Highlights

A beautifully presented MK1 Capri in sought-after 3000E specification
In the ownership of a MK1 Capri aficionado for the last 24 years
Has covered a mere 47,500 miles – a shade under 1,000 miles per year on average

The Appeal

The Ford Capri seems to be one of those cars that is woven into our automotive conscience.

Almost everyone seems to have a link to one and warm and familiar feelings towards them. Ford really struck a chord with the Capri – perhaps the ultimate in affordable sports coupes for the 70’s and 80’s.

This remarkable MK1, pre-facelift car strikes all the right chords too. Low, original mileage. Excellent condition throughout, both aesthetically and mechanically. A highly original and well-appointed interior.

If, as the sticker in the rear window suggests, the Capri is the car you always promised yourself then you will wait a long time indeed to find a better useable example than this car.

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The History and Paperwork

Originally registered to and owned by the Ford Motor Company, likely as a manager’s company car
Featuring the “OOO” registration pre-fix favoured by Ford for press cars and company vehicles
Sold to a Ford employee in Leicester after around a year
Sold privately after another year to an enthusiast who retained it for over 17 years
Purchased by a classic car collector and subsequently changed hands three times in around eight years
Purchased by the current enthusiast and Capri expert in 1998
The car has been dry stored between usage by the current owner
An extensive archive of paperwork included providing valuable provenance for this Capri (a sample only pictured)
The car has featured in a MK1 Capri guidebook and numerous publications including specialist Ford magazines and the MK1 Capri Owners’ Club magazine
The current V5 and copies of previous V5’s and logbooks are included verifying details of the ownership history
A large number of hard copy MOT’s are included, providing a breakdown of the original mileage record of this lightly used car
The original 3000E Owner Handbook is present
A large number of invoices are included, detailing parts bought, and work undertaken
The Capri is registered as a historic vehicle and as such is tax and MOT exempt

The Interior

A true time-warp, original interior
All aspects of the interior appear to be in excellent condition
Featuring the signature Capri vinyl seats with fabric inserts in black
Black woollen carpets and black vinyl door cards
Black vinyl dash covering
Contrasting headlining in excellent, original condition
A well-appointed interior featuring all the “E” refinements including rear ash trays, chrome pedal inserts and manual, steel sunroof

The interior of the Capri is comfortable and well presented.

It oozes period detail and for children of the 1970’s, it will all seem reassuringly familiar. It’s an object lesson in originality in here with no obvious later additions or non-standard features to be found.

Everything is in very good used condition with the only exception noted being a small tear and some discolouration to the nearside rear three quarter head lining.

The Exterior

Bright and lustrous sapphire blue metallic paintwork
Chrome work bright and shiny throughout
No dents, dings or significant marks noted or reported
Subject of a full body restoration about 20 years ago whilst in its current ownership
New front valance and new front and rear bumpers fitted at this juncture
A full respray in the original sapphire blue metallic undertaken at that point
All five “Rostyle” wheels were restored and resprayed at that point
New front and rear screen rubbers and door and boot seals fitted at that point

The svelte shape of the Capri suits the blue metallic colour very well indeed and even during our photographic session several bystanders admired and commented on the car. Not an uncommon reaction according to the owner.

The Mechanics

Powered by the well-respected Ford Essex 3L V6 engine which provides ample power and sounds amazing
The smooth V6 has been converted to run on unleaded petrol
Reported, and witnessed, to run and drive very well with all mechanical systems in excellent working order
The engine bay is in fine fettle with bulkheads and side panels in great shape and nicely painted
Fitted with an early and efficient form of electronic ignition, negating the need for temperamental points

The mechanical condition of the Capri is reported to be in keeping with the rest of the vehicle – in excellent fettle. During our visit we were able to ride in the car for several miles and can confirm how well the car starts, runs and stops.

Given the age of the car the levels of comfort, refinement and performance were surprisingly high.

Summary

The rear window sticker states a truism. A 3000E Capri is a car that many, many enthusiasts and petrolheads have promised themselves. There are many good reasons for that. It is definitely a car that “connects” and promotes fond reminiscences of days gone by and loved ones missed.

This example is captivating in its originality too. It looks as factory fresh as you are likely to find outside of a museum collection.

If this is a car you have always promised yourself, be sure not to miss out on this “once in a (sapphire) blue moon” opportunity!

Notice to bidders

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