1981 Ford Capri
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HIGHLIGHTS
• Comprehensive restoration
• Superb body and interior
• Extensive mechanical upgrades
• Low mileage since rebuild
THE BACKGROUND
Familiar to many of us of a certain age - Ford Marketed the Capri with the strap line - “Ford Capri - the car you always promised yourself”.
Designed by Philip Thomas Clark, who was involved in the design of the Ford Mustang, the three generations of the Capri were produced by the Ford Motor Company from 1968-1986. The European equivalent of the Mustang, the Capri was officially launched at the Brussels International Motor Show in 1969 and cleverly bridged the gap between the traditional two-seater sports car and the family saloon.
The eye-catching coupe also offered a wide range of engine options from a 1.3 litre four cylinder engine up to a 3.0 litre V6. A healthy 1.9 million cars were assembled at the Cologne factory in Germany and the MkIII model (as we have here) had a more aggressive look featuring an ‘aeroflow’ grille, a sloping bonnet front over quad headlights, and a rear spoiler.
THE HISTORY
First registered on the 15th September 1981 in London, this MkIII Capri was originally an automatic Ghia specification car. A previous owner, Harry, who purchased the car in 1991 (and owned it for 28 years!), set about a complete restoration around 10 years ago. The body was taken back to bare metal and replacement front wings and front panel were fitted in preparation for a its fresh new black paint. A new interior and custom Image wheels were added along with an extensive engine, suspension and brake upgrade. Details of which are noted below.
This imposing Capri subsequently went on to win several awards at Capri Club shows including ‘Best in Show’ and ‘Best Modified’ and was one of the stars at the opening night of the ‘Only Fools and Horses’ West End theatre production in 2019.
Having covered very few miles in the intervening years, the overall condition of this Capri is still exceptional.
THE PAPERWORK
In the accompanying folder, two V5 documents are present along with the current ‘Pass’ MOT certificate which expires in November 2021, some Capri parts catalogues and a spare ‘Laserline’ alarm fob and key.
THE INTERIOR
As you open the driver's door you are greeted by the classic Ford styling cues of the ’80s along with a tasteful degree of customisation. The wood-rim Momo steering wheel and wooden gear lever immediately stand out along with the crisp white gauges and dials set into the grey leather grained dashboard. A Panasonic stereo system is installed and the vendor believes that all the electrical equipment operates as it should.
The entire interior has in fact been re-trimmed and features comfortable full leather Recaro seats which enhance the sporty look. The front seats are in good condition with some minor signs of wear and the rear split-folding rear seats are excellent. The matching grey door trims and rear passenger side panels, carpets and smaller fittings, are also in very good condition.
The roof lining looks unmarked and the fully carpeted boot and parcel shelf present very well. The spare wheel resides underneath and comes with a jack and wrench.
THE EXTERIOR
The purposeful styling of this later Ford Capri looks amazing in gloss black - arguably one of the best colours for the Capri's lines. There are a few minor age-related scuffs and scratches here and there, most noticeably around the driver's door handle. There is some surface rust along the lower edge of the sills (see photos), but otherwise the paint is very good and the body is very straight and ding free.
The windows, lights, front grille and bumpers, etc. are all up together other than a small scrape visible on the off side front bumper corner.
When restored the suspension was lowered by 1.5 inches and utilises the firmer 2.8 injection suspension set up to improve the handling. The low stance certainly sets the car off well along with the twin exhaust and gorgeous bespoke Image wheels which are shod with good Michelin Pilot SX 205 50R 15 tyres.
THE MECHANICS
As mentioned, this particular Capri left the factory with a 2.0 litre Pinto engine and automatic transmission. When restored the engine was completely rebuilt and bored out to 2.1 litre and a 4-speed manual gearbox was added. The mileage was set to zero and has now covered approximately 29,420 miles.
Other upgrades include a stage-two gas flowed head, EFi, four-branch manifold and twin exhaust system, upgraded four-pot caliper front brakes with braided hoses and there is even a limited slip differential.
The bonnet opens easily and is securely aloft with the gas struts. The engine bay is very clean, tidy and shiny and the inner wings/front suspension anchor points appear strong. The same can be said for the chassis rails and the bulkhead.
The Pinto certainly fires into life eagerly and with a rev or two sounds great. It's clearly a strong powerplant, and has been rebuilt by expert hands. The direct powerless steering and stiffened suspension add to the sporting experience and this Capri feels like it wants to ‘go’.
THE APPEAL
This stylish 80’s performance machine should be appealing to many classic Ford enthusiasts, and having been extensively restored and upgraded, means it should require very little maintenance. strong values should also appeal.
Being one of the most sought after classics around, this unique and rare Capri is deserving of a good home and could continue to be a show winning car, if that’s your thing, or simply a classic sporting coupe that you can enjoy driving everyday.
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Vehicle specification
- Year 1981
- Make Ford
- Model Capri
- Colour Black
- Odometer 29,420 Miles
- Engine size 2100
Auction Details
- Seller Type Trade
- Location Hampshire
- Country United Kingdom
17
bids
- da•••• £12,250 12/10/21
- an•••• £12,000 12/10/21
- st•••• £11,250 12/10/21
- da•••• £11,000 12/10/21
- st•••• £10,750 12/10/21
- Ab•••• £10,500 12/10/21
- da•••• £10,250 11/10/21
- th•••• £10,000 10/10/21
- Ab•••• £9,800 10/10/21
- th•••• £9,500 07/10/21
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