A Mk1 1972 Ford Capri 3000E owned by legendary racer Jack Sears is heading for sale on February 21, 2026, at Iconic Auctioneers’ Race Retro sale.
‘Gentleman Jack’ bought the car new in 1972 and kept it in regular use until his death in 2016, covering more than 100,000 miles. The history file includes MoT certificates dating back to 1977.
When Jack died, the Capri passed to his daughter, Suzanne, who chose to keep it for its sentimental value. Speaking to Octane ahead of the sale, her husband James confirmed that this is the last of Sears’ personal cars to be auctioned.
The rest of Jack’s collection – including a Ford Galaxie 500, Rolls-Royce Phantom III Limousine and Mercedes-Benz 280 SL – was sold at the 2017 Bonhams Goodwood Festival of Speed sale.
James added that Suzanne associates the Capri with some of her happiest memories of her father, recalling the thrill of driving it as a youngster.
With unbroken Sears family ownership from new, the car’s provenance is complemented by its originality.
‘It’s an original car and it’s never been restored,’ James confirmed. ‘That was Jack. Everything was always immaculate, always correct. He looked after everything so well.
‘We all dreaded Jack turning up to the farm shoots because the inside of his car had never seen a muddy boot. He was “Gentleman Jack” through and through – everything had to be right.’
Prior to being catalogued for sale, the Capri has been treated to a brake rebuild, renewed ignition system, new fuel and water pumps, bushes and a full service. Showing 103,149 miles, it’s accompanied by a dealer-fitted eight-track stereo, period cassette tapes and driver’s manual.
‘The worst thing would be for it to be picked up cheaply and then reappear a year later rebuilt and rebranded using Jack’s name and history,’ James said when asked about who the family would like to buy the car.
‘It’s not really about the money – it’s about the fact that it’s the last of Jack’s cars. We just want the right custodian for it.’
Iconic Auctioneers expects Jack’s Capri to fetch between £25,000 and £35,000 when it crosses the block on February 21, 2026. Not bad for a car formerly owned by Britain’s first BSCC champion.
