Highlights
- Extremely rare and desirable 280 model
- One of only 1,038 examples produced
- Unapologetically original
- Excellent restoration potential
The Appeal
The Capri needs no introduction. The European pony car that came before the Mustang, a monstrous success that mirrored that of the ‘Stang by 1986. The 280 model, also known as the “Brooklands” model due to the Brooklands Green colour, was the final send-off for the Capri. Originally destined to be the Capri 500 with a limited run of 500 models, Ford realised that it had 1,038 bodyshells left and decided to go with the Capri 280 instead. Arguably one of the most important models of the Capri history, with the final car off the production line remaining as part of the Ford UK’s heritage collection.
This example we have presented here remains in largely original condition, with a well preserved interior and in need of a little TLC on the outside. These 280’s aren’t easy to come by in any condition, and this one would make for a quick and easy restoration for someone in the market for an important classic Ford.
The History and Paperwork
- Originally registered on the 9th of March 1987
- Supplied brand new by Days of Swansea, still wearing its dealer plates and window sticker
- Of the 1,038 vehicles built, this is number 151
- According to ‘How Many Left’, less than 200 of these remain on the UK roads
- Original paintwork and bodywork
- Original V5 included with the vehicle
- Current V5C present in the keepers name
- First owner kept the vehicle all the way up until 2011
- Car has remained off the road since 2005 with the last recorded MOT in 2004 with roughly 77,000 miles
- Recently recommissioned in 2022
- History file includes previous maintenance and service invoices as well as a number of old MOT certificates before the vehicle was taken off the road
The Interior
- Handsome original condition
- Recaro leather seats in great shape
- Original cassette player in functional condition
- Manually operated metal sunroof
Undeniably, the interior of this 280 is one of the best parts about it. Completely original, unmodified even down to the cassette player. Starting upon opening the driver side front door, we’re welcomed to the Raven leather Recaro sports seats which present themselves well and in good condition with gentle wear showing, and a small tear to the passenger side squab. Respectable considering the originality. Directly in front of the driver seat, the steering wheel shows very little signs of any wear, and the gauges mounted just ahead appear clear as day and completely functional with no unwelcoming warning lights present.
Moving across the dashboard, all of the switchgear remains in good shape with just some gentle hints of age below on the storage compartment. The gear shifter itself appears nice with the leather boot being slightly torn at the top. All of the surrounding carpet on the transmission tunnel appears in lovely condition with no rips or tears to be seen.
The headline remains in place and seemingly undamaged, considering the car has been off the rod for so many years it’s surprising to see! The manually operated sun-roof remains in good health also with no known leaks in the wet weather. Both front door cards remain in excellent condition top to bottom, very gentle scuffs noticed on the speaker grill on the driver side but that’s all. The leather and carpet portions are all excellently maintained.
Into the boot compartment, the carpet remains in excellent condition with no damage to be seen, and directly underneath the false floor there remains a full sized spare which is free from any corrosion, and just a fingernail sized nick on the outer edge of the rim. Better get your glasses on if you want to spot it though!
The Exterior
- Original Brooklands Green paintwork
- Original wheels
- Original bodywork throughout
- Gentle patina
The all original paintwork is rather nicely presented all things considered, with just the roof showing most of the damage from sitting in the sun unused. Some small rust spots, scratches, blemishes etc are present, however its to be entirely expected on an original car which has sat off the road for a considerable amount of time.
Starting at the front of the Capri, the plastic bumper appears to be well kept with no signs of damage or cracking. The grill appears undamaged, and the headlights remain in good shape and remain functional, too! Panel gaps up here appear to be of factory fitment, with just some blemishing noticed on the bonnet on the driver side near the front along with some rust bubbles forming under the paint.
To the side of the Ford, the original 280 decals remain present and in good condition, the paintwork remains good with the odd blemish and some small rust spots noticed on the passenger side in front of the side view mirror, and the mirror itself shows some corrosion. The arches appear to be relatively clean and slid, as do the sills lower down on the bodywork.
To the rear, some corrosion is noticed on the rear bumper bar as well as a small dent just below the Capri 280 sticker on the boot lid. A couple of reasonably sized dents are noticed on the driver side rear corner just beside the tail light, however the tail light itself remains undamaged and functional.
Underneath, the Capri appears very well preserved with straight sills and solid floors, and what appears to be a freshly installed fuel tank in the rear. As to be expected, the suspension components could do with a little attention, but aside from that it’s a respectable sight!
The Mechanics
- 2.8 litre V6 petrol engine
- Five speed manual transmissions
- Rear-wheel drive with a limited slip differential
- Fuel system recently refurbished
First seen in the Ford Granada, the Bosch K-Jetronic V6 engine was mated to the Capri under the newly established Special Vehicle Engineering department within Ford. A match made in heaven, complete with a five-speed transmission mated to a limited slip differential to help put the power to the ground. Claimed to have a top speed of 130mph and a 0-60mph time of 7.9 seconds (in top form), the performance was quite impressive for its day.
Naturally, there appears to be some surface corrosion spotted around the engine bay on the cars bay as well as some various engine components. In 1991, the vehicle was treated to a full stainless steel exhaust system which was carried out by London Stainless, however it would seem to need some TLC as of now with the years gone by of sitting dormant.
The previous owner in 2022 undertook some well needed mechanical work, refreshing the entire fuel system by replacing the tank, the pump and the sender unit as well as treating the vehicle to a full service along with a new set of calipers and pads up front. Reportedly the car runs pretty well, and is ready for its next venture with a new custodian who could take it to the next level and finally get it back on the road where it deserves to be.
Summary
An unrestored and original Capri 280 is a bit of a needle-in-a-haystack find, especially considering that even regular Capri’s of original condition are somewhat thin on the ground these days with most either left to rot somewhere undeservingly or hidden away in a collection completely restored.
This would be a fantastic addition to any Ford enthusiasts garage, and would make for a quick and easy restoration to get this beautiful piece of history back on the road and have pedestrians gawking as you breeze by. With a manual box and a limited slip diff, it would be an extremely rewarding first drive, guaranteed!
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