1983 Ford Capri

Finished in black with a red pinstripe and the all-important ‘Capri 2.8 injection’ decals, this early eighties Ford coupé couldn’t be more of the period if Duran Duran themselves were in it and enjoying the new velour upholstery.

With just six previous owners, ‘A80 FHN’ has been in the care of its current owner for just over a year now and is said to run and drive well.

Black is a classic colour for a Capri and the hue suits the car’s sleek lines well, and the combination of a long bonnet and short rear overhang lends the car the classic rear-wheel drive look we all love.

As for the condition of the black paintwork and underlying metalwork, the rain on the panels makes it impossible to assess their condition. The seller does note “minor paint damage on the edges of the doors, and one small rust spot on one of the rear arches”. We also spotted what looks like rust at the base of the nearside A-pillar.

Given the above, a prudent buyer would make an appointment to inspect the car in person before bidding.

An aftermarket chin spoiler is joined by clear front indicator lenses, while the rear shows a boot spoiler and two big exhaust pipes.

The five-spoke Revolution alloy wheels are finished in black with polished rims. They’re also fitted with  Yokohama Advan tyres. 

The metal sunroof harks back to a gentler time when this sort of thing was more commonplace than the glass ones that dominated later years. Even better news comes with the seller’s assurance that it doesn’t leak.

The refurbished interior includes red leather gear lever and handbrake gaiters, a red and black steering wheel, retrimmed Recaro seats, red armrests on the doors and rear quarter panels, and grey Union flag floor mats. It all looks to be in a decent condition. 

The wooden trim on the dashboard in which the instruments sit has survived the years in better shape than most children born in 1983.

Speaking of age, the Capri harks back to a time when cars were somewhat more basic than we’ve become used, which means standard equipment is sparse. Mind you, with manual front windows being joined by push-out rear quarterlights, and an analogue clock, a significant advantage is that there’s less in there to go wrong.

However, a modern Kenwood headunit has been fitted, along with a CD multichanger in the boot and two speakers in the rear parcel shelf. 

As for work to do, the carpet trim is peeling away from the door cards, there is a crack on the dashboard near the hazard warning light switch, the tailgate struts are too weak to hold the hatchback open, the headlining has seen better days, the upper section of the steering wheel has faded in the sun, and the stereo needs fixing in place more securely.

We are told that the most recent service was carried out in March 2022 at around 98,000 miles. The work, which was undertaken by Ted’s Autos, included a new timing belt, fresh engine oil and a new oil filter, and replacing the brake fluid and differential oil.  

In addition, the seller informs us that he has replaced the propshaft bearing and rubber, along with the differential gasket.   

As you can see, it starts well, even from cold, and has a simply awesome exhaust note. The seller also tells us that it starts and drives as it should.

The engine bay benefits from having been fitted with a strut brace and an alloy coolant tank.

NB: The five-digit odometer reads 1,400 miles, which we believe is the result of it “rolling over” at least once. 

The Capri’s MoT certificate is valid until August 2023. There were a couple of advisories for a couple of “not excessive” oil leaks plus a comment about corrosion on the nearside front, although this was deemed to “not seriously {affect} overall security”.

We are told the Capri will be supplied with an agreed value insurance certificate from 2015-16 as well as a collection of invoices dating back to around 1995.

The recent Vehicle History Check also shows a stolen marker from 1990 but confirms the number of previous owners as being six.

With a guide price of between £11,000 and £15,000, this is your chance to take a wander down Memory Lane. The seller is full of enthusiasm for his car, saying it draws an awful lot of attention from folk who grew up in the eighties.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the vendor in Maidstone, Kent. 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’.