1971 Ford Capri 2000 GT XLR

Description

A really super example of this rare V4 Capri in original Tawny gold; few owners, the first for 31 years and the rest Ford collectors; large history file from new; grab it while you can!

This Capri MkI 2000 GT dates from March 1971 and has the rare Essex 2-litre V4 unit which produced 110bhp and 122lb/ft of torque and a very distinctive noise. An exceptionally correct and well-maintained example, it was kept by the first owner for 31 years and has been owned by discerning collectors ever since.

It comes with a large history file from new, including the original purchase invoice which shows that it was supplied new via Lumo Cars of Dunstable and cost £1,356 including Tawny (dark gold metallic) paintwork and the top spec XLR options pack - Rostyle wheels; bright metal dummy air scoops; leather steering wheel; front fog lights; reclining bucket seats; map reading light etc. There is also a letter from the first owner, dated 2005, stating that: “My daughter, who is now 26 years old, was born in the front passenger seat on the way to hospital which is one reason why I kept the car so long” [good job the seats are vinyl, not cloth! – Ed).

Although the V5C states two previous owners, copies of old V5s plus correspondence and invoices on file show that it has actually had four or five, including one in Donegal (a well-known collector who took it to various shows) and another in Jersey. Our vendor acquired the Capri via Brightwells in 2015 when it was being sold as part of a Dorset-based collection.

There are at least 18 old MOTs (plus a few Irish ones) which show that the car has only covered some 7,000 miles in the last 30 years, having spent so much time in private collections. It now shows just over 87,800 miles on the clock which seems likely to be correct.

A good file of invoices show meticulous upkeep over the years, the intention clearly being to keep the car as original as possible, although it did have a new headlining in 2007 and it appears to have had a full repaint at some point, possibly in 2013. More recently it had new front springs in 2014 when the vintage Philips 461 radio was also discreetly upgraded to iPod/MP3 connectivity and a new ProFab stainless steel exhaust system was fitted in 2020.

It comes with a really nice selection of literature including an original 2000 GT owner’s handbook, period sales brochures and road tests, magazine features, historic show passes and photos, many old tax discs etc.

As you can see in the photos, it looks absolutely wonderful and has been starting promptly and running beautifully as we have moved it around on site, with a distinctive burbling V4 exhaust note.

The Capri 2000 GT was the top-of-the-range UK model before the 3000 GT came out in September 1969 and the survival rate is remarkably low: according to howmanyleft.co.uk there are only about 50 still UK registered today and this must surely be among the best of them. It would sit well in any Fast Ford collection.

For a recent road test of this actual car in Classics World, copy and paste this link into your browser:

https://classicsworld.co.uk/cars/ford-capri-2000-gt-road-test/

For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email james.dennison@brightwells.com