Highlights

Rare survivor of one of Ford UK’s most stylish cars
Engine fully reconditioned since 2024 at a cost of £5,250
Fitted with GT carburettor, electronic ignition and discreet electric fan
Engine work builds on extensive recent restoration and recommissioning work
Accompanied by a detailed history file with photographic records and receipts
Voluntary MOT valid until September 2027

The Appeal

Codenamed ‘Sunbird Project ’, the Consul took inspiration from Ford’s glamorous Thunderbird and Galaxie to sate UK buyers’ enthusiasm for Americana. High production costs and poor commercial timing stymied sales, but today it is highly rated as one of the firm’s most interesting and stylish designs.

Here is one of the best survivors, which comes to the market with a huge file of recent investment covering mechanicals, bodywork and paintwork, all to the benefit of the buyer. The car was initially restored in 2012 before receiving further £4,000 of recommissioning work in 2022. The vendor bought it in 2024 and spent a further £5,250 rebuilding the engine. He took the opportunity to add some sensible and discreet improvements such as a GT carburettor, electronic ignition and an electric cooling fan. He tells us that the car maintains a steady temperature even in traffic.

With a useful voluntary advisory-free MOT until September 2027 and a large collection of spares included, this is a well-sorted Consul Capri that appears ready to be enjoyed.

The vendor says:

“The car is a joy to drive, definitely recreates the 60's. No power-assisted steering and no 5th gear, but you get used to it. What I love most is the nostalgia it invokes in everyone who sees it. I have had more conversations with people who stop by to chat and marvel at its beauty than with anyone about any other car I have owned. Most people have never seen one before. The older generation remembers their father having one; the younger generation look in awe at its unique beauty.”

Key Information

Mileage: 60,470 miles indicated (stated as correct by seller)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: voluntary MOT valid until September 2027 with no advisories
Technical specs: 1,498 cc pre-crossflow inline four-cylinder petrol, four-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Paperwork: UK V5C, restoration documentation with photographs, receipts for recent work, period manuals and parts catalogues

The Detail

Engine reconditioned and upgrades fitted since 2024 as detailed below
Owners Club GT-spec stainless steel four-branch manifold and exhaust system
Bare-metal respray in Goodwood Green carried out during the 2013 restoration
Interior retrimmed in cream leatherette with new headliner, upper trim, dashboard covering, carpets and gear lever gaiter
All windows removed and refitted with new rubbers sourced from the owners' club
Heater system overhauled: matrix resoldered, new silicone hoses and stainless steel fittings
Brake calipers rebuilt with new pistons, seals and pads; rear brake adjusters stripped and repaired
Wheel studs replaced with longer items
New starter motor fitted; dynamo serviced
New washer bottle, motor and jets installed
Silicone coolant hoses and stainless steel clips fitted throughout
Front end lowered with new suspension struts and springs prior to current ownership
Reconditioned rear differential installed during the 2013 restoration
Underside wax-oiled, with interior panels treated after trim removal
Remote alarm system fitted
Inertia lap belts fitted to front seats
Battery isolator switch installed
Hand-made stainless steel Capri badge fitted to the rear
GT Carb and Acuspark Electronic ignition fitted by previous owner
Current MOT with no advisories

Work advised by seller since purchase in 2024:

Engine fully reconditioned:
- New pistons
- Camshaft
- Valves
- Valve seats (for unleaded compatibility)
- Crankshaft bearings
Discreet electric cooling fan installed

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.