1987 Ford Capri 280 Brooklands Coupe (Build no. 770/1038)

Description

Following the success of the Mustang in America, Ford’s European arm developed its own personal sports coupe in the late 1960s, unveiling the Capri at the 1969 Brussels Motor Show.  Production had begun two months earlier in both Cologne, Germany and Halewood in the UK, albeit with very different hearts – the German cars powered by a range of V-formation motors while the English 1300 and 1600 counterparts were both of in-line configuration.  Although the Capri was designed as a GT car, it was quickly developed into a successful rally car and ultimately a formidable track weapon, the RS2600 and RS3100s winning both the European and British Championships against stiff opposition from the likes of BMW.  Fire-breathing, turbocharged monsters built by Zakspeed continued racing into the late 1970s, with Klaus Ludwig winning the German Championship in 1981.  The Capri was popular outside Europe as well, with over half a million sold in the United States by 1977 and Australian buyers were similarly enamoured with “The Car You’ve Always Promised Yourself”.  The limited-edition 280 Brooklands was the last iteration of the Capri, bringing to an end a 20-year model lineage that encompassed 1.92 million vehicles.  Originally badged as the Capri 500 (as 500 were planned for production) the name was changed to Capri 280 and some 1,038 examples were ultimately built.  In keeping with its very British racing nameplate, the Capri 280 was only available in Brooklands Green.  Based on the 2.8 Injection Special, the Brooklands boasted larger 15-inch alloy wheels and the fully-optioned interior was trimmed in Raven Black leather.  Powered by a Cologne V6 engine developing 160 horsepower and featuring a five-speed gearbox, a limited-slip differential and power rack and pinion steering, the Brooklands Capri would accelerate from 0-100km/h in around 7.8 seconds and had a top speed of 210km/h.  Destined to be an instant classic the Brooklands Capri quickly sold out and they command a significant premium over other limited edition versions today.