Buying Classics Abroad

Ford Capri MkI&II

‘People want original cars, now,’ says Ford specialist, Alan Potts, of The Car Cave near Edinburgh. ‘I find that most classic Ford buyers today either had a Capri when they were younger or couldn’t quite afford a particular model. Period modifications are okay, but things like Tickford-lookalike bodykits are less desirable.’

That trend towards purity and nostalgia has tended to skew values in favour of the earlier cars, especially MkIs, which command a premium if they’re in solid, original condition. There are exceptions, though, as the extra driveability of some later models can further affect the trend. The modest output of the early 1.3s, for example, makes them an acquired taste, and Alan also points out that 2.8 Injections are more desirable to some buyers than earlier Essex 3.0-litre V6s (Britain ended production as early as 1976).

Being such a cultural icon, cherished dry-stored Capris do occasionally pop up, but most aren’t so lucky. Dealers rarely have more than one Capri in stock, but you’ll find plenty in auction catalogues and private classifieds.

Ford devised countless special editions to keep the lust of petrolheads excited at a time when rival manufacturers were trying to lure them away with the temptation of the new kid on the block – the hot hatch. Rarer editions like the Tickford, or tweaked motorsport specials such as the 302 Windsor V8-engined Perana are currently at the top of the price hierarchy. The latter was only available in South Africa, where reasonably solid Essex V6 Capris can still be found. Modifications and unsympathetic maintenance can spoil the aura, but they’re often good starting points, reckons Alan, who regularly imports from South Africa and currently has another on the way.