1981 Ford Capri 3L Ghia Auto
auctions.single.seller.popular
auctions.single.seller.view-count
auctions.single.seller.images
THE HIGHLIGHTS
• Great condition with extensive work carried out
• Full service history
• Engine built by Burton Engineering
• Plenty of paperwork!
THE BACKGROUND
The Ford Capri was Ford’s European version of the Mustang, billed as ‘the car you always promised yourself’, it was a hugely popular car for Ford, selling more than 1.9 million units worldwide. With striking styling and some engine packages to match the Capri added to Ford’s reputation for making supercars for the working man.
The Mark III arrived in 1978 and brought with it a more upmarket interior, black aeroflow radiator grille, sawtooth rear lamps and some more enticing engine packages, the biggest and most powerful of the lot being the Essex V6. The Capri’s enjoyed many years of competitiveness on the market with many variations and variants, however the Capri’s downfall was the rising popularity of the cheaper, faster and better handling hot hatchbacks flooding the market.
THE HISTORY
The Capri was purchased at auction by the current owner, needing some light recommissioning work to be brought back to roadworthy standards. The current owner has fixed and replaced all issues with the car and it now stands as a perfectly usable daily classic ready to be enjoyed by the next owner.
The DVLA have advised the vendor that the car will be MOT and Tax exempt from April 2022.
The DVLA have advised the vendor that the car will be MOT and Tax exempt from April 2022.
THE PAPERWORK
The paperwork that comes with the Capri documents the engine rebuild with part receipts and labour invoices including copies of MOTs from the first one in 1984 at 8,763 miles. The car also comes with a large file of documents with the repair and service history with many of them coming from Capri Club international.
The Capri has had a full HPI check showing no issues at all and also comes with 2 previous independent engineers reports from 1994 and 1999. The current owner has given the car a new MOT until 6th October 2022 which came back with no advisories. The vehicle had been is dry storage for a number years which is highlighted in the gap in MOT history. Come April 2022, the vehicle will benefit from becoming MOT and Road Tax exempt.
For buyers peace of mind, the paperwork includes:
- COPY OF MOTS FROM 1ST MOT IN 1984 AT 8,763 MILES UNTIL STORED AND CURRENT MOT
- MOT PRINT OUTS.
- FILE WITH OTHER REPAIR AND SERVICING INVOICES (MANY FROM CAPRI CLUB INTERNATIONAL)
- FULL HPI CERTIFICATE SHOWING ALL CLEAR
- 2 PREVIOUS INDEPENDENT ENGINEERS REPORTS IN 1994 AND 1999
- OLD V5’S.
The Capri has had a full HPI check showing no issues at all and also comes with 2 previous independent engineers reports from 1994 and 1999. The current owner has given the car a new MOT until 6th October 2022 which came back with no advisories. The vehicle had been is dry storage for a number years which is highlighted in the gap in MOT history. Come April 2022, the vehicle will benefit from becoming MOT and Road Tax exempt.
For buyers peace of mind, the paperwork includes:
- COPY OF MOTS FROM 1ST MOT IN 1984 AT 8,763 MILES UNTIL STORED AND CURRENT MOT
- MOT PRINT OUTS.
- FILE WITH OTHER REPAIR AND SERVICING INVOICES (MANY FROM CAPRI CLUB INTERNATIONAL)
- FULL HPI CERTIFICATE SHOWING ALL CLEAR
- 2 PREVIOUS INDEPENDENT ENGINEERS REPORTS IN 1994 AND 1999
- OLD V5’S.
THE INTERIOR
The inside of the Capri is one of the highlights of the car, with blue upholstery all round and plush, comfortable seats front and back. The walnut dashboard, which is an upgrade for the Ghia, contrasts well off the white-faced dials giving the driver an extra level of luxury, the original dash is behind the walnut facia too.
Everything in the interior of this car is near showroom fresh condition due to the low miles this car has done during its life, the high traffic areas in the cabin, such as the steering wheel, door cards, gear lever etc have very little marks or scratches and are all reminiscent of how well refined and engineered this car was from factory.
Everything in the interior of this car is near showroom fresh condition due to the low miles this car has done during its life, the high traffic areas in the cabin, such as the steering wheel, door cards, gear lever etc have very little marks or scratches and are all reminiscent of how well refined and engineered this car was from factory.
THE EXTERIOR
The paintwork of the Ghia holds up very well to inspection with very little chips or dents to be seen. The passenger side door looks to have been changed at some point in its life showing to be a slightly lighter shade of blue to the rest of the car.
All the plastic trim on the car is in good condition and the panel gaps around the car are all regular and tight. All the lights around the car are free of hazing, chips, cracks and water ingress and the badges, and boot spoiler are also free of any damage. The Wheels on the car are later Ghia alloys with Pirelli front tyres and Toyo Proxes in the rear both have 7mm tread.
All the plastic trim on the car is in good condition and the panel gaps around the car are all regular and tight. All the lights around the car are free of hazing, chips, cracks and water ingress and the badges, and boot spoiler are also free of any damage. The Wheels on the car are later Ghia alloys with Pirelli front tyres and Toyo Proxes in the rear both have 7mm tread.
There is a set of original restored Ghia wheels, which match the spare in the car, with new Nankang tyres and wheel nuts available at an extra cost should you wish them to be included in the sale.
THE MECHANICS
The key area for the mechanicals of the car is the rebuilt engine from Burton Engineering, a famous tuning house and engine builder in the Ford world. Burton engineering have a reputation for building some of the best and fastest engines for Fords and this engine doesn’t disappoint. The 3.0L V6 engine fired up without hesitation and idled comfortably even with its fast road/rally camshaft, the exhausts perfectly paired with the engine ti give the best of both sound and performance.
Comfortable in knowing that the drivetrain side of the things with the car won’t let you down, the current owner has seen fit to upgrade a few other areas to give the car the best chance of using the newfound power and reliability. The Capri has been given brand new front coil springs and rear Koni sport shock absorbers as well as vital servicing such as a new fanbelt, brake pads, upgraded brake discs, shackle pins and a full service of the engine to ensure the longevity of the unit. The full list of work carried out by the present owner this year reads as follows:
- FULL SERVICE
- NEW MOT UNTIL 6TH OCTOBER 2022
- 4 NEW BUMPER OVERRIDERS
- NEW FRONT COIL SPRINGS AND U BOLTS ETC
- NEW KONI SPORT REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS
- NEW FRONT BRAKE PADS
- NEW FAN BELT
- NEW SHACKLE PINS
- WALNUT DASH UPGRADE (ORIGINAL DASH BEHIND)
- NEW FRONT WIPER BLADES
- NEW REAR WIPER BLADE
- FULL SERVICE
- NEW MOT UNTIL 6TH OCTOBER 2022
- 4 NEW BUMPER OVERRIDERS
- NEW FRONT COIL SPRINGS AND U BOLTS ETC
- NEW KONI SPORT REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS
- NEW FRONT BRAKE PADS
- NEW FAN BELT
- NEW SHACKLE PINS
- WALNUT DASH UPGRADE (ORIGINAL DASH BEHIND)
- NEW FRONT WIPER BLADES
- NEW REAR WIPER BLADE
The full list of work carried out in 2011, prior to entering storage reads as:
- ENGINE REBUILD (BURTON ENGINEERING) INC:
- CNC PORTING OF HEADS
- FAST ROAD/RALLY CAMSHAFTS
- CAMSHAFT GEARS
- HEAD SCREW IN POSTS
- INLET (1.75) & EXHAUST (1.625) VALVES, INLET MANIFOLD
- SPARK PLUGS
- C/SPRING F RS/MEX
- HOSES
- ONE INCH BLOCK LOWERING KIT
- DISTRIBUTOR
- COIL
- IGNITION LEADS
- WATER PUMP
- THERMOSTAT HOUSING
- SAMCO COOLING HOSE SET
- S/S CLIPS
- REINZ HEAD GASKET
- ALL OTHER GASKETS-OILS & FLUIDS ETC.
As well as all of the above, the vendor tell us the car comes with:
- UPGRADED CARB
- UPGRADED FRONT DISCS AND PADS
- UPGRADED LATER GHIA ALLOY WHEELS WITH PIRELLI FRONT TYRES 7 MM & TOYO PROXES REAR TYRES 7MM
- FORD RADIO/CASSETTE
- 4 FULLY RESTORED ORIGINAL SIZE AND TYPE GHIA WHEELS (MATCHING THE SPARE) WITH NEW NANKANG NA-1 185/70/R13 H (130 MPH) TYRES
A full set of new wheel nuts are available if the buyer requires them.
- ENGINE REBUILD (BURTON ENGINEERING) INC:
- CNC PORTING OF HEADS
- FAST ROAD/RALLY CAMSHAFTS
- CAMSHAFT GEARS
- HEAD SCREW IN POSTS
- INLET (1.75) & EXHAUST (1.625) VALVES, INLET MANIFOLD
- SPARK PLUGS
- C/SPRING F RS/MEX
- HOSES
- ONE INCH BLOCK LOWERING KIT
- DISTRIBUTOR
- COIL
- IGNITION LEADS
- WATER PUMP
- THERMOSTAT HOUSING
- SAMCO COOLING HOSE SET
- S/S CLIPS
- REINZ HEAD GASKET
- ALL OTHER GASKETS-OILS & FLUIDS ETC.
As well as all of the above, the vendor tell us the car comes with:
- UPGRADED CARB
- UPGRADED FRONT DISCS AND PADS
- UPGRADED LATER GHIA ALLOY WHEELS WITH PIRELLI FRONT TYRES 7 MM & TOYO PROXES REAR TYRES 7MM
- FORD RADIO/CASSETTE
- 4 FULLY RESTORED ORIGINAL SIZE AND TYPE GHIA WHEELS (MATCHING THE SPARE) WITH NEW NANKANG NA-1 185/70/R13 H (130 MPH) TYRES
A full set of new wheel nuts are available if the buyer requires them.
Everything else on this Fast Ford is in good working order, due to the low miles this car has completed during its time, it has just been routine maintenance and sundries that have needed to be replaced.
THE APPEAL
Europe’s equivalent to the American muscle car, the Capri was a blue ovel fan’s favourite since its conception in 1968 right through to the present day. The Mark III Capri was a more refined and aggressive looking update to the Mark II, with different light designs, grilles and plunging bonnet line.
The Ghia represented the more luxurious model trim with its automatic transmission, the Ghia was regarded to be a bit softer and easier to live with than the sportier ‘S’ model meaning it was a bit tamer in the performance area. This car however with its revised and rebuilt power plant gives the owner the best of both worlds.
Having the more luxurious trim spec of the Ghia, the automatic transmission to provide effortless cruising and the uprated Essex V6 to provide a hit of speed whenever you want it, this could be the best combination of the most refined Capri Ford made.
The Ghia represented the more luxurious model trim with its automatic transmission, the Ghia was regarded to be a bit softer and easier to live with than the sportier ‘S’ model meaning it was a bit tamer in the performance area. This car however with its revised and rebuilt power plant gives the owner the best of both worlds.
Having the more luxurious trim spec of the Ghia, the automatic transmission to provide effortless cruising and the uprated Essex V6 to provide a hit of speed whenever you want it, this could be the best combination of the most refined Capri Ford made.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1981
- Make Ford
- Model Capri 3L Ghia Auto
- Colour Blue
- Odometer 83,980 Miles
- Engine size 2994
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Essex
- Country United Kingdom
27
bids
- Si•••• £11,000 08/11/21
- sa•••• £10,000 04/11/21
- dr•••• £9,800 04/11/21
- sa•••• £9,600 04/11/21
- dr•••• £9,400 04/11/21
- sm•••• £9,200 04/11/21
- dr•••• £9,000 04/11/21
- sm•••• £8,800 04/11/21
- br•••• £8,500 04/11/21
- sm•••• £8,400 04/11/21
The Gallery
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
- If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
- If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
-
- Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
- We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
| Bid Amount | Increment |
|---|---|
| £0 to £9,999 | £100.00 |
| £10,000 to £49,999 | £250.00 |
| £50,000 to £99,999 | £500.00 |
| £100,000 + | £1,000.00 |
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
Pre-authorisation
We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.