Lot details Registration No: E609WVU Chassis No: WFOCXXGAECGG10940 Mot Expiry: April 2012
Ford's Capri was launched at the 1969 Brussels Motor Show. The fastback Coupe was intended to do for Europe what the Mustang had done for the USA - ie it was our 'pony' car, and would have been called Colt had Mitsubishi not bagged the name first. The monocoque body featured independent front suspension by MacPherson strut and a live axle with leaf springs at the rear. Braking was by discs/drums and steering by rack and pinion. The newcomer was offered with a generous choice of engines. Initially these comprised the four-cylinder Kent unit in 1300cc and 1600cc forms, plus the 2000cc V4 Essex. By September a version powered by the 136bhp, 3-litre V6 Essex unit had been added to the line-up. Gearboxes, like the engines, tended to be common to the Cortina and were slick four-speed manual units for the smaller engined cars, with the option of three-speed automatics for the bigger engines.
Worthwhile improvements came with the MKII models of 1974 and the quadruple headlamp MKIII cars introduced in 1978. Then in 1981 the venerable 3-litre Essex-engined variants were dropped in favour of the 2.8 Injection model - a single car range powered by the lusty fuel-injected 2.8-litre Cologne V6. Power rose to 160bhp and torque to 162lbft, while soon after launch the old four-speed gearbox was replaced with a more contemporary five-speed one. Ford now had a stylish four-seat Coupe with performance capable of shaming rivals costing four times the money. The model's swansong was a run of 1,038 so called Capri 280s, all of which were finished in Brooklands Green and equipped with: a Recaro Raven Black full leather interior, piped in Red; limited slip differential and 15-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels. Performance was brisk, with 60mph available in 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 130mph. For those wanting even more get up and go, there was an optional turbo conversion by renowned turbo masters, Turbo Technics.
The Capri 280 offered was first registered in 1987 and is build number 82. The odometer currently shows a warranted 84,600 miles and the vendor considers the bodywork, paintwork, trim, engine and transmission as all "good". It is MOT'd into April 2012.
All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.
You can collect your new pride and joy from our venue until 1pm the day following the sale or our partners are on hand to help arrange safe transportation:
If so, contact one of our friendly specialists for your free valuation by completing the form below and someone will get back to you as quickly as possible.
If you prefer to speak to humans, don't hesitate to call our office on +44 (0)1925 210035