1987 Ford Capri 280 Brooklands review from UK and Ireland

The car is getting on in years and a few things have gone wrong.

An intermittent fault with the ECU which made the engine cut out, cured by replacing with a new one.

Seized front near-side brake caliper. Gave me the impetus to upgrade to four-pot calipers. (This is necessary as the standard Capri brakes are woefully inadequate)

Both cylinder head gaskets.

Temperature gauge sender unit.

Electric aerial needed replacing (My local Ford dealership supplied and fitted a new electric aerial but wired it up incorrectly which meant the battery drained overnight. They also couldn't locate their mistake, but an Auto-Electric specialist found it in 30 minutes).

I've fitted a K&N air filter and a Janspeed fast road manifold and exhaust system as the only performance mods to this car. The sound is fantastic, from the deep rumble when idling to the roar under acceleration.

Although the engine doesn't produce massive power (160 BHP as standard) the car performs well above 3000 RPM, acceleration being quite rapid for a big car.

However, it is the handling that pleases the most. Its easy to push the tail out (too easy in the wet :-) not everyone's cup of tea but great fun for me, the steering is precise, and the driving position is good.

For all its faults I forgive the Brooklands because its such a fun, characterful and exclusive car to own.