1979 Ford Capri S 2.0 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

An absolute classic

Faults:

Hard to believe now, but I paid £50 for this car in 1994 with 6 months MOT on it. All black with black vinyl roof and original Wolfrace alloys.

Rust had really taken a hold, but looking back it could have been fixed. Rear arches were rotten as were both front inner wing rails. The underside was solid strangely enough.

Some oil burning, typical of an ageing Pinto.

Gearbox had unusual external rod linkages; one of these came adrift - quick fix with a cable tie.

General Comments:

It was a bit thirsty, but then anything with a 2.0 pinto in is going to be.

I never felt it had the go to back up its looks, but the Recaro seats were very supportive and it could hustle on OK if you pushed it, about 110mph.

No back legroom, poor bootspace; hardly the cars fault, you don't buy a Capri for either of these.

The usual Capri trait of a loose back end when cornering in the wet was present and correct, not quite as bad as with the V6 models though - dry cornering was very good.

Suspension was rock hard, good cornering, but a bumpy ride.

I wish I had kept this and restored it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th January, 2008

1979 Ford Capri Ghia 3.0 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Good fun, and simple to fix. Who cares about image?

Faults:

Blew two head gaskets, water leak passenger door, leaky radiator, blown hoses, rear wheel bearings (possibly caused by loads from 2.8i wheels?), replacement clutch.

Pads, shoes, exhausts & manifolds. I had to fit relays to bodged spotlights etc.

Milage may not have been genuine when bought, though I did ~40k.

General Comments:

Neglected by previous owner. Nice, fun car. Had character, & I enjoyed it. 20-120mph all in one gear. Wheelspin to indicated 70mph on wet, uneven roads owing to rear leaf springs.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th May, 2000

19th May 2001, 19:22

Plenty of grunt from the 3.0 litre engine, leave it in top gear all day. Treat it with a bit of care and respect in the wet though or you'll be facing the way you came!