1971 Ford Capri Mk1 3000GT

We are lucky enough to be offering for sale a rare Mk 1 Capri 3000GT. It is a South African car, built in Johannesburg in 1971, a year after production began there.

Under the bonnet sits that well known Essex 3.0-litre engine, boasting a heady 138 hp. Top speed was said to be 113mph and the car capable of accomplishing the 0-60mph benchmark sprint in 9.6 seconds. These were impressive figures in the day, especially in a car that was relatively affordable.

The dry South African climate has clearly helped keep the Capri in remarkably good condition for a fifty-year-old car.

The car is newly arrived in the UK and whilst we have a letter from HM Revenue and Customs confirming that VAT and import duties have been paid, it will be for the new owner to register the car with the DVLA for use on UK roads.

We do have the South African Certificate of Registration which should help with this.

Our Capri is finished a fetching shade of blue. Paired with a black vinyl roof, could it be any more ‘70s? Period spotlights and rear sunblind complete the look.

We would love to be able to tell you that the paintwork was all original, but we can’t! What we can say is that that it scrubs up very well and has a lovely shine.

We note some scratches over the nearside rear wheel arch and the area under the front bumper looks as though it could do with a little tlc.

There are also a few visible scratches on the bonnet.

The vinyl roof is in reasonable order, but perhaps a good clean may be in order.

We also note a little surface corrosion beginning to creep in below the chrome strip on the driver’s side front wing. There are also some areas of scratching on this wing.

The brightwork, and there’s plenty of it, has polished up nicely and positively gleams. There is however a little rust on the rear bumper – time for the wire wool and chrome cleaner perhaps…

The screen rubber on the rear window shows signs of deterioration in places.

We don’t much care for the fitted aerial, so we would suggest replacing this with something more in keeping.

Period correct wheels look to be in fine fettle and are fitted with Lanvigator Catchgre tyres all round. A little research tells us that they are a Chinese brand.

A sea of brown! How very trendy, as finally this shade has now made a long overdue comeback on modern cars. It contrasts nicely with the Capri’s blue paintwork and is far more interesting that the usual dark and dreary black.

The seats are in remarkably good condition. There is a little wear to the driver’s seat bolster, not unexpected given the car’s age. The front seats recline, the rear perches boast a central pull-down armrest – such luxury!

Mats, carpets and door cards are in good order and have either been well looked after or replaced at some point in the car’s life.

The headlining tones in nicely and seems to be in fine fettle.

The rear parcel shelf is rather spoiled by overly large speakers. Something more subtle to replace them would improve the look no end.

The boot is presentable and a full-size spare sits under the floor. It would benefit from a little care in places, as there are early signs of a little surface rust.

We always include a selection of photographs of the car’s underside, so take a look we say. Wipe away the dirt and we think the car will defy its 50 years.

Yes, there are signs of surface corrosion to some of the components, not unexpected.

We would be a little more concerned with the surface rust in the sill area and no doubt the new owner will want to deal with this before winter sets in.

We would also recommend treating the area properly with a good quality underseal.

The observant amongst you will have noticed that the Capri now boasts a five-speed gearbox. This will undoubtedly improve fuel economy and the car’s cruising ability.

Those who are sticklers for originality will be pleased to note that the original gearbox is included in the sale and is shown in the picture section.

The engine compartment looks clean and wholesome. We suspect it has been repainted. We can detect the smallest areas of surface corrosion in one or two spots, easy to rectify.

We can see signs of some new components and there is a general ordered look which to us indicates that the car has been cared for during its life.

Sadly, the car is bereft of paperwork showing work carried out over the years. This is not uncommon with older cars and especially ones which have been imported.

The overall condition would lead us to the conclusion that the car has been well maintained, but as is always the case, we do very much welcome any inspection of the car. That way you can be satisfied as to the car’s condition.

Early Capris in good condition are as rare as hens’ teeth! And let us not forget that this is a range-topping 3000 GT.

Clearly benefitting from a lifetime in a warm, dry climate, this lovely Capri is now ready for exciting new adventures.

The price for all this Ford loveliness? Well, we think the car will sell for between £19,000 and £29,000 pounds. Get bidding right away.

Viewing is always encouraged. The car is located at our Abingdon headquarters; we are open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm and to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing to make an appointment. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’