Ford Capri
ENGINE 1993cc/4-cyl/OHC POWER 99bhp@5200rpm TORQUE 113lb ft@4000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 109mph 0-60MPH 10.4sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 27-33mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed manual MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 58,665 miles WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The Pinto engine starts willingly and pulls strongly. It’s had a quiet few decades, so a good run would probably improve the tickover, which takes a while to settle. Otherwise the car feels pleasingly relaxed and well-sorted on the open road. Gear selection is easy, with no snicks or graunches, and the clutch has a smooth action. There’s a slight feeling of looseness through the steering wheel when driving over poor surfaces tarmac at slower speeds, but it’s nothing major – the car feels tight and responsive on a good surfaces. The only real issue is a binding nearside front brake (a result of its recent lay-up), which the vendor will attend to before sale.
BODYWORK CHECK
The body is reportedly original and near-perfect throughout, with no dents or rust – and partially resprayed to a decent standard. The vendor intends to polish out what few scuffs there are (nearside front and offside rear corners, and the usual scratches beneath the door handles, but it’s all very light). The decals are also excellent, but are lifting slightly in one or two corners. Neither bumper is damaged. The shut lines are all spot on, and the refurbished 13-inch wheels are mint and fitted with new Goodridge 185/70 tyres. There are small spots of surface rust in the boot floor, but nothing to worry about. Lamps and window glass are good, bar a small chip in the middle of the windscreen.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
Deliciously brown, and very tidy, with some nice period features, including an original stereo, AA sticker in the rear window and big quartz clock. All locks and latches operate perfectly, as do the windows, though the passenger’s winder is a little stiff. Carpets and rooflining are in excellent condition (there’s no sunroof), and the dash plastics and seat upholstery are similarly good, with no particular wear to the driver’s seat other than a section of piping missing on the bolster. There is a little patina on the gear knob, and the parcel shelf is broken (they’re very hard to find, but the vendor is trying) but it’s as smart as you’re likely to find. Furry dice are included! The fuel gauge works, but is a bit sluggish.
UNDER THE BONNET
There’s not much paperwork with the car, but plenty of evidence of its recent re-commissioning under the bonnet. The internals are reportedly untouched, but most of the ancillaries – including the inlet manifold, radiator, Lucas alternator and starter motor, hoses, clips and core plugs – are new. The block and cylinder head are spotless, with no visible leaks and almost no road grease. All the fluids are clean and up to the levels, and the wiring is neat and tidy. The logbook is stamped to 36,000 miles.
THE CCW VIEW
Recently recommissioned by an enthusiast after 20 years in dry storage, this Capri wouldn’t need much to make it concours.