Ford Capri 2.8 injection special Review

Overall Rating

Performance, feel, practicality, economy (considering engine size and age), reliability, price and servicing costs.

Spares availability, restoration costs, finding an unmodified or original example, Interior trim wear common and expensive to replace.

With purchase prices from £500, the Ford Capri has never been more affordable. This is a car for someone who wants a performance car without following the crowd of the hot hatch band. I own 3 Capri's, and the 2.8 is the most reliable and usable. My 1983 model started first time after 2 and a half YEARS standing with a battery charge. Despite their age they can still keep up with SLK's and new 3-Series' (not the AMG's and M's, obviously), and without any driver aids or electronics to go wrong or interfere, it gives a very rewarding driving experience.

It feels very solid on the road even above 120mph, though small bands of scuttle-shake are fairly common. Although they do give more feedback and are more pleasurable to drive than modern 911's. Upwards of 20mpg are obtainable on motorway cruises. The power is delivered evenly throughout the rev range, unlike the 3.0S which tails off after 4000rpm. Later models (1985-7) with LSD can take sweeping bends at over 100mph in the wet (despite reputation), as long as you are gentle on the throttle. This reputation is well founded for pre 1980 models! However, this is part of the appeal of this very usable commutable car. Annual servicing is around £120 (all parts and labour), though if any major parts like gearboxes need replacing it can be expensive (body parts - in particular front wings).

The folding rear seats provide ample room in the back for haulage, and don't worry about high mileage, as a well maintained example is good for well over 250,000 miles. Mine still has the performance described above, and is about to cover her 150,000th mile on the original engine.

A very easy car to live with, and can be insured as a classic now. Expect to pay around £2000-£3000 for an original in good condition with FSH. £1000-£2000 will buy an average runner with some history.

Members' Comments ondjcarbines's Review

• keithrose44 on 29th Oct 2006

  Well done. A great review!
  My Father owned a couple of Ford Capri's, starting with a Mk1 2.0 GT in the early 70's and later a new 1983 2.8i in black. He had the 2.8 injection for 13 years, and it never let him down once, with only routine servicing needed. The body started to rust on the front wings after about ten years, but we fitted a new pair without any problems.
  The V6 had plenty of go, and made such a great throaty roar under full power, it was so addictive! The handling was nowhere near as bad as people made out, as long as you showed it some real respect in the wet.
  
  All in all, a truly fast practical car, which could top 100 mph in less than 20 seconds. He now drives a 1.7 Puma, but he still talks about the Capri.