1981 Ford Capri 2.8 Injection

This Capri 2.8 Injection comes from that first year of production. It was originally Silver but its black shade was one of the most desirable in period and even though the finish on this one has suffered a little, it’s still clearly an object of masculine desire. There’s 94,196 miles displayed on the odometer but we’ve little history to prove, one way or the other, if that’s the true figure.

This example is considered by both the vendor and us to be a project but having said that, it’s all here plus it’s running and driving and even has nearly a year’s MoT. There’s a lot to put right if you’re after a show car yet it’s perfectly useable in its current condition. The ideal fixer upper then and one that’s bound to hold its value about as well as it holds the road.

Generally speaking, this car presents well from about 20 foot, any closer and the image begins to unravel slightly. Despite this not being the original factory colour of silver, we believe this car really pulls of the black. The quality of this paint finish however is now looking a little sporadic in areas. The result is orange peel to the front wings and tailgate. There’s further evidence that the front wings have been replaced as the bonnet overhangs them. The finish and condition of the bonnet is also far superior to the wings, though it has to be pointed out that the latter aren’t rusty.

The rest of the front end appears largely original as there are several marks, especially to the bumper, from stone chips. Its side extensions are also hanging wonky. There are several small niggles like this evident around the car, hence its project nature. We noticed the missing plastic bolt covers on the rear bumper and spoiler. Hardly a disaster by any stretch however, just like the missing Ford stickers from the centre of the alloy wheels they’ll need sourcing. While we’re on the wheels, their condition appears to be good with just some light paint peel to the offside rear the worst offence & evidence on the rear right wheel that someone has tried to take it off without the locking wheel nut. The car does also come with a set of period "pepperpot" wheels, though these will require some TLC.. That trademark MkIII rear spoiler has some mild cracking but remains presentable and appears secure.

The cabin is largely all there but as with the exterior, there’s plenty to put right. There’s an aftermarket (and not too subtle) CD player but that’s an easy cure. Less simple to fix are the speaker cut outs in both door cards or the holes cut into the passenger side of the dashtop. Paint has worn off the heater slider control and the carpets are stained throughout. The seats aren’t the original items either, though the vendor has supplied an original checked interior with the car (see gallery for photos)., along with the original alloy wheels. The seats might be the wrong shade but they’re in fair condition with only some cracks (rather than rips) to their lower bolsters.

Dials are all present and correct and other than the aforementioned holes, the dash appears to be in largely good shape too. The lovely three-spoke steering wheel has leather stitched around its rim that’s still looking smart. There’s an electric cut-off toggle for the fuel pump under the dash added to get the car running again in 2017 (more on that later). A new rubber seal strip can be found in the cabin but we’re not sure what it’s meant to replace. In general, the cabin of this Capri represents a great basis for further improvement without sacrificing usability. It’s all here so you can enjoy a rolling resto as time/funds and parts supply allows.

Please note this Capri is also accompanied with the original check seats and pepperpot wheels which can be seen in the gallery. 

It’s clear where the money has been spent recently on this Capri once you get down on the ground. Scoot underneath and you’ll see that much of the underside has also been coated in black paint and under seal, but rather than in an attempt to hide anything heinous, it’s to ensure this old Ford stays solid. And that’s the best news with this Capri, it appears very solid indeed, which is the most important consideration when buying one of with these iconic machines. As any fast Ford fan will attest, the Capri dissolves with aplomb. That’s why so few remain ¬– Capris that it, not fast-Ford fans, there’s loads of those.

Lifting the bulging bonnet, a recently replaced alloy radiator and electric fan draws your attention. The former is showing a slight weep of coolant – there are two jubilee clips on the top hose outlet but it doesn’t seem to have helped. Otherwise, the engine bay mirrors the rest of the mechanical components in appearing tidy and well-maintained. Even the perpetually flaky bonnet sound proofing is still hanging on – though it’s peeling back a bit at its lower corners. The vendor reports that this Capri ‘sounds amazing’ and the near straight-through exhausts probably have a lot to do with that. The back boxes look new and they’re all that’s silencing each bank of that V6.

We note that the engine runs however, it cuts out after a minute or two. A new battery has just been fitted, but not fixed the problem. This will have to be addressed by the new owner after it's collected.

Sadly, we’ve not got any early history for this project Capri, in fact there’s nothing really pre-2017. That year saw £1127.56 spent on re-commissioning the fuel supply to get the car running. The old feed and return have been blanked and that electric pump (primed by the dash switch) was fitted and plumbed in. Once the engine was running the brakes and engine were serviced in November 2017 by Dobles of Hemycock.

More up-to-date is an invoice from 2019 for piston rings from Mill Autoquip for £130.03, an invoice for a clutch kit from a local garage in April 2020 came to £79.70 and that’s about it. There’s a few more sporadic bits and pieces such as the odd owners and Haynes manual, plus a tax disc from ’92 and a smattering of small invoices for various parts, though not much more. The current MoT only expires in September 2022 however, giving you loads of time to drive and enjoy this Capri, while you sort out what’s what. Oh, but first on the list needs to be a new battery, as the vendor reports that the current one has gone flat.

The Ford Capri might have been a joke to many but look who’s laughing now. These machines have rightly found their feet in the market and are rapidly appreciating in value, alongside all 1980s fast Fords.

The 2.8 Injection might trail its more exclusive 280 Brooklands cousin by some margin, but the two machines are 90 percent the same. To drive, you’d hardly be able to tell the difference, which surely makes these 2.8s a bargain? That’s why we’ve set the guide on this Capri at £8,000 - £12,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays between 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment 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, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.