Ford Capri Research

[Polyal]

Hey people...

Just helping ouy a friend who is interested in buying a Ford Capri. Unfortunalty I dont think I could persuade her into buying a 1960 (there abouts) GT, but I have always been a bit of a closet convertiable capri fan.

Basically I want to know about their down falls. I know that some models (I presume the earlier ones) were prone to leakage. But I take it there is an eays fix to that?...a better roof seal or something?

What about the mechanical package? What engine is it based off? I have a feeling that it was the laser but im not 100% sure.

We were hoping to keep the price around the 6-7000 mark. Most of the models are at this price anyway, expect maybe some mint XR2's or clubsprints.

She is on her P's, so ill have to double check but I think the turbo is out of the question, mainly for insurance reasons and the fact that a n/a should last longer if looked after.

So whos had some experience with these beasts? And what should someone look out for when buying one?

Here are a couple of examples of what ive found thus far:

1. http://carpoint.ninemsn.com.au/Deskt...ias=carpointau

2. http://carpoint.ninemsn.com.au/Deskt...ias=carpointau

Cheers.
Allan

[Polyal]

aww great,,,,now no one is going to see the post..did it have to be moved so quickly?

[ADZ351]

I have 2 of the little beasties, one leaks (89 single cam SA) and the other doesnt (93 SC Turbo Clubsprint) there was a change in roof design in early 1992.

Try here for more info.
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/...blesocialclub/
These guys are really helpful for Capri info.

Capri's copped a bad rap but both mine are mechanically A1 and have run faultlessly for years and many k's. For a cheap way to get the breezee in your hair and have a lot of fun while driving you cant beat it.

[Polyal]

thanks adz351....while you have had a good run, have you heard of any mechancial faults that are common?

BTW..I love those turbo clubsprints, they look great!

[Polyal]

oh and would you know what month the roof change came in? Id be spewing if she brought one just before the cut-off.

[ADZ351]

I go on runs with other Capri guys and girls and have owned Convertable Capri's for many years and no-one I have ever spoken has had any major problems. Also I work in the spare parts department of a very large Ford dealer and get all the Capri enquiries directed to me. They are as reliable as any other modern small car and if serviced regularly she shouldnt have any major problems. They break more roof handles than anything else, compared to that the motor is bullet proof.

With the roof thing, they used a wide header up to 6/1992 and changed the vinyl roof and frame design to a narrow header in 7/1992. (there is a way to measure the frame to find out which one it is if unsure of the date, but I cant remember the exact measurements, I have found it before on the internet)

Id recomed the twin cam motor over the single cam, and if she can only use 2 pedals, go for the 4 speed auto over the early 3 speed auto.

[Polyal]

OMG they came in 3 speed!

Nah shes a manual girl (actually the whole family is), so thats not an issue.

Thanks for your help!