1987 Ford Capri 2.8 Brooklands

On offer here is, indeed, one of those 1,038 limited edition 280 models. The 280 was based on the Capri 2.8i Special but with a range of extra and desirable goodies thrown in. All the 280s came in the same specification, most obviously sharing their Brooklands Green Metallic livery. Subsequently this has led to the 280s being colloquially referred to as the “Brooklands” which was never an official Ford designation.

This stunning looking 280 represents the apex-predator version of the series III Ford Capri and was first registered in August 1987 making it one of the latest Capris you are likely to find. Seemingly subject to a restoration or, at least, a heavy duty recommissioning at some point, this example is notable for its fine condition and faithful originality. On the day of our shoot the 280 was displaying 68,148 miles on its analogue odometer with MoT records suggesting that less than 20,000 miles have been covered in the last 19 years. 

With a below average 7 previous keepers to date this rare, run-out model Capri is complete with a full service history and a very sound provenance indeed.
 

Whilst the series III Capri was a relatively mild update of the series II there were enough subtle tweaks made to thoroughly modernise the look and carry the erstwhile coupe through to the end of production. The key changes were the addition of the quad headlamps bracketing the horizontal “Aeroflow”grill with the bonnet’s leading edge extending down across the top of the headlamps. The rear lamp clusters were now the distinctive “saw tooth” versions and the steel bumpers were finished in black with extruded plastic, sacrificial end pieces. 

All these are evident on the 280 with that grill finished in the enthralling Brooklands Green Metallic body colour. This is a great and eye-catching shade making it little surprise that the car earned the Brooklands nickname in honour of its special livery. The 280 is further differentiated by a unique decal set which includes a double, red and white coachline and side and rear mounted “280” stickers. A black rubber, boot lid spoiler is fitted and a pair of chromed exhaust tailpipes mark this out as a performance orientated Capri. The 280’s tilt and slide sunroof is also noted.

This example features the 280’s correct 15-inch, seven spoke alloy wheels as also used on the Ford Escort RS Turbo. In this case the wheels feature embossed RS centre caps from the Escort as the standard 280 items were simply Ford branded. 

The overall condition of the 280 looks impressively good for a 38 year old car. There is a very modest amount of kerb rash to the very edges of the front wheel rims but is only visible at close quarters. That special paintwork looks deeply lustrous, and a high metallic flake content is noted. The panel gaps remain tight and symmetrical, and all glass and light lenses look clear and clean.
 

The Capri 280 retained the comfortable and supportive Recaro front seats of the 2.8i Special. In this limited edition model, however, they were finished in full, Raven hued leather rather than the part leather of the earlier car. The seat centres were subtly perforated, and the extremities of these centre panels were delineated with red piping.

This configuration is exactly what this car’s interior showcases. The deep bolsters provide excellent lateral support, and the front seats feature solid padded headrests. The condition of these really looks first class with not so much as a mark on even the usually vulnerable driver’s outer bolster. The individual rear seats remind you that the Capri really is an occasional four seater with rear accommodation that would shame most competitor sports cars of the period. The carpets are in fine fettle, retain plenty of deep pile and are finished in a complementary grey shade. The headlining is tightly fitted and courtesy of a dark, perforated substrate. The finish around the factory sunroof, another common problem area, appears exemplary.

The dashboard is finished in black, vinyl covered, deformable foam. In true 1980’s style the top roll exhibits some UV induced cracking and a Capri Club; 280 emblazoned dash cover is included. The instrumentation is standard MKIII Capri fare and the charming, original three spoke sports steering wheel is fitted. The overall condition is very good with just a few screw holes and some cracked trim pieces noted. These are photographed for your review.

Another popular attribute of the Capri was its generously sized boot with access made easy via the big hatchback. In this case the, so often butchered, carpeted parcel shelf is present and correct, and the boot is trimmed with precisely fitting grey carpet. This model’s independently folding rear seats further enhances its surprising practicality. Beneath the boot floor is a fifth, seven spoke alloy wheel and accompanying tyre.  
 

The 280 carried forward the 2.8i Special’s Cologne V6 engine complete with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection. In original form this was good for 160bhp and 162Ib-ft of torque. In the 280 this is mated to the slick shifting five speed manual gearbox. Power is routed to the rear wheels, and a mechanical limited slip differential was fitted. This configuration offered a 130mph top speed and an 8-second 0-60 mph time. This example is reported to “sound and go very well indeed,” and was driven a not inconsiderable distance to our Oxfordshire HQ by the vendor.

That Cologne V6 is not a bad looker, either. It is topped with a Ford embossed, finned, alloy intake plenum with other key components arranged neatly around it. Everything under here looks clean and freshly finished and offering a high level of desirable originality. The under bonnet insulation pad is present and correct, as are the expected data plates and instruction stickers. 

The underside of the Capri looks particularly impressive and, clearly, recently attended to. A good level of underseal has been applied before being finished in body coloured paint. Many new looking components are present here including exhaust system and fuel tank.
 

The paperwork includes the current V5 Registration Document in the name of the owner. This is accompanied by the current MoT in hard copy which is valid until March 2026 and is advisory free. A number of earlier MoT hard copies are also included. 

A key highlight of the archive is the original Ford service booklet. This features 13 service stamps covering maintenance from 1988 until 2025. The last service is noted to be from May this year at 68,019 miles – just 129 miles ago. The bulk of the remainder of the paperwork consists of invoices for work undertaken and parts procured. 
 

The Capri became a watershed model for Ford in Europe, managing to faithfully recreate the winning formula of the Mustang for more restrained automotive tastes. The combination of affordability, easy maintenance and impressive practicality in a sleek Pony car-esque package had them flying out of the showrooms. A number of special edition models would follow, with the ultimate 280 iteration being the pick of the crop.

It is hard to ascertain exactly how many of the original 1,038 Capri 280s remain in circulation today – DVLA figures suggest less than 200. In any event this is a very rare Capri indeed, a model not usually noted for its modest production numbers. Ford threw everything at the 280 to give their Capri a worthy send off. This example exhibits them all with a high degree of originality and in impressive condition. Given the combination of run-out specification and a tiny number remaining, the 280 is always going to be the Capri purist’s favourite. Frankly, it’s hard to imagine a better one that this so bid today to avoid missing this rare opportunity.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £26,000 - £31,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.