Ford Capri
ENGINE 1593cc/4-cyl/OHC POWER 73bhp@5300rpm TORQUE 87lb ft@2700rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 99mph 0-60MPH 13.9sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 25-35mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed manual MoT 12 months on sale ODOMETER 35,948 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The car starts first time without any smoke and idles well with no hesitation. Throttle response is excellent and the car handles nicely, cornering confidently with precise steering, although there is a slight pull to the right. The gearbox is smooth with no synchromesh issues and the clutch feels strong. The brakes work efficiently and the car feels very well-sorted overall. The temperature gauge indicates a healthy motor and sits just below the halfway mark, which is where it should be.
BODYWORK CHECK
The red paint is faultless and hasn’t suffered from any fading. There are no paint bubbles, no peeling and no rust. An inspection underneath reveals no crash damage or bad welding repairs and the chassis and underside still carry a freshlooking coat of black stone chip paint. The doors have not dropped and the shut lines are straight and even. The grille and bumpers are undamaged and still a lovely gloss black, having not greyed or worn over time. The quad headlamps are bright and complete and the black metal surrounds are in good shape. All four wheels are in excellent order and the Primewell PS870 tyres are in excellent condition. The full-size spare comes clad in Goodyear Grand Prix S rubber.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The brown velour interior is very much of an era but in almost perfect condition. The only minor blemishes are a very small hole on the driver’s side armrest and some scratches to the lid of the ashtray in the dash. Even the centre console cubbyhole lid, which is notorious for disintegrating, is still intact. The seats are firm but comfortable, the headlining has not sagged and the dashboard is not cracked. Everything
functions as it should, including the heater, and there are no rattles when driving.
UNDER THE BONNET
The engine bay is as clean as you will find and the black paint on the Pinto block still looks fresh. All fluids are at their correct levels and a check of the dipstick reveals healthylooking oil. There are no leaks and everything is present and correct, appearing very well maintained. The car has no history other than old MoT certificates, which do back up the indicated low mileage.
THE CCW VIEW
This particular Capri is incredibly well-presented and, thanks to its low mileage, doesn’t feel tired at all. Some people may prefer the power that comes with a larger engine, but the little 1593cc Pinto motor is a peach and the car drives very well. The lack of history makes the asking price seem a little heady for one of the more modest Capri variants, but its immaculate condition and minimal mileage make it a timewarp of nostalgia.
PROS Low mileage, general condition inside and out
CONS Price, little history, slight steering pull
BUY IT FROM Thurlby Motors, Mumby Road, Alford, Lincolnshire LN13 9JN. 01507 463254, thurlbymotors.com