Erich Zakowski

[manjeeth-salian]

The Legendary Ford Zakspeed Turbo Capri

The Ford Zakspeed Turbo Capri, which dominated the German Deutsche Rennsport Meisterschaft series in the late 1970s and early 1980s, is a legend in Group 5 racing. It came about as a result of Ford and the German tuning business Zakspeed working together. This relationship, which was established in 1968, helped create the Ford Capri, one of the most popular touring vehicles of the 1970s. 

Having been released in 1978, the Zakspeed Turbo Capri immediately gained popularity in Group 5 racing, which was renowned for its lax rules and vast car customization options. In order to make the car faster and more aerodynamic, the Zakspeed team, commanded by Erich Zakowski, made extensive modifications to the engine, suspension, and bodywork. The outcome was a car that was extremely powerful, quick, and loud.

The 1.4-liter, four-cylinder engine in the Zakspeed Turbo Capri was capable of an astounding 600 horsepower. This engine had a powerful turbocharger and a five-speed gearbox that allowed it to reach a top speed of more than 190 mph. With the addition of a large front splitter, wide fender flares, and a large rear wing, the car's aerodynamics were further enhanced. 

In the Deutsche Rennsport Meisterschaft series, the Zakspeed Turbo Capri proved to be invincible, taking home many championships. Additionally, it was successful in other racing competitions, such as the World Sportscar Championship and the European Inter series.

One of the most recognizable vehicles from Group 5 racing is still known today as the Zakspeed Turbo Capri. It was a convincing illustration of the productive working relationship between Ford and Zakspeed as well as the extraordinary engineering and design work that went into making such a spectacular vehicle. 

Here is a link for anyone looking to get a Zakspeed body kit for their Ford Capri. https://www.capriclub.co.uk/Zakspeed_Kit_Does_not_include_bonnet_8_piece--product--384.html

The research conducted in this study is centered around Concept 2, which is a part of my major project. For further details on the project, please refer to the blog linked below.

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Source: Reference:

www.ford-capri.ch. (n.d.). The Ford Capri in motorsport and racing. [online] Available at: https://www.ford-capri.ch/start-e/history/racing-types.html [Accessed 28 Apr. 2023].

‌The Capri Club. (n.d.). Zakspeed Kit (Does not include bonnet) 8 piece. [online] Available at: https://www.capriclub.co.uk/Zakspeed_Kit_Does_not_include_bonnet_8_piece--product--384.html [Accessed 28 Apr. 2023].

‌Quiniou, L. (2016). #TouringCarMadness – The Zakspeed Capri Turbo. [online] Historic Motor Sport Central. Available at: https://historicmotorsportcentral.com/2016/01/18/group-5-the-zakspeed-capri-turbo/ [Accessed 28 Apr. 2023].

‌Car Throttle. (n.d.). Silhouette Runaway---The Zakspeed Capri Turbo. [online] Available at: https://www.carthrottle.com/post/jk675og/ [Accessed 28 Apr. 2023].

‌Amazonaws.com. (2023). Available at: https://msmproduction.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/front34_3.jpg [Accessed 28 Apr. 2023].

‌Collectorscarworld.com. (2023). Available at: https://collectorscarworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Photo-1-3.jpg.