When it was launched in 1969, the Ford Capri was aimed at the family man who needed space, but didn’t want to give up coupé looks.
Its appeal broadened even further in ’74 with the introduction of a hatchback and then again in ’81, when Ford fitted the fuel-injected Cologne 2.8-litre V6. The latter brought with it uprated brakes and improved handling.
The popularity of the Capri makes it an appealing purchase now because spare parts are plentiful and cheap. New panels and trim parts may not be so easy to come by, however.
When inspecting a car, check for leaking differentials, which could be caused by a bent halfshaft, while blowing brake master cylinders on MkIIs are easily fixed by retro fitting a MkIII unit with a line blanked off.
Investigate the engine for signs that it has been well maintained, with no failed head-gasket tell-tales, minimal oil leaks and a clean timing cover. On Pinto units, ensure that the timing belt has been changed regularly.
Finally, make sure that the doors sit correctly and seal properly. Signs of either could indicate that their considerable weight has worn the hinge pins.
Rust spots include the front wing, inner wing tops, wheelarches, scuttle in front of the windscreen and all around its edges.
As always, inspect the sills, door bottoms and tops (adjacent to the window), front and rear floors (including chassis legs and around the seems), both ends of the rear spring hangers, boot floor, spare-wheel well and fuel-tank straps.
Another area prone to corrosion is the tailgate top hinge boxes and under the lip at the end.
