Despite the Capri’s antiquated brakes and suspension, Brits still loved it in the second half of the eighties, even though the model was well past its sell-by date. By 1984 the car was in production solely for the UK, with only right-hand-drive cars built after this date. Buyers could pick between the 1.6 or 2.0 Laser and the 2.8i Special along with the Tickford Capri.
December 19, 1986 marked the end of an era, because that’s when the last Capri was built. As with all of the last 1,038 Capris, it was a Brooklands 280 edition, which meant it had leather trim, metallic green paintwork and 15-inch spoked alloy wheels. By this point 1,886,647 examples had been produced, and neither the Probe nor the Cougar that tried to fill the boots of the Capri ever captured the imagination in the way that the original European pony car had done.
Many thanks to Richard Usher and his team at the Great British Car Journey, for preparing the Capri and allowing us to drive it. You can find out more about what’s in the collection by visiting greatbritishcarjourney.com.
Interested in buying one?
Capris used to be cheap and specialists were plentiful, but despite the car’s cult following, specialists are now few and far between, and values have skyrocketed. Prices start at £8,000 for a four-cylinder Capri Mk3 that’s usable but scruffy, and rise to £40k-£50k or more for mint sporting Mk1s, Brooklands and Tickfords.
You can buy a decent 2.8i for £12k-£15k; just make sure that it’s not a tarted-up heap. Parts availability is generally poor when it comes to panels and trim, and some engine parts are scarce, although much of the rest is easy enough to source.
The bodywork borders on the crude, so it’s easy to check everywhere for corrosion and poor-quality crash repairs. Gearboxes are strong (there were even some autos) and so are differentials. While the brakes and suspension may be tired, these can be overhauled cheaply and easily. As always, your best bet is to join the club for info and parts, and you’ll find it at capriclub.co.uk.
| Model: | Ford Capri Mk3 |
| Production dates: | 1978-1987 |
| Price then: | Price then: £10,995 (1987) |
| Price now: | £12,000-£20,000 |
| Power/torque: | 160bhp/220Nm |
| Transmission: | Four/five-speed manual, rear-wheel drive |
| 0-62mph: | 7.8 seconds |
| Top speed: | 130mph |
