1987 Ford Capri 2.8 Injection 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 in 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 planned.

In 1984, the 2.8 injection model was the subject of a substantial upgrade and was 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.

The 1987 model offered here is a truly stunning example displaying only 3,617 miles from new, with just one former keeper. It has formed part of a private collection for most of its days and is accompanied by an extensive history file, including a Letter of Provenance from its former keeper who acquired the car in 2003.

Astonishing inside and out, this gleaming Capri is as close as one might find to a new car in a Ford dealership showroom in the 1980s. Incredibly it still retains that intoxicating 'new car smell' of leather and polish and paint, pure nostalgia. As lovely underneath as it is above, we understand that the car has ‘never been out in the rain’ and has been dry stored for its whole life. Nothing about the car suggests otherwise.

With low mileage examples of the Capri continuing to set new standards, we look forward to seeing just how well this unrepeatable car performs at auction.