Description
This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2024 - Cars on Saturday the 9th of November, NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT. Towards the end of its life, the Ford Capri enjoyed an upswing in interest as more buyers realised that perhaps a front-wheel hot hatch simply wasn't for them and a V6-engined, rear-wheel drive sporting hatchback might very well do the job. Ford's Special Vehicle Engineering group was entrusted with developing the Capri 2. 8 Injection that made its debut at the 1981 Geneva Motor Show. Based at the Research and Engineering centre in Essex, SVE decided to adopt the 2. 8-litre V6 with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel-injection - the first regular model since the RS2600 to use fuel-injection - plus lowered suspension, thicker anti-roll bars, gas-filled shock absorbers and wide-rim alloy wheels fitted with Goodyear's 205/ 60VR NCT tyres. The 4-speed gearbox and check fabric interior were replaced fairly early in production by a 5-speed box and velour upholstery meaning that early 4-speed cars are now the most rare.
Beautifully presented in Graphite Grey over Strato Silver with matching Grey 'Carla' fabric interior, this early 4-speed Ford Capri 2. 8i has benefitted from a comprehensive rebuild in recent years completed by a marque specialist to a superb level. Originally supplied and registered in November 1981 by Dee’s of Croydon, it was clearly used as intended with remedial work being carried out as and when required however it became evident in later years that a more in-depth schedule of works was required, prompting its recent major rebuild. Nothing remained untouched from the exterior, superbly refinished by Classic Dreamworks, to the interior, from the engine bay to the underpinnings and beyond with the attention to detail needing to be seen to be fully appreciated.
This trophy-winning Capri is accompanied by a comprehensive history file that includes a photographic record of the rebuild, numerous bills and invoices, previous MOT Certificates and associated ephemera. With minimal mileage covered since completion, we strongly advise your early inspection to fully appreciate the level of workmanship that has gone into this outstanding Capri, bringing it to a level that is rarely achieved.
The 2. 8i was one of the most sought after production Capris of the 1980s and this superb early example is now ready for the show circuit or to be used out on the open road as originally intended.
Further images to follow
