1984 Ford Capri Tickford Turbo

Lot details
Registration No: A58 XGL
Chassis No: WFOCXXGAECDY53251
Mot Expiry: April 2007

Arguably the brainchild of ex-Lotus test driver and Autocar journalist John Miles, the Ford Capri Tickford Turbo was unveiled in prototype guise at the 1982 Birmingham Motor Show. Developed by Aston Martin Tickford Ltd (the famous manufacturer's special projects wing), the high-performance model was based on a standard MKIII Capri 2.8i. Visually distinguished by the lift-reducing GRP mouldings that adorned its nose, flanks and tail, the Tickford Turbo was credited with a 0.37 drag coefficient. Reworked with an IHI turbocharger and Garrett intercooler, its 2792cc Cologne V6 drove the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. Upgraded with four-wheel disc brakes, the muscular 2+2 coupe also benefited from power-assisted rack and pinion steering and A-frame reinforced rear suspension (while early cars boasted a limited slip differential). Credited with 205bhp and 260lbft of torque, the Tickford Turbo was reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 6.0 seconds and 139.8mph. Essentially hand-built, it could be had with a bewildering array of options. Though, Recaro front seats and a leather-topped walnut dashboard were included in the £14,985 'base' price. Of the 100 units scheduled for production, just 84 are thought to have left the factory (with a mere 40-50 supposedly surviving to this day).
Finished in red with grey cloth upholstery, this particular example (car no.30) is described by the vendor as being in "good" condition with regard to its engine, gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, bodywork, paintwork and wheels / tyres. Believed to have covered just 43,000 miles from new, a figure substantiated by a "fully stamped and up to date service book", 'A58 XGL' has apparently been treated to "recent unleaded heads and new radiator - £3,000". Minor paint blemishes and slightly loose dashboard covering apart (the latter caused by a windscreen change), the car is said to "need nothing". Fitted with a LSD, glovebox-mounted CD player and immobiliser, it has reportedly covered "approximately 3,000 miles" during the current four-year ownership. Highly collectible, this modern performance classic is offered for sale with large history file (MOTs back to 1993, Tickford workshop manual etc), assorted memorabilia, MOT certificate valid until April 6th 2007 and road tax until September 30th 2006.