SOTW: Ford Capri Mk3

Shed gets all misty-eyed over a Ford with a big bonnet. Now where are those furry dice...

After a slew of 1980s SOTWs in recent weeks, Shed promised itself that this week it would escape from the 'me' decade. On that score it has failed. Because this week Shed is focussing on that most chest-wiggy of 1980s sportsters, the Mk3 Capri.

Considering the fact that various Ford factories around Europe churned out almost 1.9 million Capris over three iterations between 1969 and 1987, you'd think that the snouty coupe would be classic SOTW fodder by now.

But although a few years ago this may have been the case, these days a working Capri in Shed territory is a rare beast indeed. Fords of the 70s and 80s were not built in the most robust of manners, so plenty of Capris have fallen prey to the rust monster, while those in good condition have become rather collectable - and way out of Shed's league.

A Mk3 2.0S in decent nick will cost you £2k, while a smart 2.8 injection won't be yours unless you are happy to part with four or five grand.

Thus, when a roadworthy Capri saunters into Shed's field of vision, it tends to be of the less desirable variety. So it is with today's SOTW. Beneath that oh-so phallic bonnet lies a wheezing 72bhp 1.6-litre OHC motor - although it does have the later five-speed manual gearbox.

The vendor says it's in nice condition, and has recently had new brakes, exhaust and radiator. Crucially, however, our chap doesn't mention how much (or whether) the ol' metal-rot has set in - and this is not a car you'd be advised to buy with your eyes closed.

The only thing we find odd is the fact that the advert claims it to be a 1979 car, while the 'D' at the front of the registration plate would firmly suggest 1986-1987 as its point of origin. But it seems unlikely that there would be a suspicious motive behind that.

Should you fancy your trousers a touch more flared and your tie a mite more kipper-like, we also spotted this - a 1977 Mk2 1.6. This one's allegedly showing just 50k miles on the odo, has 5 months tax, '10 years' MOT (we presume this means either 10 months or one year...).

That leaves only one question: do you prefer your Capris 1970s vinyl-roofed, or 1980s maroon?

Advert for the Mk3:

1.6 Mark III Capri for sale. (1979)
126,000 miles £1,000

1.6 laser good conditioned Ford Capri for its age, 3 Door Hatchback, Petrol, 5 speed Manual gearbox. Recently had a great deal of work including new exhaust, radiator and brakes. A lot of service history paperwork included. Its a beautiful car, and now I am a student I simply cant afford to keep it running.