Description
The Mk1 Ford Capri GTXLR S - described as a “Special Order” model - was part of a limited edition run-out model of the original Mk1 Ford Capri. The “Special” was available for sale in the June-August’72 period just prior to the launch of the Mk1 Facelift Capri and the vast majority were registered on new “L” 1972/ 73 year plates on 1st August 1972. Two colour versions were launched – Ebony Black with Ruby Red interior and Light Emerald Green with a black interior. Opinion is divided as to how many of each were produced and estimates vary from 250 to 750 of each colour. Only a handful of these cars now survive – probably 10-20.
The “Special” was distinguished from other model Mk1 Capri’s as follows:
3000E Interior including Fabric Trim, Opening Rear Quarter Vents, Heated Rear Window, Inertia Reel Seat Belts and soft black vinyl finish on Facia and Centre Console and a map reading light.
On the exterior, a Black Vinyl Roof was standard together with a power-bulge bonnet and Side Repeat Flashers on Front Wings and Hazard Warning Flashers. Also fitted were front fog light and rear reversing lights and a triple red or black stripe down each side with a choice of 1600/ 2000/ 3000 GT engines and standard Ford steel sports wheels.
This very rare Ford Capri 1. 6 GTXLR Special registered NLX520L in Ebony Black was supplied new by London Ford dealer Godfrey Davis (Wembley) Ltd on 1st August 1972 to a local lady who kept this Capri until 2004……. since then it has had 2 further registered owners before I purchased it in June 2009 in Milton Keynes with 84k miles on the clock and drove home to Ireland without incident. The plan was to restore to a high standard but for a variety of reasons things have dragged on for over 10 years with little progress and many other Fords in my collection keeping me too busy to do anything with the Special.
Currently…. the Capri has been stripped of its interior/ exterior chrome etc and engine/ gearbox/ engine bay items etc ready for restoration.
Bodywork includes a replacement front valance (excellent used one included in sale) and welding etc to drivers floor/ foot well area and to lesser extent in passenger front and other floor areas. Front headlamp panels may need replacing together with the usual lower rear quarters (end of triple stripe areas)……. also rear chassis box sections may need attention. The sills look to be cover sills and really need to be replaced if a serious restoration is planned. The Driver’s Door needs to be re-pinned and the front wings – whilst free of any rust – may need to be re-positioned as they were replaced some years ago. The black vinyl roof is 100% with no rips/ tears and raised rust lumps down the roof rear quarter panels. Ruby Red Interior seats (F+R) and carpet/ steering wheel etc are all in reasonably good condition but door cards from Aldridge Trimming will be a priority! Dash is good – no cracks etc and the long cardboard fuse box holder/ radio speaker panel is all there but the usual bit iffy/ cracked…….
An extensive range of pics are available of each area of the Capri as it is at the moment together with copies of service records which verify the ownership and service/ mileage records.
Also most/ all copies of MOT’s and original Service Book… and, of course, the original Ford Retail Order Form and the original Bill of Sale Invoice ex Godfrey Davis Ford…. and also a most unusual feature – a full 3 page RAC Inspection Report dated 25th July 1972 – before original purchase!
Car is located in Ireland and has an Irish registration number but can revert to original UK plate NLX520L if sold/ imported to UK. The Capri is still on its 4 wheels/ steering/ suspension/ brakes etc and will need to be trailered or transported. Rates for door to door collection ex Ireland and Delivery UK for normal popular drop areas would be Stg £450 -£500 and can be easily organised by me from Ireland if purchaser wishes
This Capri is strictly sold as a project for somebody who knows what is involved from a cost and effort point of view – but Mk1 Ford Capri “Specials” are as rare as hen’s teeth and will be worth a lot of money and pride if restored properly by the right person.
Car is priced at Stg £6000 o. n. o. to reflect what it has cost me to date…. BUT best offer at or near this price will secure the car.
