Billed as “The car you always promised yourself”, the Ford Capri was launched in 1969 and eventually sold more than 1.9 million units to people who clearly felt that they were indeed worth it.
The final and some would say ultimate Capri MK III was introduced in March 1978, with improved aerodynamics, wraparound black bumpers and twin circular headlamps framing the Aeroflow grille that would become a Ford hallmark, like the sawtooth rear lights.
First registered in December 1978, this immaculate matching numbers Capri Mk 3 Ghia, is exceptionally rare for a number of reasons. Firstly, it has only one previous registered owner, secondly with just over 58,000 miles from new (backed up by service and MOT history), it has very low mileage and lastly, this is a genuine 4 speed manual from the factory. Most 3.0 Ghias were sold with the 3 speed automatic and it is estimated that only about 10% left the factory as manuals.
The car was comprehensively, but sympathetically restored over an 18 month period to Ford factory specification, nearly 12 years ago and was then kept as a show car in a car dealer’s showroom and never used on the road. As part of the founder’s own private collection, the car was given a full re-commissioning service at the time of purchase and although it has remained dry stored since, it has also been used regularly, but sparingly, to avoid any lay-up gremlins!
Not for the shy and retiring, this car attracts a lot of positive attention when out and about and it’s always surprising the number of people who say “my dad had one of those!”. This is as an exceptionally rare and sought after early Capri Mk3 3.0 Ghia and presents a “once in a lifetime opportunity” for the discerning collector and/or Ford enthusiast who is keen to dazzle the crowds on the show scene with this prime example.
Finished in Diamond White, the unmistakably elegant lines are both sleek and muscular, unsurprising given that the original Capri was designed by American Philip T. Clark, who was also involved in the design of the Ford Mustang.
As part of the restoration process, the car was stripped to the bare shell and then subject to a full bare metal respray. Although this was undertaken nearly 12 years ago, because the car has spent all its restored life in a showroom (bar a few recent sunny day excursions), the paintwork (as can be seen from the photos) remains outstanding, blemish free and devoid of any rust bubbles whatsoever. Both front and rear bumpers and all door and window trim are in the correct satin black and unmarked.
The panel fit is impeccable and it’s possible that everything fits better than when it was first built. Unlike the majority of Ghias, this car was never fitted with a vinyl roof and the factory fitted sliding and tilting sunroof operates perfectly and is leak free. As an early Mk 3, it came with just a driver’s side remote controlled door mirror, the passenger door mirror being an option, that evidently was not specified.
The rear hatch opens and shuts perfectly and even remains up! having benefited from new gas struts fitted at the time of purchase. As can be seen from the photos, the boot floor is unmarked and entirely rust free. Finally, all lights are crystal clear and unblemished.
The interior finished in “chocolate” is in excellent condition. The seats both front and rear are not discoloured and remain supportive, with just the slightest hint of sagging of the cloth beginning on the drivers seat. The deep pile carpets are spotless and both driver’s and passenger’s footwell come with original Ford rubber mats. The dashboard is in perfect condition, with no signs of cracks. The perforated headlining is tight and in excellent condition with no discolouration. The original leather bound two spoke Ghia steering wheel, shows a little patina but is in excellent shape and the power assisted steering is a joy to use. All controls and gauges are fully functioning, including the two speed heater fan (notorious for failing) , the analogue quartz clock and original Ford push button radio cassette player. The parcel shelf is in excellent order and unlike the fate of so many other Capris, has managed to avoid being hacked about for speaker fitment! Finally, the carpeted boot floor is as new, spare wheel and tyre unused and the original jack present.
The engine bay is immaculate. As part of the restoration, the engine was stripped down and sympathetically rebuilt, with a view to retaining as much originality as possible. To that end, original parts were retained where serviceable and original equipment parts (where available), used as replacements, where needed. All gaskets were replaced as part of the rebuild and engine components painted and polished, as per factory specification.
In keeping with the approach taken for the engine, the gearbox was also stripped and rebuilt, as part of the restoration. The prop shaft and rear differential were also refurbished to factory specification. In addition, complete new front and rear suspension components were fitted all round including new anti-rollbar and bushes. Finally, the exhaust system was completely overhauled, from the manifolds to rear silencers. The rear silencers are new, but non original equipment, being slightly oversized and sporting attractive chrome tips, all the better to enjoy the delightful V6 burble through.
The 3.0 litre “Essex” engine is renowned for its torque and with the factory 4 speed manual, it has all the get up and go of the 3.0S model. You can really enjoy the engines flexibility, whether relaxing using the plentiful low down torque in the higher gears, or downshifting for more spirited driving, when you want to get a hurry on!
The car sits on the original equipment 5.5J x 13-inch alloy wheels which are in the same condition as the rest of the car, which is to say they’re unblemished and look like new. The tyres including the spare (which is unused), are matching Goodyears GT2s, which have done less than 300 miles.
As part of the restoration, the entire braking system was overhauled with new calipers and brake pads, refurbished discs, rear drums and new brake shoes, as well as new brake lines fitted throughout.
As can be seen from the photos, the underside presents as though it has just left the factory. However, unlike the “factory finish”, it has also been subject to extensive anti-corrosion treatment, not just to the floor pan but to all components at risk of corrosion to keep it well protected going forwards.
The car comes with a comprehensive history file, including the registration document, previous MOTs and assorted invoices.
It also includers the original Ford main dealer’s (Zebedee & Powney in Calne, Wiltshire) ownership pack, this includes, the new owner’s certificate and service book, the Ford Capri operating guide, Car Owner’s Handbook and both Operating and Accessories Guides.
It also comes with a written and signed statement from the car dealer it was purchased from, outlining the restoration works carried out as well as photo of the shell during the painting process.
The service book contains 9 stamps, all but 2 being from Zebedee & Powney, who sold the car to the previous registered owner. The last recorded service was at 44,235 miles.
Uniquely, the car comes with every single tax disc it was issued with before it came off the road in 2007, which have been mounted and framed as great piece of this car’s history.
Finally, included with the documents folder is a Ford VIN plate decoder.
When applied to this car it correctly identifies it as a Diamond White Capri 2 door coupe, with chocolate interior trim, built in Cologne in September 1978, with a 3000cc engine, final drive rear axle of 3.091:1 and fitted with a manual 4 speed gearbox.
Whilst every effort has been taken to ensure accuracy of the vehicle descriptions and information, some inaccuracies may occur. It is important that you do not rely on this information but check with Montpellier Motor Cars Limited about any items which may affect your decision to buy this vehicle, as well as examine the vehicle and check the accuracy of the information before purchasing any vehicle. We cannot accept any liability arising from any errors in the data provided.
Whilst every effort is made to represent details accurately on our Web Site, variations or errors may occur and so the information contained herewith does not constitute an offer for sale of any particular vehicle, accessory or specification.
