BUYING GUIDE:

Capri 280

Everything you need to know if you’re looking to buy the special-edition runout model.

With its iconic Capri having torn up UK streets for nearly three decades, Ford finally took its beloved coupe off the road in 1986. It might have been eclipsed by the hot hatch phenomenon in later years and, for most, was no longer the car you always promised yourself, but if the Capri was going out, then it was going out in style — cue the 280 run-out edition.

Rightfully, Ford decreed that the Capri’s contribution to British motoring culture had to be celebrated and with the UK-only 280, it arguably saved the very best version until last.

Rumours of a turbocharged version had been rife, but when the Capri 280 rolled off the Cologne-Niehl production line and into showrooms, it was mechanically identical to the Capri 2.8i Special. That was no bad thing mind, as the Special’s 2792cc, 160 bhp Cologne V6 ensured the 280 could run to a Golf GTi-squashing top whack of 130 mph and, better still, its standard limited-slip differential meant plenty of tail-out fun and an end to any one-tyre fire shenanigans when sidestepping the clutch.

Where the 280 really wowed though, was in how it looked. Granted, the Capri’s styling was a little long in the tooth, but Ford pulled a blinder by coating the 280 in classy Brooklands Green paint that extended to the door mirrors, grille and headlamp surrounds. The distinctive shade, which would give rise to its Brooklands tag, was set off with exclusive red and white striping and new, larger 7x15 inch seven-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in 50-profile Pirelli P7F rubber. It was no less impressive inside, with the classy exterior complemented by full Raven leather upholstery with burgundy piping. The steering wheel and gearknob were also leather, while standard equipment included the all-important Recaro front seats, steel sunroof, tinted glass and ESRT 32PS tape deck, which pumped the likes of Depeche Mode and Spandau Ballet through four speakers.

Ford’s attention to detail worked too, the 280 proving so popular that the proposed production run of 500 was more than doubled, with 1038 eventually being made.

Today, the circa 400 survivors are even more sought after and prices have rocketed. No 280 will ever be cheap, but if you want a Capri that has it all, then there’s plenty of enthusiasts who think that it offers a priceless classic Ford experience.

“THE CAPRI WENT OUT IN STYLE WITH THE 280 EDITION”