Random # 308: Circa 1970 Ford Capri GT
Please, p l e a s e, P L E A S E let this amazing 1970s Ford Capri GT be the vehicle that breaks the current classic car drought in Hobart! Not only was it one of the very best examples that I've seen since pre-C-word days (that other C-word!), it was absolutely perfect, especially for a boy from the 1970s who adored performance-orientated Fords.
I have grown up fractionally since then and now also appreciate GMHs and Chyslers of the era. However, I'd argue that the Capri has one up on Holden's six-cylinder equivalent of the time, the mighty Torana, because the former was purely designed as a sports car whereas the latter was also available in four-door guise. The Valiant Charger, whilst also strictly a coupe, was really a derivative of the sedan, wagon, ute and van versions of the Ranger / Regal line-up, so they don’t quite have the same cachet, either.
It's a bit vulgar to think of a car in terms of what's been spent on it but, in my defence, I'm really alluding to the total bumper-to-bumper excellence exhibited on this example. Believe me when I say that it's perfectly, immacualtely pristine - so well restored, in fact, that it's arguably better than it was when it first rolled off the factory floor! I'd venture to say that no expense was spared.
The duco is lustrous and totally without blemishes, and the panel alignment is faultless. The chrome is ... well, just look for yourself! All the era-correct badges and decals - including the iconic Aussie Super Roo stickers - are present and correct.
The only three things that I could see that weren't strictly original - the 15" Superlites, wood-rimmed sports steering wheel and the exquisite tan leather bucket seats - were all as tasteful as you could ask for and very era-appropriate. I couldn't get a shot of those seats but they featured good side- and base-bolsters but in a slim-line style that didn't overcrowd the cabin.
For me, the Capri belongs in the same category of classic six-cylinder GTs that includes the Alfa GTV6 and the Datsun 240- and 260-Z. It's a purpose designed, affordable, sports-orientated road car in the very best of that tradition and I don't think Ford - or any other manufacturer, for that matter - has really created anything significantly better in the 50 years since it was first released.
U M P H
(uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.)
All iPhone images.
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