THE OWNERS WHO LOVE THEIR CAPRIS

DALE VINTEN 1983 FORD CAPRI 2.8i

‘I bought my Capri as a placeholder between cars and as a project to work on and spanner with. I never imagined that it would end up being my sole daily driver nearly eight years – and over £7000 – later. It has taught me so much about car mechanics (as well as tolerance!) and I now carry out 90 per cent of the work myself. We’ve been on many road trips, including to the Le Mans Classic and back, and have developed a special bond. The car has evolved and grown as I have and it has taken on an aesthetic and personality all of its own, which draws looks and comments of both awe and confusion in equal measure. I wouldn’t have it any other way.’

DANNY HASSALL 1986 FORD CAPRI 1.6 LASER

‘I was hooked on Capris after seeing a beautiful Signal Orange 3.0S. The Laser was my first car – a surprise 17th birthday present. Everyone seems to appreciate it – even the gent in the Bentley Continental GT who stopped to give me a thumbs-up recently. I’ve driven it to Wales and to gatherings all over the south, including the Queen’s Square Bristol Breakfast Meet. It has evolved from being my learner car to a weekend toy to my daily driver and I have spent £6000-8000 in the last seven years, including fitting a 2.0-litre cam, twinchoke Weber carburettor, new exhaust, an alloy radiator, lower single leaf springs and an electronic ignition.’

RAPH JOHNSON 1973 FORD CAPRI V8

‘I bought this as my first car in 1977 for £1250. It was originally a 1600XL, but I transplanted a Rover V8 after reading a magazine article on the subject and carried out all the work myself to keep costs low. At the time I was offered the Mustang Mach 1 that

I had modelled the rear end on, but with all the work so far completed and its uniqueness I just had to stick with my Capri! I have attended numerous shows over the years and won many trophies, including Star Car at the Goodwood Breakfast meet last summer. The car is part of my life, it has given me many fond memories and it allows me to show my often hidden flamboyant side.’