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The Capri MK11 made its UK debut in February 1974, succeeding the MK1 after a production run of 5 years. The 3 litre models were sold from launch in both GT and Ghia guise. Ford bought Ghia Design Studio in 1970 and both the MK11 Capri and MK1 Granada were subsequently the first UK models to offer the Ghia designation. The early Capri Ghia models featured Manual transmission with a cost option of Automatic.
The early cars also featured a single steering column stalk switch, operating the indicators, main beam and horn functions, the wiper and light controls being mounted on the dashboard. Door mirrors were absent until later in 1975 along with the front wing mounted Ghia emblems. A trained eye will also notice the dual colour Ronal 8 spoke alloys, later cars featuring silver wheels to save production costs.
WFK472N was delivered new on 16th September 1974 by Bristol Street Motors, Worcestershire to its first owner. Finished in Stardust metallic with Cloud Grey Rialto interior with the addition of dealer fitted wing mirrors. We understand that the car was quite an indulgence and the first new car that the owner had bought. Just over three years later, due to ill health, the Capri was sold to its second owner, a friend and neighbour in the village who had admired the car from the day it was delivered. A receipt for the sale dated 17th November 1977 has been safely kept with the vehicle documentation. The mileage at this time, being less than 5,000 miles, shortly following its first MOT dated 26th September at 4,555 miles.
During the four years that followed a modest 13,322 miles was added, supported by all annual MOT certificates, the last being conducted at 17,877 miles by Bristol Street Motors, dated 27th October 1980. A subsequent change in personal circumstances and the addition of a more practical car consigning the Capri to the start of its long-term slumber. It was carefully garaged, and the last tax disc was purchased 6th March 1981.
For the 21 years that followed, the Capri was safely stored and cared for by the owner’s local garage mechanic, ensuring it was started and moved frequently, despite not being driven on the road. In 2002 a move to Devon left the owner with a dilemma, he had known the local mechanic for 3 decades during which time had taken such great care of the Capri. A decision was made to store the Capri with his mechanic in Worcestershire, where it continued to be looked after and stored safely.
In 2019, after the mechanic’s retirement the Capri was transported to Devon and delivered to Central Garage in Brixham. A relationship of trust had been built over time and the owner had purchased various cars from the garage during his time in Devon. They were tasked to recommission the Capri, to be enjoyed again after such a long time in slumber. In February 2020 the car was completed and an invoice outlining the scope of work sits in the vehicle file.
WFK472N now resides with us and is ready to embark on its next chapter. Finding another early MK11 Capri as original, with such low mileage and in this condition would be an impossible task. It’s hard to imagine that you are looking at a car that is almost half a century old. We stress that every panel is original and free from corrosion, as is the underside with no weld repairs and in remarkable condition. The car is registered as a Historic Vehicle and is tax and MOT exempt, additionally it is ULEZ exempt. A new MOT will be conducted prior to sale.
The car would sit perfectly in any serious car collection. More pictures are available on request.
