1980 Ford Capri Mk3 *Sold £12,650*

Description

• 2.0 litre engine
• In Jersey for many years, then stored in the UK
• Modern upgrades
• Full body restoration
• All mechanicals overhauled

A superb, modern retro. If Ford were going to bring back the Capri, here is the perfect blueprint for them. The modern upgrades on this Capri turn it into a classic; one that retains its character, improves its handling and performance, and above all, injects that reliability that many of us can be anxious about when buying a classic.

Background

The classic Capri needs little introduction. Over a remarkable 18-year production run, Ford built about 1.9 million Capris. They are now becoming rather scarce. How few are really left is anyone’s guess. Now, this total package of full body restoration, suspension upgrades and modern engine makes this Capri unique.

Outside

This Capri spent many years in Jersey, for most of them it was in storage. We don’t need to tell you how good ex-Channel Island classics are. Once it was repatriated, it then spent a good while unused in dry storage. The then owner began refurbishing the Capri and then, as often happens, his efforts stalled. Our vendor purchased the Capri with that as his starting point.

Aswell as the images above, the many other images in our additional Lot Gallery show the extensive work carried out:

• A full, engine out, glass out, suspension off, strip down
• New panels were fitted where they were needed
• These include outer rear arches, new front wings
• New front screen and window rubbers
• Particular attention was paid to future proofing the Capri
• The underside was treated with epoxy zinc coating
• Two coats of red raptor
• Then coated in Lanoguard corrosion protection
• All that work has additional attention to detail
• Black S fader along the side panels
• New 8×15 gloss black alloys
• The distinctive quad headlamps at the front and classic ribbed rear lamps
• Satin black centre blades on the bumpers with over-riders and corner wraparounds
• Matt black window trims and the rear spoiler top it all off

Mechanicals

The Ford Capri often received reviews from the ‘pub bores’ who would spout all sorts of nonsense. The reality is very different. The Capri was a serious and successful attempt by Ford to combine the principles of a sports coupe along with practical family transport; Ford deserve major credit for that.

The basics of the Capris were simple and straightforward. What our vendor has cleverly achieved is balance. The balance between retaining the simplicity and character of the Ford mechanicals while overhauling them – along with adding one of the most popular modern Ford power units around.

The engine is from Ford a Focus ST 170

• 2.0 litre Duratec with variable valve timing
• Now running 180 bhp
• Updated with motorsport electronics & throttle bodies
• MME 360 ECU and sub loom tuned by Digitune
• RetroFord alloy sump
• New flywheel and clutch
• New alternator
• New timing belt and water pump
• Type 9 five speed gearbox
• New one-piece propshaft
• Sportec exhaust system
• Recently serviced with “very expensive” oil
• Again, there are lots of helpful images in the Gallery. You’ll see:
• All the suspension components were removed
• The axles and suspension were shotblasted
• Once returned they were then Zinc coated and painted in 2k satin black
• New Gaz adjustable rear shocks absorbers
• Electronically assisted servo brake unit
• New larger 2.8i fuel tank and pump

Our vendor tells us that the tuners advised this power unit is easily good for 200bhp plus. He opted for usability and reliability by ‘only’ going to 180bhp. He says, “the car drives really well”. We bet it does. Collectively this is a great package. Fun, fast and reliable.

Inside

The blend of original and new continues:

• Original three spoke RS Style steering
• Original undamaged dashboard
• Red Tweed door cards
• Black carpets
• New headlining
• Rear seats recovered
• Front seats replaced with Focus ST versions
• New digital gauges
• Working USB port

The eagle eyed among you may spot a nuanced difference in the gauges. You’d be correct. These are analogue looking digital items from Race Tech and have also been calibrated.

Our vendor tells us the fuel gauge has suddenly stopped operating. With his knowledge of the car, he is confident that it’s the sender unit in the tank. The original heater switches are not operating either. Rather than disturb and possibly crack the original dash and fascia, he has by-passed them and mounted new ones lower down on the dash with the hazard light switch.

Additional info

Our vendor is only selling due to a serious back operation. This has severely restricted his movement, hence not being able to remove a fuel tank with 12 gallons of fuel to replace a sticky sender unit. He also confirms to us:

“The Capri does need a few jobs doing to finish, the fuel gauge stopped working since fitting a new tank recently (I think the sender is stuck in the tank). Bits of trim could do with a tidy, just daft jobs. I’ve spent a fortune on it. I have changed the V5 to match new engine number. The original colour was grey. The logbook now says red. It is MOT and tax exempt. I’m only selling as I am unable to finish this project due to injury”.

Given the level of detail on such things as that engine bay, with its heat sinks and wrapped exhausts amongst other things, he is probably being a little hard on himself. Either way, as always, you have the full picture.

Our view

A rather special, very well sorted, unique Capri.

What makes many classic enthusiasts sometimes hesitate when buying a classic car is the R&B. Reliability and breakdowns. It happens, we all accept it with old cars.

But here we have a difference. An original old classic. Not pimped, bodged and covered in furry dice but given modern Ford upgrades.

We’re seeing an increasing move toward battery powered classic cars. That is heresy, in our view. An utter sin. If you want to upgrade a classic, this is a blueprint, and we think it is brilliant.

Is this the Capri that Ford should make now? We think so. The original marketing pitch for the Capri was “The car you always promised yourself”. Here you are. Go on. You know you want to! Good luck.