First designed as Europe’s answer to the Mustang, and even the Mustang designer had his hand in penning the Capri. The Ford Capri has been a favourite in our hearts since 1969.

Those unmistakable sleek lines have been present right through each generation of Capri culminating in the most aggressive looking Mk3 with its bulging bonnet and extended brow over the headlights.

If you watched Bodie and Doyle in the Professionals in the 80s then you’d know that the Capri was just as much the star of the show as the actors. Up until 1982 the 3.0 Essex motor was the range-topper, but due to emission regulations had to be dropped in favour of the 2.8 injection engine used in the Granada, thus the 2.8 was born and it is still one of the most favoured versions to own.

All Fords have become collectable and we all know how much a good Mk2 Escort can go for so the likes of the Capri has enjoyed something of a popularity boost when it comes to owning a classic Ford.

This gorgeous black 2.8i has had the benefit of a strenuous nut and bolt restoration back in 2016. All the panels are original and there has been no welding required. The interior is also original to the car.

The engine has had a full strip-down and rebuild during the restoration. The present owner bought it in late 2017 and since his purchase, he has had the gearbox fully refurbished and a new clutch fitted.

Beyond that our owner has maintained it pedantically and enjoyed reaping the benefits of all the money and effort spent by the previous owner on the renovations.

The car has been expertly tuned by Ric Wood Motorsport in Stockport. Only, now does the owner want to pass on this exceptional and little-used car to release funds for other projects.

There is a substantial amount of evidence in the form of receipts and invoices for the restoration and continued care of this Capri.

Very little service history exists before the restoration, but since then there is a long and detailed paper trail including past MOT certificates demonstrating how few miles this Capri has done which is in the hundreds of miles since purchase in 2017.

Naturally, there is a valid V5.

There really isn’t a great deal to say about the exterior paintwork other than to say it is one of the shiniest blacks I’ve seen in a long time. Black is one of those colours that will show any imperfections all too easily, and after a long hard look around this car, I simply can’t find anything of note to complain about.

The gloss is deep and swirl-free which extends to under the bonnet as much as it does to the body. It does look as if it has been hibernating since it rolled off the production line. If there are any imperfections, I can’t see them.

Each corner has the original Ford alloy wheel, all of which are free from any kerb rash. All the lights a clear and free from clouding or condensation and the car is resplendent in having all the correct decals for the 2.8i.

Inside, the Capri has all of its genuine and original upholstery. The quality is very good and the driver’s bolster is the only seat showing any wear, which I am kind of pleased about as it shows the car is used and not a ‘concors’ exhibit.

All the instrumentation appears to be intact and working except the radio. This switches on but doesn’t tune in so a look at the aerial connection may be in order.

The headlining is in good order, but the sunroof, which raises, won’t slide back.

Just as much attention has been paid to the mechanics of this machine as much as the bodywork. Everything has been either overhauled or replaced. Taking a look beneath the car shows the attention to detail with the chassis protection and the fitment of new suspension, brakes and hose work.

The engine is, as you’d expect quiet until the revs are raised which is when the V6 comes alive with that unforgettable sound. As previously mentioned the engine was stripped down as part of its restoration, it was found to be in superb order so only gaskets were required before the re build.

The gear selection is smooth and easy, it was rebuilt in 2018 (receipt included) and a new clutch kit fitted at the same time.
The steering input is also smooth as you would expect.

If you are in the market for a 2.8 Capri then I’m sure you will have a selection to look at. But if you intend to put your hard-earned cash into something that requires little or no work and that benefits from having the often insurmountable amount already spent on making it as near perfect as money will allow, then you really need to look at this Capri. 

They are getting rare, finding a decent one is getting more difficult and often those that appear to be good to be true usually are. This Capri has been painstakingly restored, keeping it as original as possible with a full folio of printed evidence. 

If you are looking to buy a nice Capri, you’d be rather silly to let this one go.

*Please note, the vendor will be on holiday from 14th to the 26th April so the winning bidder will need to collect before or after these dates*