Description

1984 Ford Capri 2.8i

Impressively correct and well-preserved with a large history file from new; Dinitrol treated; displayed at the Classic Ford Show in 2010; a most appealing example of this classic sporting coupe

Launched in 1969, Ford’s sporting Capri was restyled three times in its 33-year life but never strayed far from its winning formula. The initially exaggerated belt line would smooth and the impression of almost scalloped sides would flatten out. By the MkIII of 1978, Capri sales were in decline, but the model was still a roomy and individual coupe.

In 1982, Ford reacted to stricter emissions regulations by dropping the 3.0 V6 Essex engine in favour of a new 2.8 fuel-injected Cologne V6. Not only cleaner than the carb fed unit, it was also more powerful with a claimed output of 160bhp and a top speed of 130mph using the existing 4-speed gearbox. This was swiftly upgraded to a 5-speed, and along with an interior facelift, allowed Ford to keep the Capri in production for a couple more years than originally forecast.

Supplied new by Dees of Croydon in November 1984, this Capri 2.8i comes with a large history file from new, the original purchase invoice showing that it cost its first owner £8,639 although he part exchanged it for his 1980 Capri 3.0S with 21k miles which knocked £2,239 off the bill. Scroll forward 38 years and it has now covered 97,288 miles in the hands of six further keepers.

Always well-maintained, the original service book has 15 stamps up to 48,121 miles in 1998 (nine by Dees and six by NJW Automotive of Selsdon, Surrey) plus one more stamp at 88,387 miles in 2009. A good file of invoices attest to additional maintenance, including conversion to unleaded fuel in 1989; cylinder head overhaul in 1991; new front brake discs in 1995; new rear leaf springs, new 30% uprated front springs and a stainless steel exhaust in 2001; a new gearbox and a new clutch in 2005; new front and rear bumpers, a new o/s/f wing and door and new stripe decals in 2006; heads skimmed and a new heater motor in 2009.

In June 2010, by which time it had covered 90,600 miles, it was loaned to Classic Ford magazine for display on their stand at that year’s Classic Ford Show.

Our vendor, a Capri Club member, acquired the car in 2014 when it had covered 93,300 miles and promptly treated it to a major service which included new rear wheel bearings and new rear shock absorbers and single leaf springs. He also gave it a full Dinitrol rust-proofing treatment which included wire brushing the entire underside and removing various parts such as the fuel tank, headlights and interior to ensure thorough coverage (the stains you see in the open sunroof photo are Dinitrol, not rust). In 2015 it was serviced again including a front wheel bearing kit and a new exhaust system supplied by Demon Tweeks.

The vendor then acquired a Porsche 911 which rather stole his affections and the Capri was put into storage where it remained for the next five or six years. Recently unearthed, it passed its MOT in May this year with just a couple of minor advisories (o/s/f service brake binding slightly; both front strut top mountings tight).

Starting instantly and running beautifully as we have moved it around on site, this unusually well-preserved Capri now only needs an enthusiastic new owner who can give it the more regular exercise it deserves.

For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email [email protected]