Ford Capri MkI 1600 GT

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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 based on those of the Cortina, 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. 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. 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’.

Handsome to look at and decently quick, the Capri proved to be a huge success for Ford, remaining in production until 1986 with many upgrades along the way, almost 1.9 million being sold worldwide. Survivors are now increasingly sought after and values have risen sharply in recent times.

First registered in September 1971, this Capri is a desirable pre-facelift model that is fitted with the 82bhp 1.6-litre Kent cross-flow engine which gave it a respectable 12 seconds 0-60 time and a top speed of 96mph. Being a sporting GT model, it also has the six clock wood-veneered dash and bucket seats. The car is showing some 53,700 miles on the clock (unwarranted) and has had just six owners in its 45-year life to date, the current since 2005.

We are told that it recently benefitted from a £10,000 restoration which included a bare metal repaint in white, a full interior retrim, new chrome, new clutch, refurbished wheels plus much else besides. Said to drive as well as it looks, it has an MOT until December 2016 with no advisories recorded. It comes complete with its original push-button radio, owner’s handbook and maintenance manual and a current V5C.

With Fast Ford values rising very strongly of late, it looks excellent value at the sensible guide price suggested.