Ford Capri Mk I (1968 – 1973)

1968 was the year that Ford took a leap forward with the launch of Britain’s own pony car the Ford Capri and it was an instant success with sales in excess of 200,000 in its first year. For British Males of the late sixties and early seventies it was a revelation, especially with its Mustang like appearance and modern interior, not to mention the performance when it comes to the bigger engine models like the 2.0 Essex V4 and the 3000GT.

Ford’s fastest ever production line continued to impress as prices were low enough so most could afford one. even 1300 models received fake rear air intakes so every car looked the part. The big daddy’s came with the obligatory bonnet bulge until 1972 to set them apart from the rest but later small engine models adopted the same for effect. 3000 GXL was then introduced as the flagship model with improved power at 136 bhp and more chrome than you could shake a stick at. Surely Ford’s best ever Capri to this day.

Specification – Capri Mk I 3000GT 1968 – 1973

Years Produced	1968 - 1973
Performance	0-60 mph 9.2 sec / Top Speed 114 mph
Power & Torque	128 bhp / 173 lb ft
Engine	2994 cc V6 /12 valves
Drive-train	front engine / RWD
Transmission	Four speed manual
Weight	1057 kg

VALUATION SINCE LAUNCH FOR THE TRIUMPH DOLOMITE SPRINT (1972 – 1980)

	Launch	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018
Concourse	£1,087.00	£7,500.00	£8,000.00	£9,000.00	£10,000.00	£25,000.00	£30,000.00
Excellent		£5,000.00	£6,500.00	£7,500.00	£8,000.00	£15,000.00	£20,000.00
Good		£3,500.00	£4,000.00	£5,000.00	£5,000.00	£10,000.00	£15,000.00
Fair		£2,500.00	£3,000.00	£3,000.00	£3,500.00	£8,000.00	£10,000.00

A Buyers Guide

If you are looking to buy a Mk I Capri then bring a magnet with you as rust is a serious problem for all old Fords and badly repaired restorations can hide the inevitable. Corrosion can be severe around headlamps as well as around the trailing edge of both front wings. Sills need scrutinising, press gently, any give will mean the area is rotten internally. Other key areas to look out for are the front valance, A posts, windscreen pillars, door bottoms, rear arches and front wings. Make sure all these body panels are sound as replacements are hard to find.

The Essex V6 is the engine of choice under the bonnet but look out for blown head gaskets and cracked cylinder heads as both are common faults. Make sure the engine has had regular oil changes and a good service history by checking the documentation and as the V6 has a tendency to overheat make sure the radiator isn’t blocked with silt.

The Capri boasts a strong gearbox and is good for 100,000 miles. Check this by accelerating hard in each gear, if it jumps out the gearbox its had it. Suspension is pretty straight forward with Macpherson struts that are reliable but check for leaks. The rear is leaf sprung and can sag, shocks may also leak so check for this to.

Interiors are like gold dust so any problems inside may need a decent trimmer. Make sure switch gear is all present and correct as replacements are also hard to find.

Insuring a Ford Capri Mk I

At Heritage Classic car Insurance with 50 years experience behind us, we offer a tailor made package for one or more cars. We include both our in house agreed value service and salvage retention should the worst happen at no extra cost, and with limited mileage and club members discounts our annual fully Comprehensive policy proves excellent value for money. Here are some typical examples of how little your insurance could be.

This quotation has been based on fully comprehensive cover, insured only to drive age 60. The vehicle being garaged overnight. Accident, claim and conviction free and a limited mileage of 3000 per annum with full use of a main car daily.

Annual premium – £19.08 with a £100 accidental damage excess.

This quotation has been based on fully comprehensive cover, insured only to drive age 45. The vehicle being garaged overnight. Accident, claim and conviction free and a limited mileage of 3000 per annum with full use of a main car daily.

Annual premium – £82.28 with a £100 accidental damage excess.

This quotation has been based on fully comprehensive cover, insured only to drive age 30. The vehicle being garaged overnight. Accident, claim and conviction free and a limited mileage of 3000 per annum with full use of a main car daily.

Annual premium – £124.22 with a £150 accidental damage excess.

All quotations are based on an Agreed Value of £20,000. Prices may alter depending on individual criteria.

Interesting Fact

The last Mk1 Capri was actually produced eight months after the launch of the Capri II on October 31, 1974.

Mark Wilkinson (Managing Partner of Heritage Classic Car Insurance) says

“The Ford Capri was perfect for the seventies with its American influence; at the time any man in Britain would have loved to own one. After all, what other car goes so well with a pair of flared trousers?”