Description

1973 Ford Capri Mk I

Owned for the last ten years; garaged; a few modern alterations but most original parts present; not run for some time so in need of recommisioning but it was driven into the garage back in 2014; later c.1988 2.0-pinto engine fitted 

The car you always promised yourself. Well, that is what the marketing men at Ford told you back in the 1970s and nothing has changed. Whether you remember driving them around yourself, being a passenger in short trousers or have never owned one, a Capri should be on your wishlist.

This one was first registered in April 1973 and, like many, has had one or two alterations over the years. According to a copy of the original bill of sale on file, SGU 599L was initially sold by Ford dealers, Frank G Gates Ltd of Woodford. Received by, we are sure, a very proud first owner in Brentwood, making it a true ‘Essex Car.’

After a house move to Dorset, the second owner, a lady from Sudbury brought it back to East Anglia in 1980 where it seemed to reside and change hands a few more times. By the 1990s and back in Brentwood, another lady owner, according to the bills on file, looked after the Capri until at least 2002, regularly maintaining it and based on the numerous MOTs on file, driving it often too.

By 2009, the car had still not left the area and was being driven and MOTd regularly by a new keeper near Cambridge. It is likely though that by this time, the engine had been changed, to what we believe to be a circa.1988 2.0 Sierra engine. There is no bill or evidence of when this was done but what we know is that the engine is no longer original to the car so of course the number does not match the V5C.

Our London-based vendor acquired the car from the Cambridgeshire owner in 2011. It appears that a few jobs needed doing and he set to work replacing the radiator, filters, plugs, headlamp surrounds amongst other things. Wanting to make the car a little more user friendly in the modern era, more comfortable seats were fitted, a new steering wheel and the obligatory phone holder! Before you comment though, as you can see in the photographs, many of the original parts are included, as well as quite a number of other parts/replacements that have been bought but not yet fitted. Due to time restraints and work commitments, the Capri now needs to be offered up for sale.

We have not seen it drive, so it is sure to need some recommissioning under the hood, but we are assured it did drive into the garage back in 2014. The file of paperwork with the car gives a good summary of the history, although does miss out some of its eight previous keepers.

A great opportunity to own an early Capri and one that has obviously been enjoyed for many years. The 17 old MOTs on file suggest that it is likely to gone over the 100,000 mile mark but surely that is just testament to how much fun has been had!

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