Mk1 Ford Capri 1600GT

[willdew]

Has anyone had any experience of the mk1 Capris?

I passed one for sale in the street today which I've arraged to view tomorrow morning. It's a 1973 1600GT in mint condition outside and in. I don't know it's history or milage, but it has full leather and has all the capri classic owners badges in the window.

The asking price is £1500, which seems very reasonable for a modern classic in mint condition.

Can anyone advise me on what to look out for and/or be weary of and has anyone here got 1st hand experience of this model?

I've already checked for an insurance quote and it's a classic, so only a few hundred quid and no tax to pay!

>>> Edited by willdew on Friday 9th August 23:13

[dennisthemenace]

Thats what i want ! i do like capris not the fastest or best handling cars but theres somthing about them just cant put me finger no it

check the inner wings on the front under the bonnet and check the lower a-pillar (between front wings and doors thats where they rust most and just give it a good looking over , hand over yer cash and enjoy it .
Crossplys and rounabouts can be fun

[willdew]

It just seems like such a bargin as it's completely mint. Someone's spent some serious money making it right.

I know it's not going to be quick or hanle well compared to modern stuff, but it's very, very cool.

[dennisthemenace]

quote:


I know it's not going to be quick or hanle well compared to modern stuff, but it's very, very cool.

at least you can have fun with out breaking the speed limits and like you say they are very cool i do like classics

My dad had 3 , A mk1 in green then a mk1 facelift in met purple with black roof and rostyle wheels
ultimate cool when he took me and my mates to school in it my mates loved it then he had a 3000gxl which back then was quick !

my next car will be a capri again or im starting to think about gettinga TVR S2 or 3 in a year or 2 just to be license unfriendly

Edited due to beer consuption

>> Edited by dennisthemenace on Friday 9th August 23:33

[simonelite501]

The 1600GT was built from 1969-1974, it's approx top speed is 100mph, and you should expect to get around 24mpg, the engine has soft valve seats and WIL NOT RUN ON UNLEADED! Condition 1 cars (as described by Practical classics magazine) in exellent condition in all respects, not concours but superbly maintained and free from major faults are worth £2100.00 Condition 2 cars, capable of regular use, have a current MOTbut may need original parts or work to make them condition 1 are valued at £1000.00. Condition 3 cars may be driveable but are in need of a complete rebuild are worth £425.00. Unless this car is as mint as you think, the price seems a little high, batter the price into the ground, buy it and have a lot of fun!

[willdew]

Is it not possible to have it converted to unleaded, or would it wear too quickly? I remember when unleaded came in all current cars at the time could be converted, but is this not the case for older vehicles?

[dennisthemenace]

The engines a crossflow isnt it ? it should be easy to get sorted if it hasent been done already , i know a man whos got a cosworth BDA engine sat in his garage doing nothing

[willdew]

I haven't got a clue. I'm going to look into the whole thing a lot more over the next few days. I'm not messing around with having to find LRP.

[simonelite501]

To allow this engine to run safely on unleaded, hardened valve seats can be fitted by an engineering firm or a replacement head with the work already done can be sourced, but it's another thing to think about and more availible ammunition for haggling about the price. Check it out with the MK1 Capri Register Tel: [phone] Email: [e-mail]
or the Capri Club International Tel: [phone] or Email: classic-cars.com/capriclub.htm
Tickover are a well known Capri specialist Tel: [phone], they will be able to answer any quiries you have, also Classic Ford Parts on 01344 304064 will be able to help. Good early Capri's are very hard to find, they suffered from attacks of tin worm and from youthful exuberance, and are now justifiably rare. If this is a good one it will give yo a lot of enjoyment, if, on the other hand it's a well disguised dog, it will cost you a lot of misery and financial hardship. My best advise is talk to those who are in the know, and always BEWARE THE BARGAIN! Best of Luck, Simon.

[funkihamsta]

Hmmm Cossie..
What's up? how old, how much?
Please deliver to following address...

So DtheM, what is this man you know doing with it?

[dennisthemenace]

quote:
Hmmm Cossie..
What's up? how old, how much?
Please deliver to following address...

So DtheM, what is this man you know doing with it?

funki
its got to go as its at his mothers house and shes moving , i will let you know the specs etc of the engine when i see him next as far as i know it runs perfectly and has carbs etc on it

[Paceracing]

I could be interested in a BDA as well. I'm guessing it is the 1800cc unit from the early 1970's am I correct?
Could you email me as well if it's up for grabs?

Jas.

>> Edited by Paceracing on Saturday 10th August 08:03

[PetrolTed]

I had a Mk 1 1600GT (pre-facelift). Car had real character compared to modern plastic $hite. Weighed loads and was dead slow but I loved it and still hanker for an RS3100

[yertis]

I too found myself wandering among the "cars I always promised myself " on Autotrader the other day. Back in the 80's and 90's they were considered the height of un-cool, but I've always liked them. Shared a red 1600 with a mate when I was at college - it attracted a particular type of girl : , the police, and thieves . Actually, thinking back, it was total crap. In the end it quite literally fell apart. One thing to note - they still disappear very quickly if not properly secured.

[JonRB]

My dad had one of the 3 litre Capri's in the mid to late 70's. It was the first car he did 125mph in.
It was a kind of disgusting brown colour and his nurses used to refer to it as the "faecal flash".

The thing I most remember about it though was the black vinyl seats that stank when they were hot and made my sister and I car sick on long journeys.

[Roop]

My old man had a Capri when he met my mum - I think it was a 3000S, but not sure. Had the Essex V6 in though. Was my mum the first Girl Racer...? She had a souped up Cortina GT at the time - not bad for a bird *ducks*

Roop

[whitechimp500]

"has full leather and has all the capri classic owners badges in the window."


Not that it should make much difference but is that really full leather in there or full plastic ?
Dont recall many early Capris with leather interiors.
No point paying extra for whats not there .

[JSG]

I had a mk1 1600 GT XLR, great fun. I don't remember any with 'real' leather interiors though, mine had black 'imitation' leather interior, black vinyl roof and an 8 track player.

[AndySA]

What about a V8 conversion, was done to many Capri's in South Africa by Basil Green Motorsport. Check out www.agent.co.za/capri/

>> Edited by AndySA on Monday 12th August 10:02

[Paul V]

If the car is a 1973 it won’t get free tax, only car cars registered before 1 January 1973 qualify, it is no longer the a rolling 25 exempt tax. If you can prove the car was built in 1972 you may stand a chance of getting it though.