Description
The Capri 280 “Brooklands” model was the final, limited edition in the Capri range. 1038 were built in the Cologne factory in Germany during a two-week period in December 1986. All 280s were finished in Brooklands green metallic paint with unique side/ tailgate decals and seats trimmed in Raven leather with red piping.
My 280, number 819 of the 1038 built, was originally supplied on 16 March 1987 by Gilbert Rice Ltd. of Horsham, Sussex. I was born in Horsham so it seemed meant to be as I became the 5th owner in March 1999, inheriting a history of its recorded 78, 242 miles. While it was in substantially good condition the bodywork was looking a little the worse for a multitude of stone chips, etc. and the n/ s/ f wing leading edge was suffering the results of a poor repair to an earlier minor “bump” so over winter ‘99/’00 I set about stripping the car to a rolling shell and treating it to a full professional respray, the results of which are still evident today.
I have been proud to own the car for over 25 years and am only selling it now most reluctantly as I will be emigrating and will be unable to take it with me - I don't think it will get the ongoing care it deserves outside the UK!
Since owning the 280 it has always been garaged and used only in summer months; it was off the road for 15 years from 2003-2018 but has been MOT'd and run every year since. I have only added 5, 000 miles over those 25 years!
The photos show that it is excellent condition overall and the Ford specialist garage I use assure me it is the "straightest" example they have seen, with no structural issues or major repairs.
Other than the paintwork and routine replacement items, (tyres, etc.), and, I think, the rear parcel shelf, I believe the car is wholly original.
The interior is in very good condition, in particular the seats and carpets have no significant wear and tear. There is some minor cracking of the dashboard speaker panel, typical of the model, and the headlining has some small repairs. The original radio cassette is present and works but the digital wavelength display is frozen. The dashboard has a small hole in it from an earlier alarm installation.
The exterior retains a very good finish and is free from dents and scratches. There are some small corrosion bubbles in the paintwork on each of the front wings, adjacent to the headlights, and on the lower part of the rear nearside wing, behind the wheel arch; these have all been present for some years and have not developed to break the paint surface, as can be seen in the photos.
There is no corrosion of key areas such as around the windows, sunroof, pillars or door openings, etc. and the boot and engine bay are extremely sound. The engine compartment is painted in a contrasting teal colour.
The original wheels have some minor marks and the blue "Ford" ovals are partly deteriorated. Bumpers are unmarked and all trim is present.
The last MOT Test was on 3 July 2024, as usual a first time pass with no advisories. The clutch was replaced and a stainless steel exhaust fitted in 1996 at about 67000 miles. All 5 tyres were new at 82700 miles.
My 280 has always been reliable when attending shows around the country or in general use. When garaged it is run every few weeks. There is some free movement indicating wear in the driveshaft so that may require overhaul in due course; other than that I am not aware of any work that may be required in the future.
I owned a Mk II Ghia in the late '70s but that was stolen in '82 and I always promised myself a replacement. When I saw the 280 in 1999 I couldn't resist it. It wasn't in the greatest condition externally; the original company owner had put a lot of motorway miles on it and the paintwork had suffered many stone chips, but it had been well maintained and was in good structural condition.
Driving it then was, and always has been, a great experience. I don't know of any other car with the same driving position behind the long, sweeping bonnet, and it is always a pleasure to drive on a good day with the sunroof open. The seats in the 280 are uniquuely special and the limited slip diff means better handling than the earlier models.
This is a rare opportunity to acquire a very attractive and structurally sound example of this increasingly rare and fast appreciating classic. My Classic insurance is less than £100 a year and under current rules it will soon be free of road tax and MOT requirements.
I trust that my honest description of the car and its history is helpful.
Please contact me if you require any further information or photos. 16 Mar 1987 First registered
Serviced 2000, 8000, 12000, 26000, 32000, 41000, 47000 miles.
MOT Mar '90, May '91.
August 1991 2nd owner.
Serviced 50000, 53000 miles.
MOT Feb '93, Feb '94.
March 1994 3rd owner.
MOT Feb '95.
April 1995 4th owner.
MOT May '96, May '97, Apr '98.
24 Mar 1999 Purchased.
MOT May '99, Jun '00, Jun '02, Jun'03.
Stored 2003-2018.
Major service 82600.
MOT Nov'18, Nov'19, May'21, Apr'22, May'23, Jul'24.
