Highlights

Only 1,038 ever built
Highly original and complete
Just 78,000 miles
Recently recommissioned

The Appeal

Known as both ‘the European Mustang’ and ‘the car you’ve always promised yourself’, there was a time when the long bonnet, cab-back styling of the Capri was a familiar sight on our roads and our TVs (usually skidding through piles of cardboard boxes at the hands of Bodie and Doyle). Sadly, they are few and far between now, although a healthy enthusiast and collector’s market means that parts and advice are never in short supply.

The 280 Brooklands was basically the run-out model for the Capri, with the last example rolling off the production line at the end of 1986. Finished in ‘Brooklands Green’, with a high-spec leather interior and potent 2.8i drivetrain, it’s now a sought after and collectible vehicle.

This particular example has been off the road since about 2005 and has recently been recommissioned by the vendor. Presented in complete, original condition, running well, it’s a fantastic opportunity to acquire a good example of one of the ultimate Capris.

The History and Paperwork

First registered on 9th March 1987
Supplied new by Days of Swansea – still wearing its dealer plates and window sticker
Only 1,038 Brooklands models were built and this is number 151 – a very early car
Fewer than 200 left on the road in the UK (according to ‘How Many left’)
Highly original, the car has never been modified or painted
Original order form and first V5 included
Three registered owners from new
The first owner had the car until 2011
This Capri has been off the road since about 2005 (last recorded MOT was in 2004 at about 77,000 miles)
The last two owners were brothers who bought the car in 2011, with the second brother taking ownership of the car in 2015
The vendor took the car on in November 2022 and recommissioned it
78,000 miles indicated
History file includes invoices for maintenance and servicing and a number of old MOT certificates
Current V5C present and correct

The Interior

Recaro leather sports seats
All original and unmodified
Original, working radio/cassette player
Metal sunroof (manually operated)

Probably the most striking thing about this car is the originality and condition of the interior. From the dark green carpets to the lovely ‘Raven’ black leather Recaro sports seats with their red piping, everything presents in incredibly good condition considering the age of the car and its lack of recent use.

The rear seats look to be in near pristine condition, while the fronts are in good condition, with a little wear showing and a small tear to the passenger side squab. Overall, they look really very good indeed.

Looking at the dashboard and driving controls, again everything is very well preserved. The steering wheel and gear lever show little evidence of wear, while the rest of the switchgear and instrumentation all wears its age remarkably well. The only issue we could see was that there is the usual crack to the upper dashboard, just above the radio/cassette.

Unusually, the headlining appears to be secure, undamaged and unstained. Which is amazing considering the car has been SORN for a number of years. The rest of the internal trim looks to be in fine fettle too, with no notable damage or significant wear we could see.

In the boot, the carpet is in excellent condition, and underneath there is a full-size spare alloy wheel. Lifting the carpet, the boot floor looks to be solid and free from corrosion or damage repair.

The Exterior

Brooklands Green paintwork
Original alloy wheels
All original bodywork
Solid underside

All the Brooklands models were finished in the same deep shade of metallic green. With the red and white pinstriping and ‘280’ badging, it makes for a very attractive machine. The paintwork here is apparently all original and is in reasonable condition considering the car’s age. Of course, there are blemishes, marks and scuffs in places and the lacquer on the roof has been damaged by the sun. But overall, it’s really not bad at all.

The bodywork is also said to be all original, and it certainly looked that way to our eyes. Some restoration is required though, as there is early evidence of corrosion and bubbling in a number of areas around the car. There is also a reasonably big dent to the off-side rear quarter and a small dent to the near-side area of the rear hatch. However, the usual problem areas (door shuts, wheel arches and lower panel sections) all appear to be very good.

There isn’t much in the way of external trim, but the light lenses all look clear and undamaged, while the glass areas similarly look good, with no cracks or damage we could identify. The seals and brightwork around the wide windows would benefit from some attention, but otherwise the trim all looks to be in reasonable condition. One thing to note is that the passenger door mirror is corroded through and will need replacing.

Wheels are the standard 15-inch, seven-spoke items. They wear a small amount of kerb damage to the rims, but are generally in good order. They are shod with Uniroyal tyres.

Looking under the car, the floors and sills are surprisingly good. In fact, they look incredibly straight and clean for a Ford of this vintage – especially one that’s been standing for a while. As you may expect, the suspension components look as if they may need some refurbishment and the exhaust has a coating of surface corrosion. Otherwise everything looks to be pretty good.

The Mechanics

2,792cc fuel-injected V6
Five-speed manual transmission
Limited slip differential
Fuel system recently refurbished
Recent full service and new front brakes

That hearty 2.8-litre V6 gives the Capri the performance and soundtrack it always deserved. These Brooklands models also benefit from a five-speed manual transmission and LSD too, making them the choice for keen drivers.

Under the bonnet, the engine bay looks tidy and there were no leaks we could see. There is naturally some surface corrosion to various components. Back in 1991, the car was treated to a full stainless steel exhaust system By London Stainless, but this appears to need some refreshing now.

The vendor has just refreshed the fuel system, replacing the tank, pump and sender unit, as well as treating the car to a full service as well as new callipers and brake pads at the front.

We’re told that the car runs well, and is ready to be taken to the next level and put back on the road.

Summary

With highly original Capris very thin on the ground, to find a 280 Brooklands in such a tidy and unmodified state is really quite special.

With some love and work, this gorgeous coupé will soon be back to doing what it does best – thrilling the driver and wowing onlookers.

Notice to bidders

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