Full Description
SORRY NOW SOLD – SIMILAR WANTED
A fabulous limited edition Ford Capri 280 Brooklands build 737 with 28,739 miles.
EQUIPMENT
Body-coloured grille, lamp bezels and door mirrors, bodyside mouldings, power assisted steering, front and rear spoilers, tailgate wash/wipe, tinted glass all round, tilting/sliding steel sunroof, ammeter and oil pressure gauge, tachometer, quartz analogue clock, Ford ESRT 32PS electronic radio cassette, electric aerial, courtesy lights, perforated black headlining, three-spoke leather covered steering wheel, leather gear knob, 50/50 split folding rear seats, boot light, instrument brightness control. Dealer accessories; Driving lamps, door and tailgate security locks, electric windows, central locking, door lights.
EXTERIOR
An instant classic the moment it rolled off the production line this limited edition Capri 280 is finished in the only exclusive colour available, Brooklands Green Metallic, (Code T7), and has a superb finish. All exterior trim items and decals are in excellent order other than a few touched in marks to the bonnet. Once owned by the Branch Secretary of the Capri Club International, the car was a concourse show winner in the 1990’s and still presents beautifully today thanks to the low mileage and warm storage conditions. All the original glass is number plate etched with Identicar. Period accessories in the form of driving lamps and Yale locks, (no longer operational), were added in the late 1980’s and in 1993 a thin coat of Waxoyl was applied to the underside at a cost of £23.50! Incredibly this is still visible today helping to preserve the car and all the factory splendour.
INTERIOR
The interior is distinguished by Recaro sports seats fully trimmed with luxurious, high quality Raven leather with Burgundy piping. Full structural integrity is clearly visible with only minor wear to the drivers bolster. The deep pile grey carpeting is plump and unworn having been protected by tailored carpet mats and the black perforated headlining is tight and clean with a hole hidden behind the passenger sunvisor. The leather covered steering wheel and gear knob are in prime condition commensurate with the low miles covered. Amazingly there are absolutely no cracks to the dash and the dials, switches and controls are brilliantly clear. All controls and gauges function including the two-speed heater fan, analogue quartz clock and electronic radio cassette player with electric aerial. The rear parcel-shelf is incredible and the boot area remains spotless. Electric windows and central locking are discreet accessories to an interior otherwise exactly true to the manufactures intentions and an 80’s icon.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The Capri 2.8i was entrusted to Fords Special Vehicle Engineering group, (SVE), who added a Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection system, an oil/water heat exchanger, viscous coupled fan and an improved radiator making this models 158 BHP capable of 130mph and 0-60mph in 7.9 seconds. The engine is smooth and quiet whilst producing an unmistakable burble through a replacement stainless exhaust. Correct factory under bonnet identification plates are intact with the ‘Brooklands’ inscription clearly visible. Exhibitionists will be proud to lift the bonnet for spectators to marvel at. The 5 speed gearbox is light and progression through the range is precise.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
This 280 Capri is fitted with the factory correct and unique 7-spoke 7X15 inch alloy wheels and have never been refurbished showing minor markings. Pirelli P6000 195/50 ZR50 tyres are fitted and the spare is still the original Pirelli Cinturato P7 tyre. The hydraulic dual-line servo-assisted brakes with ventilated front discs unique on the 2.8i stop the car quickly and in a straight line and reconditioned calipers were fitted in June 2019.
HISTORY FILE
Coveted by collectors the limited edition Capri 280 is the most difficult ‘car you promised yourself’ as only 1038 were produced to celebrate the last of a famous line. GG11595 is build number 737 and has only had four former keepers from new, all of which were passionate enthusiasts. Registered on the 26th March 1987 the car was sold to Laurie Mullett in May 1988. He was the Branch Secretary of the Capri Club International and doted on the car before selling to fellow enthusiast Robert Francis. Mr Francis writes a fascinating feature in the Capri Club International magazine in March 1993 describing the agonising search and eventual purchase from fellow club member, Laurie. The car was then the sold in the mid-nineties to Mr Keith and Sue Smith from Gomeldon Salisbury in Wiltshire who were Ford Capri fanatics owning up to four Capris at one time in the nineties, this car being their pride and joy and only using it for car shows each year up to 2016. Mr Keith Smith maintained this car himself to the highest standards servicing the car every year of ownership regardless of the miles covered, some years covering under 200 miles with annual MOT certificates to prove. A letter in the history file from Keith and Sue Smith to the last and current owner, Mr Don Birkinshaw in 2017, explains they were ‘absolutely gutted in having to sell due to ill health’ and that they ‘met lots of lovely people with it’. The car was affectionately known as Brookv. Mr Birkinshaw purchased the car from South Western Vehicle Auctions Limited for £35,084 in July 2017 and has religiously maintained the car since. A large history file with all documentation awaits the new owner with spare keys and original sales brochure.
HPI Clear.
