Ford Capri MK1 GTXLR 2000

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

Ford hoped to replicate the run-away success of the American Mustang by using a similar formula for the European market.

Using proven and well developed underpinnings from elsewhere in their product range, Ford clothed the new Capri in a sexy coupe body designed with a great deal of input from the Mustang’s styling team. The car was made ready for launch at the January 1969 Belgian Motor Show, although production had started two months earlier at the Halewood plant to ensure that every Ford dealer had at least one example on their forecourts.

With its aggressively long bonnet and swooping rear it looked like it was doing 100mph even when standing still. Available in a wide range of engine sizes from a basic 1.3-litre four to a tarmac-ripping 3-litre V6 it was marketed as ‘The car you always promised yourself’.

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 the car a sufficiently sporting feel to justify its sports car looks.

This Capri MkI dates from March 1971 and has the rare Essex 2-litre V4 unit which produced 95bhp and 125lb/ft of torque and a very distinctive noise. First registered in Luton, it is an exceptionally correct and original example having had just one owner from new until 2002. A rare early car with the proper flat bonnet, it comes in top GT XLR specification with every available option.

The Tawny Dark Gold metallic paintwork has been refreshed due to fading, the vendor describing the bodyshell as “superb and rust-free”. The black interior is also said to be in “near perfect” condition with a new headlining recently fitted, a note of interest being the quality period door mirror.

The 85,200 miles showing on the clock is believed to be genuine and is partially backed up by some 14 old MOT certificates plus a large history file including the original bill of sale for £1,356.01, original handbooks and a letter of provenance from the original owner. Rare Capri 3-Litre Rostyle wheels are fitted to the car which will have new correct high profile tyres before the sale and it is MOTd until April 2016.

Recently occupying a space in a collection of high end performance Fords, this Capri comes to Brightwells as part of the Pete Tomlinson Collection.