1972 Ford Capri 2000 GT XLR – Project Profile

We think it’s a fair to assume that most petrolheads, having now watched the final ever episode of The Grand Tour, will have at some point – between now and wiping the last tears from their cheeks – had a little look-see here on Car & Classic for Lancia Montecarlos, Triumph Stags and Mk1 Capris. We certainly have, and one of the tastier fruits of said search is this 1972 Ford Capri 2000 GT XLR.

Hammond’s steed of choice for his jaunt across Africa may have been a 3.0-litre V6 but that’s one of the great things about the Capri: the sheer breadth of choice when it comes to speccing it to your liking. From 1.3-litre base models to rip roaring race inspired weapons like the RS3100 there really is a Capri for everyone and this 2000 GT XLR falls somewhere in between those two examples we just mentioned.

What is it? 

The 2000 GT XLR is one of the rarer versions of the car you always promised yourself. Released in ’69 the 2000 GT XLR was fitted with Ford’s 2.0-litre Essex V4 before being swapped out for the more conventional flat-four that would be used in the Mk2.

With almost 100bhp and a curb weight just tipping the one tonne mark, the GT badge was definitely fitting, and the XLR portion denotes the top of the range model in terms of trim, with the likes of reclining front seats, rear arm rest and leather steering wheel, among other “luxury” accoutrements.

This incredibly rare Ebony Black Special Edition has covered just under 100,000 miles and according to specialists is one of only six known examples currently taxed and on the road. In its current ownership for ten years, this Capri has been garaged and preserved as an unstarted resto project.

Why is it a project? 

OK, so we know it’s a project car but is it completely beyond repair or a perfectly manageable proposition? The rarity factor alone would be enough to pique most enthusiasts’ interest but the good news here is that the car is far from a basket case.

Rather than being exposed to the elements for decades this Capri was recovered from a barn in 2004. Not only that but the engine was overhauled in 2011 before the car was put into storage once more and garaged in 2014 with the intention of a complete restoration.

It looks to be a solid car, too, but there are areas of corrosion to deal with and both the exterior and interior come with a certain degree of patina but as far as we can tell there’s nothing here that would have us running for the hills.

What should you look for? 

Rust
Aside from the mechanicals, this is going to be the main area of concern and this Capri is very much a car of two halves. The bodywork has worn predominantly on the right-hand side, with corrosion, paint loss and longitudinal scratching, whilst the left-hand side is in significantly better order. Check the usual problem areas for rot, too, including the front wings, wheel arches, around the headlamps, and the strut tops.

Engine
The 2.0-litre V4 is an interesting little engine. The ‘V’ layout provides an inherent balanced smoothness while remaining basic enough to be simple to work on and maintain. As mentioned, the motor was overhauled in 2011 but if it hasn’t been used since then it’s going to need recommissioning before hitting the road.

Parts
The car comes with a bunch of spare bits and bobs, including a new headlining, but this is a rare model in the Capri line up so check what other parts may be required to complete the restoration. There’s nothing worse than an elusive switch or piece of trim tarnishing the finished article.

Interior
The Capri’s contrasting red interior is holding up pretty well but there are some signs of wear here and there, especially to the headlining, but as we’ve mentioned a replacement is included. The door rubbers will need replacing and there is some scuffing to the passenger seat but all in all the interior is in decent condition. Make a list of anything that needs to be swapped out and add it to your parts list to keep abreast of potential expenditure.

History
We know that the car was registered in ’72 and has belonged to seven previous owners but little is known of its history prior to its barn eviction in 2004. It may be worth doing some additional research as to the car’s early life via car clubs and specialists but if you’re going for a full on restoration it perhaps may not be as important.

What should you do with it? 

Being such a rare model we think it’s important to retain the car’s originality and as such there is only one real route we would go down here and that’s the full, sympathetic restoration one. So long as the car’s bones are solid (which they do appear to be) a full strip and respray would be in order as a priority. Seeing as how the engine was overhauled not that long ago it should just require a simple refresh.

Fresh brakes and new suspension struts and springs would also be a good idea for peace of mind and then you’ll have yourself a very tasty and wonderfully exclusive Ford Capri 2000 GT XLR on your hands, and that, ladies and gentlemen, would be a beautiful thing indeed.