Ford Capri MkIII 1.6 Laser

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Launched at the 1969 Brussels Motor Show, the Capri instantly became the most desirable model in Ford’s European range and was every thrusting young executive’s dream set of wheels.

With its aggressively long bonnet and swooping rear it looked like it was doing 100mph even when standing still. Conceived as a European alternative to the all-conquering Mustang, it was available in a wide range of engine sizes from a basic 1.3-litre four to a tarmac-ripping 3-litre V6.

Mechanically straightforward, a traditional live axle with leaf springs was deemed sufficient at the rear, while Ford's excellent Macpherson struts at the front and well weighted rack-and-pinion steering gave it a sufficiently sporting feel to justify its sports car looks.

In 1974 the MkII version was introduced with a shorter bonnet, larger cabin and a more practical hatchback in place of the boot. Mechanically it was similar to the MkI but with a Pinto OHC engine in place of the old Kent crossflow OHV unit plus bigger front disc brakes and a standard alternator. A re-styled MkIII followed in 1978, easily distinguished by its quad headlamps and rear boot spoiler.

This fine MkIII came into the vendor’s hands by accident – literally. An owner of one of the few NFU approved body repair shops in the country, the Capri arrived on his premises in 1996 having hit its front wheel against something quite hard, damaging the Macpherson strut.

A simple replacement part and the car was back to full health again, not even needing a new front wing. The insurance company had, in the meantime, paid-out the owner for the car, placing it on the insurance register as a total loss in August 1996.

Following its straightforward repair, it then spent the next 18 years in a heated garage getting occasional exercise. It has recently had new tyres fitted and a rear exhaust section and now has an MOT until September 2015. It remains in super original condition having covered 85,455 miles from new. It has never been welded and has its original rear parcel tray.

Apart from its unfortunate insurance history, this is as good an example as you will find having missed out on the welding torch period of its life completely.

Potential bidders are advised that the V5 lists it as a 1593cc model, the vendor informing us that at some point it has been fitted with a more powerful 2.0-litre Pinto engine.