1987 Ford Capri 280 Brooklands

Since publication of the catalogue, a previous owner has confirmed a new bodyshell was incorporated into the cars restoration in 1992. The original shell was scrapped, save for the chassis number which accompanies the vehicle.

The Capri 280 was the final, limited edition run of the legendary Ford Coupé which had first appeared back in 1969. Ford originally intended to build only 500 turbo-charged vehicles (by Turbo Technics) complete with gold alloy wheels, but a change of production planning meant a name change to Capri 280. These cars featured a limited slip differential, a full leather Recaro interior and 15-inch, seven-spoke alloy wheels to complement the 2.8 injected V6 engine. Just 1,038 were ever made and all were finished in Brooklands Green, resulting in them, inevitably becoming known as 'Brooklands Capris'. As a fully loaded run-out special, the 280 came with six, deep-set dials which dominate the dash over the standard Capris which had to make do with two – alongside an AM radio/cassette and a lockable glovebox.

This 280 ‘Brooklands’ was supplied new in the UK and first registered on 1st November 1987, meaning it was a very late built car to come off the production line. Within its first six years the car was sold three times, with the fourth owner purchasing and cherishing the car for over 20 years from 1993 until our vendor added it to his exceptional collection. The V5 shows just three former keepers and the history file is good, containing various items of paperwork including old MOT Certificates and invoices for work over the years.  However, there are a few expected patches from its time in heated storage in recent years.

Showing just 52,000 miles from new, this Brooklands is nicely original, presenting well in standard specification and will be delivered to us having benefited from a fresh service to bring it up to full strength. The Brooklands Green paintwork is in good condition and internally the full leather Recaro interior is in equally good condition throughout. The Capri has been kept very standard and is, thankfully, just as it was when it left the factory.

Costing an optimistic £11,999 when new, one can see why only 1,038 examples ever made it off the production line but their appeal has rightfully grown over time. With only 547 examples currently believed to be residing in the UK whether SORN (361) or currently licenced (186), this low mileage, low ownership car is a lovely wholesome example of an increasingly popular car.

With a lot going for it, this Capri is nicely suited to being added to a fine collection to be cherished as a swansong to the Capri or to be used and enjoyed out on the roads once again; ideally a combination of the two. This low-mileage example could yet prove a canny investment at the sensible guide price suggested.