Henry Ford’s 1-off Capri to be auctioned this week : CityAM
A 1981 Ford Capri constructed for Henry Ford II will be auctioned this week. It was kept for Ford’s use when he travelled to the Uk, and is one particular of 3 autos modified primarily for him.
The Capri 2.8 injection started out existence staying hand-picked off the Cologne generation line, prior to going through a transformation that incorporated extra layers of paint, stricter top quality regulate and ease and comfort capabilities these as a C3 automatic transmission and broader, leather-based trimmed seats and door playing cards.
Henry Ford II was the grandson of business founder, Henry Ford. He was also president of the corporation from 1945 to 1960, chief executive officer from 1945 to 1979, and chairman of the board of administrators from 1960 to 1980. Additionally he was dependable for tasks together with the GT40 and Mustang.
The bespoke car was utilised by the Ford family until eventually 1983 just before currently being bought to Ron Mellor, then head of Ford solution growth, who kept it for 3 yrs prior to advertising it to Alan Jarman, a designer at Ford. Jarman utilised the car to commute from Torquay to Dunton, Essex.
The Capri’s odometer now exhibits 68,958 miles, only 6,800 of which ended up included in the previous 28 years. The car is ‘fresh from a thorough refresh in February 2021, restoring it to its full glory,’ states auction website Car & Basic.
Its price is approximated to be among £25,000 and £35,000 and it goes onto the virtual auction block with a extensive array of background, together with outdated invoices and MOTs.
“Fast Fords are normally hugely sought immediately after, but this Capri is significantly much more than that,” reported Chris Pollitt, head of editorial at Automobile & Classic.
“Specifically prepared by the famous SVE section for 1 of the most influential individuals in the historical past of Ford, then subsequently liked by other vital members of the firm, it is a broadly appreciated, documented and renowned aspect of the Ford tale.”
Daniel Puddicombe writes for Motoring Exploration