1984 FORD CAPRI

In the early 1980s, Ford was keen to keep the Capri competitive. Turbocharging the 2.8 Injection was the obvious answer, but Ford’s Special Vehicle Engineering division – led by the legendary engineer Rod Mansfield – was already occupied developing the Sierra RS Cosworth and Escort RS Turbo. With Ford Marketing’s agreement, attention turned to a turbo conversion offered by Northampton-based Turbo Technics, founded in 1981 by former Garrett AiResearch development engineer Geoff Kershaw.

Turbo Technics supplied a Capri Injection demonstrator to SVE for appraisal in the summer of 1983. Ford subsequently authorised its dealers to install the company’s 200bhp conversion without invalidating the car’s warranty. An estimated 400 Capris were converted by Ford dealers and Turbo Technics, creating one of the most desirable developments of Ford’s much-loved coupé. It transformed the Capri’s performance, putting it within striking distance of considerably more expensive machinery.

This 1984 Capri 2.8 Injection Special, finished in Nimbus Grey over Strato Silver, was supplied new by Ford main dealer Paynes Garages of Hinckley to Mr Stanley Burt of Bedfont, Middlesex. Crucially, its original sales invoice lists the turbo conversion as a dealer-supplied accessory. Yet its appeal extends far beyond its rarity and documented origins.

The Capri entered a private collection in north London, where it sat alongside other classic Fords, Porsches and new Ferraris. During a lengthy period of ownership, the car’s third owner commissioned a high-quality repaint from a respected local restorer, removing aftermarket door locks and minor parking dents to bring its presentation into keeping with the surrounding collection. Apart from this cosmetic work, the car was and still is unrestored, rust-free and otherwise untouched.

The collector was also a reader of automotive author, former Ford product designer and classic Ford authority Steve Saxty, whose books include The Cars You Always Promised Yourself and the Secret Fords series. For Saxty, this low-mileage Capri had a particular resonance: he had been among those who appraised the original Turbo Technics demonstrator at Ford in 1983. By coincidence, that car wore the same Nimbus Grey over Strato Silver colour scheme.

Saxty acquired the Capri in 2022 but living in the United States, he has driven it only occasionally, including an appearance at a classic Ford event shortly after its purchase.

Through his Ford career and subsequent research, Saxty remained in contact with both Rod Mansfield and Geoff Kershaw. In 2022, the two men were reunited with the Capri, each experiencing the car and adding an inscription inside its glovebox alongside Saxty’s own: “The Capri I always promised myself.” Their signatures provide a remarkable connection between this car, the engineer behind its turbo conversion, the man who led Ford SVE – who described it as “The best Capri I have ever been in”– and the author who helped preserve their stories.

Fitted with a stainless-steel exhaust from new, the car is estimated by Geoff Kershaw –who wrote, “The work of 40 years ago makes this as fast as anything today”– to produce approximately 215bhp.

The extensive history file includes the original Ford service book, with five stamps through to May 1987, subsequent servicing records and the original new-car invoice documenting the turbo conversion. Also present are a Turbo Technics insurance certificate, an owner’s certificate, a period Capri Turbo brochure and fourteen MOT certificates dating back to 1990. Accompanying the car are a copy of Saxty’s The Cars You Always Promised Yourself and a Corgi model of this very Capri, released in 2024.

In October 2024, SM Classic Cars of Doncaster carried out a substantial mechanical refresh, including new suspension components, brakes and brake lines, together with replacement gearbox, power-steering and differential fluids and an engine oil service. The underside was also dry-ice cleaned and treated with a protective Dynax coating by Ice Blasters Ltd of Northampton.

For the past two years, the Capri has been on loan by the author to Ford Heritage and displayed within its collection.

Now showing just 30,467 miles, B140 MRY offers an exceptional combination of documented low mileage, a dealer-supplied Turbo Technics conversion and a direct connection to the men behind its development. Beautifully presented and supported by an unusually comprehensive history, it represents a unique opportunity to acquire a particularly significant and beautifully original Capri.

NB The Cherished Registration in some of our images, SAX 7Y, does not form part of the sale.