1976 Ford Capri 2 Litre Gl MK2

This resplendent MkII Capri is one of the aforementioned Pinto-powered models, with the 98bhp from its 2.0-litre marshalled to the rear wheels via a manual four-speed transmission. With just three owners – the first apparently holding onto the car until 2018 – this seemingly highly original Capri was apparently still wearing its original tyres at the time of that previous sale. Thankfully, for those who like to enjoy driving their classics, these have since been swapped for a very fresh matching set of Falkens (including the spare).

The Capri seems to have made its way to Northern Ireland where, judging by the paperwork, it arrived in the Ballymena in the late 1980s. Back on the ‘mainland’, it’s now offered by a card-carrying Ford enthusiast, the vendor admitting that he’s also the custodian of a Lotus Cortina MkII, Cortina 1600E and a very early XR3i, which is why he’s now deemed that he needs one less car... Having made sure the car continues to receive annual MoT tests, despite being exempt, this Capri has been enjoyed sparingly but nevertheless comes with its 12-month inspection running until August this year.

Platinum Silver over Black fabric interior is about as timeless as a colourway gets from the 1970s. The era of garish shades and quickly fading fashion hasn’t affected this somewhat restrained machine. The black vinyl top certainly suggests the Seventies but there’s little more besides that, to its credit. The era of vast amounts of chrome was still just about with us by 1976, so we’re pleased to report that the reflective parts of this Capri’s exterior still seem to be holding up extremely well, front bumper and grille in particular.

The good news continues with a great-looking bonnet; its often pebble dashed leading edge and the front valance both showing next to no marks. The history reveals that the front end was resprayed in 2019, the paint still looking fresh. The match to the doors is good too, only noticeable under very close scrutiny. Glass and trim throughout appear remarkably clean and original, with the same said of that aforementioned plastic covering the roof. 

We had to take in this Capri for quite a while to notice any defects worth mentioning, eventually discovering a few minor quibbles. There’s a small dent near the leading edge of the offside front wing and some very minor scratches to the rubber insert on the rear bumper. Swage lines and panel fit looks superb and consistent with the steel wheels and their chrome lips also looking very sharp indeed. 

The old Ford Achilles Heel of rotten sills and arches also doesn’t appear to have taken hold here, far from it. The vendor states that he’s deliberately tried to retain the originality of this example, carrying on the sterling work of its previous keepers.

Continuing along the originality vein, the rear vinyl load cover – later models gained a proper parcel shelf – is not only present but looks to be in remarkable shape. It even comes with its stowage back, also made in – you guessed it – vinyl. The Quartz clock in the centre console – that era’s version of a huge smart watch – was the sign to other Ford owners that you were a big spender! Still keeping time, despite the times having changed, it’s attractive and correct for this GL’s specification.

Interior condition throughout appears to be excellent, with very minimal signs of wear or stains to the seat fabric. The old cliche that the rear seats don’t appear to have been sat in has hardly seemed more appropriate than it does here. Capri mats look aftermarket but seem to be of nice quality (invoice for these in the history from The Capri Club International).

Just as with the exterior, we’re struggling to find fault with this cabin. There are perhaps some very small patches of surface corrosion to the inside of the window frame (nearside) and the headlining seems to be very slightly losing some adhesion in the C-pillar area, but really these are merely nit-picking. Carpets, trim and veneer all look to be in very good order.

Having taken what was apparently already a good solid car, the vendor has tinkered to fix the last few things that apparently were needed to get this Capri to fine mechanical health. He admits that: “I had the cambelt done, as the head gasket was leaking, and so were the brakes.” The invoices in the history for a new gasket, master cylinder and associated parts seem to confirm this (see history section). The vendor also admits however, that he hasn’t got around to sorting out one niggle. “There’s a slight oil weep from the crankshaft oil seal.”

Our relatively rudimentary inspection under the bonnet showed the usual Capri weak points of the inner wings and strut tops look in great shape. There’s plenty of what appears to be original panel seam sealer too. We also liked the German script on the airbox, reminding owners to turn the air intake around from ‘Sommer’ to ‘Winter’ and the nice painted finish to the fan and radiator shrouds. Some new fixtures, clamps and fittings were visible under the bonnet, which itself appears just as shiny as those relatively freshly painted scuttle and front wings.

The underside shows plenty of wax oil-type protection, which seems to still be doing a great job as we couldn’t see any obvious corrosion – beyond the mild surface type. According to the vendor, the car’s: “never been welded underneath and it doesn’t need it. It’s a good honest car.”

As a Ford enthusiast, the vendor is very familiar with the inner workings of this Capri, having refreshed what was needed himself. The invoices for recent parts are as follows; Weber service kit bought in July 2021 from Fast Road Cars limited (£25.87). Brake master cylinder repair kit bought from The Capri Club shop in June 2021 (£44) – presumably the original unit was beyond repair as a replacement cylinder and reservoir were bought from the same outlet a few days later (£132.50).

The head gasket replacement seems to have taken place in June 2021 with an invoice for the gasket, timing and fan belts – plus coolant hoses – all purchased from the Club (£186.70). Ignition components appear to have been updated at the same time, with an invoice for a new condenser, distributor cap, rotor arm and points (plus leads) from the Club (£46.70). The replacement Falken tyres can be traced to June 2021 with a bill from HiQ Nottingham for £250. A Pinto performance manifold was also apparently added in May 2021 with an invoice from the Club to show for it (£167.99).

The largest recent invoice comes from The Village Garage, East Grinstead in 2019. This £6559.60 bill for recommissioning involved taking the engine out to paint it and the ’bay, bonnet, scuttle and front wings (photos of work on file).

Loads of older invoices from Lyndsay Cars Limited in Ballymena are present, but perhaps not as immediately relevant. The car’s history file also includes an original owner’s manual and what looks to be the original invoice from Tricentrol Cars, Dunstable for £2196 – including a £635 deduction for a part-exchanged 1300XL Capri. There are also two service stamps in the pack from ’77 and ’83 (at 1501 and 7041 miles respectively).

This apparently highly original Ford Capri is not only a rarity in itself – as so many have sadly disintegrated – but also a fabulously representative example. The values of these initially cheap cars nosedived in the 1980s and 1990s, meaning many a Capri had all manner of horrors bolted to them. This one has seemingly survived the ravages of time and the Max Power crowd and, according to the vendor is ready and willing to take on whatever its next owner envisions. “Whoever buys it can jump in and drive it across England no problem.”

We are happy to offer this vehicle for auction with an estimate in the range of £13,000 - £17,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.