Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver is set to auction off his prized 1970 Ford Capri 3000 GT Mark I later this month in the UK. Listed on ClassicCarAuctions.co.uk, this rare gem is expected to spark interest among classic car collectors, especially as only 31 of these models are believed to still be driving on UK roads.

A passionate car enthusiast, Oliver has owned the Capri for over a decade. He originally purchased it for £6000 (about $AU11,800) in 2011, becoming its second owner. Over the years, he has spent more than £20,000 (around $AU39,000) on restoring the vehicle to its current condition. The car even made several appearances on his popular TV show Jamie and Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast.

The Ford Capri 3000 GT Mark I, a high-performance model from the 1970s, boasts a 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 103kW. With a top-notch four-speed manual transmission, the car could accelerate from 0-60mph (97km/h) in just 9.2 seconds. The interior features black vinyl seats, a three-spoke sports steering wheel, woodgrain trim, and classic sports instruments like a tachometer, all giving it that nostalgic charm.

Oliver isn’t just auctioning the Capri. He’s also sending two other classic cars to auction: a 1955 Fiat 1100 and a 1967 Volkswagen Beetle 1500 Convertible. However, it’s clear that the Capri will be the centerpiece of his collection on offer.

The sale comes at an interesting time, as Ford recently confirmed the return of the Capri nameplate with a new electric SUV set to debut in 2024. This marks the fourth generation of the Capri, over 50 years since the original launched. Almost 2 million Capris were sold across three generations between 1968 and 1986, becoming a staple as an affordable and stylish sports car aimed at younger buyers. In Australia, the first-generation Capri (including the 3000 GT) was available between 1969 and 1974, but the later generations were not offered. The name briefly returned in Australia from 1989 to 1994 with a convertible version, competing with the Mazda MX-5.

Despite Oliver’s investment in restoring the Capri, it’s estimated to sell for between £22,000 and £26,000 ($AU43,000 to $AU51,000), which could see him break even at best. Nonetheless, for collectors and Ford enthusiasts, this auction represents a rare opportunity to acquire a well-maintained, classic sports car with a notable backstory.

With this sale, Jamie Oliver’s Capri might be passing hands, but its legacy on both UK roads and his personal collection will surely live on.