BUYING TIPS

Martin Pawson is a household name in Capri circles, having provided parts, advice and full-on restoration work under the ‘Capri Gear’ moniker since 1993. A major part of the online Capri forums, Martin is perpetually on hand to offer his years of knowledge and expertise to help keep these classic Fords on the road. Here are his top five tips for buying a Capri, regardless of the price…

1 BACK TO (OLD) SCHOOL

Do your homework. Martin says: ‘If you don’t know what to look for, then ask someone who does, such as a specialist or the Capri Club International.’ MoT history is also available online and will give an impression of previous and potential problems.

2 CHECK THE SERVICE HISTORY

Make sure the car has been routinely serviced so that any past problems have hopefully been identified and sorted correctly. As Martin confirms: ‘Regular inspections of the car will highlight any potential issues that should be dealt with promptly.’

3 IT’S A CAR – SO DRIVE IT!

Ensure that the car has been used regularly and has not been languishing in a garage for months on end. Martin says: ‘ This is especially important for the 2.8i as the injection system doesn’t like to stand for any great length of time.’

4 INSPECT THE BODYWORK AND PAINT CAREFULLY

‘I would choose a Capri with solid bodywork over a mechanically good one any day,’ says Martin. Bad or tired mechanicals are much easier and cheaper to put right than paint and bodywork issues, especially structural rot and botched repairs.

5 BUY IN HASTE, REPENT AT LEISURE

Martin says: ‘Don’t rush to buy a particular car. Take your time, find out the price of parts, panels and so on that may be required before taking the plunge.’ Sound advice; buy with your head and not with your heart.