What vehicle do you drive? A Ford Capri 280 Turbo Technics. This is number 642 out of 1,038 made in November 1986 in the Cologne factory in Germany. This was the last run of the Capri, therefore it was a limited edition. It had a turbo technics conversion by Ford before registration. In this form there were only approximately 100 made in the Brooklands livery, which makes the car more rare.
How long have you had it? Four years.
How much did it cost? This is a bit hard to explain but after selling my other Capri it cost me £2,000. The car is now valued at £10,000 ( which I was offered last year).
What work have you done to the vehicle? It has had refurbished wheels, which I did myself, resprayed the front valance and other bits and pieces which has also been done by myself.
Why did you get this particular vehicle? My first Capri was a two-litre S and I liked the car so much I wanted another one. Back in the 80s and early 90s there was a garage in Watlington called Scotts Garage which only dealt in RS and sporting Fords. After calling in one day and seeing a Brooklands 280 on the forecourt and having a test drive, I decided then this was the car for me. This was back in 1987 and my wife fell pregnant with our first child so this was not to be! A four door was needed and a bigger boot space, a Ford Sierra! After many years of run-of-the-mill cars, I stumbled across a barn find which was a Brooklands, which I bought. It was badly in need of restoration which was carried out in the next 18 months. I had this car for nine years and never thought I would sell it until I saw the one I have now.
What do you like most about it? I love everything about the car. The raw power when the turbo kicks in, the long bonnet, love the drive, the look and the nostalgia.
What irritates you most about it? There is absolutely nothing that irritates me about the car.
Is it good value for money? This has increased in value over the years, but is priceless to me.
Does it have a name? No.
What is your favourite memory of the vehicle? Driving round Silverstone on the Ford Capri’s 40th anniversary. I was invited by Classic Ford Magazine to show the car in the paddock and take part in the parade of over 30 Capri’s and listen to people’s own memories of their Capri’s.
And your worst? Probably letting go of my other 280 after putting so much hard work into it.
If you could own any vehicle what would it be? An Aston Martin Vantage. It is such a good looking car. I loved the car after watching my first James Bond film.
What was your first car? How much did it cost and how long did you own it? An Austin 1800 and it cost £275 back in 1982.
- Mr Burrows would like to try and re-establish an Oxfordshire Capri club – any Capri owners interested in joining should contact sb.63@live.co.uk
- Tell us about your vehicle. Do you drive an old banger which you can’t live without? A reliable motor that gets you from A to B? Do you drive something unusual or extravagant? If you drive a car, motorbike, van or truck and want to tell us about it email chris.walker@oxfordmail.co.uk
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