1985 Ford Capri 2.8i Special

Towards the end of its life, the Ford Capri enjoyed an upswing in interest as more buyers realised that perhaps a front-wheel hot hatch simply wasn't for them, and a V6-engined, rear-wheel drive sporting hatchback might very well do the job. Ford's Special Vehicle Engineering group was entrusted with developing the Capri 2.8 Injection that made its debut at the 1981 Geneva Motor Show. Based at the Research and Engineering centre in Essex, SVE decided to adopt the 2.8-litre V6 with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection - the first regular model since the RS2600 to use fuel injection - plus lowered suspension, thicker anti-roll bars, gas-filled shock absorbers, and wide-rim alloy wheels fitted with Goodyear's 205/60VR NCT tyres. The specification also included a 5-speed gearbox, a limited-slip differential (1984 onwards) and ventilated disc brakes for the front wheels. All this translates into a car that goes with 'wonderful eagerness', the Autocar test team enthused after rocketing from 0-60mph to just 7.9 seconds. The Capri 2.8 Injection breathed new life into the range and kept the car in production two to three years longer than Ford had expected.

In 1984, the 2.8 injection model was the subject of a substantial upgrade and became known as the Capri Injection Special. This development used Recaro half-leather seats and included a limited-slip differential. Externally the car could easily be distinguished by the 7-spoke RS wheels and its colour-coded grille and headlamp surround. Packed with performance and character, it paved the way for the superb Capri 280.

Offered here is a very special example. It's a UK-supplied, right-hand drive 2.8 Special showing just 17,210 on the odometer at the time of cataloguing. Supplied new by J Blake & Co of Liverpool and finished in Mineral Blue over Strato Silver matched to Grey interior, this Capri was in the same family ownership from 1991 until 2021 and has since been part of our vendor's significant private Collection. The V5 shows just three former keepers.

Offered with its original owner’s wallet and service book, previous MOTs, invoices and old tax discs, this a very good example that needs to be seen in the metal to be fully appreciated. We therefore welcome and encourage your inspection at the NEC.