​Ford Capri Mk1 3000GT XLR 1971

This is a truly exceptional original example of the iconic Ford Capri in the range topping GT XLR specification.

Any three-litre Mark 1’s are hard to find at the best of times but an original UK one remaining visually standard down to its chrome Rostyle wheels and with all the right numbers is a a needle in a haystack. In fact, it is believed there are only twenty seven 3000GT XLR’s left remaining in any condition making this rarer than the majority of the super high priced exotica.

The 3 litre Mk1, Datsun 240Z and Kawasaki Z1 were dreams of my teenage years. They were readily available at the time and already 10 years old but still way beyond my means by a long chalk - and impossible to insure in any case. This many decades down the line it took many, many years many years to find ‘the one’ in the case of all three.

The hunt started with criteria that included a Capri as visually standard and original as possible and no vinyl roof - a detail I didn’t like in the day and I don’t consider has stood the test of time well at all either.

After some years of hunting I had begun to give up hope of ever finding anything, let alone one fulfilling even part of my criteria, then this one appeared and I couldn’t have been more delighted. It ticked every single box, including the roof, and it was completely solid and without fault anywhere. I had finally got ‘the car I always promised myself’!

Whilst keeping all its defining aesthetic details; the bucket seats, three spoke wheel, wood trim centre console etc, it has been thoughtfully upgraded mechanically, in keeping with period, so is even more exciting and fun to drive.

The engine has been rebuilt with many sensible upgrades including 4 barrel carburettor, Janspeed manifolds, electronic ignition, livelier cams etc and it runs beautifully and sounds as gorgeous as I remember from the day.

The brakes have been uprated accordingly too and with Evans waterless coolant and new Firestone tyres it wants for nothing except driving and enjoying.  It also has a comprehensive history file that includes the original handbook, sales brochure and many MOT’s and receipts.

Classic Fast Fords are becoming increasingly popular by the day and this absolutely cracking example is a beauty.