Highlights
- Pre-facelift Mk1 XLR model
- V4 engine, manual transmission
- 67,568 miles
- Three owners
- Recently recommissioned
The Appeal
In the late 1960s, when Ford of Europe wanted a sports coupé to rival America’s hugely popular Mustang, the answer they came up with was the Capri. Handsomely proportioned with that iconic long bonnet, cab back stance, the Capri was a huge success and a wealth of models, facelifts and variants followed over the next couple of decades.
The Mk1 is now a very sought after vehicle, with pristine examples and rare models fetching vast sums. What we have here is a well-presented and nicely kept example of a late pre-facelift Mk1, in GT XLR trim, with the unusual and torquey 2-litre V4 engine.
Having been recently recommissioned but with room left for further improvement, if you’re after a fun classic that you could use regularly, this would make for an excellent choice.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in June 1970
- Three owners, with the first owner keeping the car until March 1993
- Current owner since August 2010
- In the same family for more than 50 years
- Largely garaged for the last 25 years
- Historic vehicle status - tax and MOT exempt
- Last MOT was in 2011, the vehicle has covered just 40 miles since then
- 67,568 miles indicated
- Recently recommissioned
- Current V5C present and correct
- Original handbook and service book included
- Only being sold to thin the collection
The Interior
- Black vinyl upholstery
- GT XLR trim
- Unmodified, factory specification
The seats and door cards are finished in factory-correct black vinyl. It’s largely in decent, presentable condition, with wear commensurate with the car’s age. There are some small tears and holes in the vinyl of the seats, but they remain perfectly usable, and this could be addressed quite easily. Both of the door cards appear to be in good shape, although the driver’s side card is coming away and a little damaged on one edge.
Black carpet swathes the floor and looks to be in pretty good condition, with no significant staining or damage we could discern. Similarly, the light-coloured headlining presents in overall good order, with no sagging or tearing we could see.
The layout of the dash will be immediately familiar to anyone that knows their old Fords. This trim level adds some smart wood veneer to the dash fascia and centre console. It looks to be in good condition, with just a little cracking below the stereo, which appears to be a period system. All of the rest of the trim and switchgear is in good, used condition – showing some wear and a light dusting of patina but generally being very serviceable. The only item the new owner may wish to address is the steering wheel, which is showing some wear to the rim.
In the boot, the floor looks to be clean and straight, with no notable corrosion or damage evident. It also contains a full size spare wheel.
The Exterior
- White paintwork, recently refreshed
- Optional front fog lights
- Badging and brightwork in decent condition
Originally finished in two-tone black and brown, in the late 90s the car was resprayed in its current white hue. This has been recently refreshed with a new coat of paint. It looks to be in nice overall condition, with just a few minor blemishes, although we did note some minor runs around the upper section of the driver’s door shut.
All of the trim appears to be complete, with the correct badging and nice quality brightwork. There’s a little speckling and pitting in some areas, but only what you’d expect from a characterful classic, and the chrome bumpers with over-riders really do present well.
The front and rear window seals look like they may be suffering with a little wear from age and UV exposure, but these are relatively easy to source and refresh.
Otherwise, the bodywork itself looks very clean and tidy, with nice, crisp swage lines and straight panels. The sills, wheel arches and valances – common failure points on these cars – all look sound and well, with no corrosion apparent. The rest of the underside looks good too, with no significant corrosion or damage we noticed, and noting that would cause us concern.
The car is still riding on the correct Rostyle wheels, which show very nicely and have been recently shod in a new matched set of tyres.
The Mechanics
- 1,996cc naturally aspirated V4
- Four-speed manual transmission
- Recently serviced and recommissioned
We’re told by the vendor that the car has been recommissioned and serviced recently, and under the bonnet things certainly appear to be in fine fettle. The engine bay itself is very clean and tidy, with no signs we could see of corrosion, overheating issues or leaks.
That unusual 2-litre V4, fitted with a Weber carburettor and a new exhaust system, provides a lovely soundtrack and useful torque to complement its 93hp. With relatively low kerbweight and rear wheel drive, this makes the Capri a perky performer.
We’re informed of a couple of minor issues in that the handbrake cable requires some adjustment or replacing, while the ignition key is currently stuck in the barrel.
The Capri benefits from quite a lively and engaging driving experience – front disc brakes with independent MacPherson struts a the front and a rear live axle make for a distinctive drive. We’re told by the vendor that, as part of the recommissioning, all of the brakes have been refreshed and renewed.
Summary
Well-presented and in good overall condition, this lovely old coupé just needs a few finishing touches to bring it back to its very best. As it is, it’s a charming and very usable classic coupé.
Notice to bidders
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