MVE 397H - 1969 Ford Capri 1600XL

"Clara"

Specification: 1600cc crossflow engine, Borg Warner Type 35 3-speed automatic gearbox. Original colour silver fox metallic. Price when new £1,066 12s 11d.

This car was donated to the Lincolnshire Vintage Vehicle Society to mark the 25th birthday of the Ford Capri by Alan and Amanda Horton who provided the following potted history.

The car was given to us by a couple who knew that we collected Capris, as they had no further time, money or space to keep her. They decided to give her away to someone who had. So we took her on and planned a full restoration in future years. Unfortunately, owing to other expenses that arose we undertook a budget respray, hence the reason that she is not in her original colour now. We have promised in the not too distant future to rectify this problem and any others that arise in her upkeep. In recent years we have taken Clara to numerous Classic Car Shows and she creates a lot of interest, partly due to the fact that she is automatic, which is very rare for this model.

October 2001 - An opportunity to use Society motor cars in a television drama has seen much activity of late to get the Capri into running order. A member's trailer (with a variety of towing vehicles) has been invaluable in providing the necessary to get the vehicle to the Nottinghamshire set, and following this preparation it looks likely that the Capri will be kept in running order from now on and should appear at a few rallies next year.