CAPRI MARKET GUIDE

THE CAPRI represents a generation preceding the LX Hatch. A child of the 1960s, this mini-Mustang arrived in Australia just as the first LC Toranas were starting to appear on local roads. German designed, the Capri was one of the very first ‘world’ cars. Three versions came to Australia initially, followed some years later by a small batch of the RS3100 model. First here in 1969 were the basic 1600 Deluxe and 1600GT. 3.0-litre cars would follow some months later. The 1600GT we have here was available for less than a year before being replaced by a more insurance-friendly XL model.

A short production life and slow sales make the 1600GT very scarce indeed, however none of the locally-sold Capris can be considered easy pickings. Most common are 3.0-litre V6 cars, but prices are inconsistent. Some cars have been advertised at almost $50,000 while others in similar condition were below $35,000. Manual versions generally cost more than the three-speed automatic. Head to a meeting of Historic racers and there will likely be a clutch of 3.0-litre cars; most of them authentic but occasionally including a converted 1600. Looking the part is half the battle and only an issue if a vendor attempts to present a non-genuine car as something it’s not.

A more common scenario for 1.6 litre cars saw them serve as ‘donors’ for V8 engine transplants. Most have smallblock Ford V8s but cars recently for sale have had Holden and Chevrolet blocks. Prices are in keeping with current V6 values however long-term prospects for cars with non-genuine engines aren’t rosy. Just 25 Capri RS3100s were officially imported; qualifying the model for Improved Production racing. Very few competed and the remainder occasionally appear in the market. Prices should now exceed $65,000.