1983 Ford Capri 1.6 LS Barn Find *Sold £4,000*

Description

• Stored for 27 Years
• 1 previous family owner
• 22k miles
• 1.6l Pinto engine
• Complete car
• V5 Present

Launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 1969, the Ford Capri was an instant hit – 19 million cars went on to sell during a 17-year production run. Beautifully designed by Philip T Clark, who had been involved in the development of the Mustang, the car was available with extensive options designed to appeal to a wide range of buyers.

Combining good looks, performance, and practicality, the styling of the Capri had clear US influence with elements of the Mustang reflected in the front end and side profile. These cars look great from any angle – there’s no getting away from it, the Ford Capri was and still is cool!

And this highly original, 1983 Capri LS model, is the more practical Mk3. In its completely original red over the classic, period, grey and check interior and with only twenty-two thousand miles on the clock.

This example comes with a terribly sad story and is as genuine as it comes.  Owned by our vendors husband who has now sadly passed away, he had purchased the Ford Capri in 1985 from his brother-in-law who bought it new in 1983. The car was used sparingly for ten years with its use reducing year on year during that time, in 1995 it was then parked in his garage and has sat there ever since.

The time that has passed means that the original paperwork and manuals and keys have been packed away to never be found, they may turn up but please bid on the basis it will literally only be supplied with its original “old style” V5, still in our vendors husbands name and showing one previous owner, the brother-in-law.

As can be seen from the very minimal images, the car is still in situ and will not be moved prior to the sale; predominantly due to the lack of a battery which was removed early during its storage, the flat tyres and the emotional toll it has on our vendor.

What we do know from our vendors description is that the car is surprisingly solid apart from one area, that area being the offside front wing. As can be seen from the images, it has unfortunately succumbed to the dreaded oxide.

The few images we do have, show solid doors, shuts, roof, bonnet and tailgate. Also shared, is that although access to the rear is limited and it has only been a quick look, it is believed to be the only area of rot to be noted. Obviously, this cannot be completely confirmed at this point as the tailgate has not been opened and such things as lifting carpets etc have not been carried out.

The interior is in decent enough condition but would need some cleaning to share a better description. Remarkably the parcel shelf looks good and has no unsightly holes cut in it for speakers.

As can be seen in the images the engine bay will need some detailing, but the 1.6 Pinto engine is expected to turn freely and with some fresh fuel, a cambelt, plus a good flush and clean of the fuel system and it should start.  As is the nature of barn finds, we cannot guarantee anything – so please factor this in when bidding.  Do also note however that it was driven into the garage back in 1995, has been garaged ever since, plus these Pinto engines are famously robust.

Lastly the original wheels look to have been replaced with what look like official Ford RS 4 spokes that were so common in its heyday.  Obviously, they will need tyres and could do with refurbishment.  Other than that, there is not a lot else we can tell you.

Our view

Some would say barn finds are always exciting and interesting propositions; you never really know what you get until you get stuck in. This one family owner Capri, with just 22k mileage, was driven into the garage and that is where it has stayed, it is not a part restored, or part stripped, basket case with loads of bits missing. It is virtually all there and will be a fantastic project for someone to get stuck into over the winter.

With Capri parts readily available, although we doubt that many big-ticket items will be needed, we don’t expect this to be too big of a job but as mentioned earlier nothing can be guaranteed with barn finds and it is your prerogative to how far you go with the restoration.

It really is a gem of a find though, how often will you find a one family-owned Ford Capri that has been stored for 27 years? Not that often in our experience!