1971 Ford Capri V6 GT Executive – Today’s Tempter

By: Alex Affat, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 13.09.2019

UK-Imported up-spec executive model, never sold in Australia

The Capri is somewhat underrated in today’s climate of more popular classic Fords.

Born late in the Blue Oval’s "Total Performance" era, it was a not-so-distant relative to the Mustang; and was arguably a braver product exercise in the face of the globally successful Pony Car.

The Mustang was an instant smash-hit but Ford executives knew that what was popular in the US rarely translated to European markets.

Australian-delivered Capris landed in 1969 as 1.6lts, and were surprisingly well-received compared to equivalent six-pot Torana GTRs and VF Pacers.

The big 3.0lt 3000 GT arrived in February 1970, assembled in Broadmeadows and boasted a 38kW edge over its four-pot siblings (and double the torque!). Few cars for the price could match it over a standing 400m – that is until the XU-1 arrived a few months later.

This 1971 Capri V6 isn’t an Australian-delivered model. Presenting in 3000E (for Executive) specification, it was an upmarket UK-DM model that was never sold in Australia.

It also had an uprated more powerful engine with arguably better gearing.

This car was originally delivered new in the UK, but was imported into Australia just a few years later in 1973. The car has lived in Melbourne ever since and was taken off the road in 1986.

It returned to the bitumen in 2012, having undergone a bare metal respray, complete suspension overhaul and extensive engine freshen up.

The car bears Essex Ford’s 123kW D-Port V6, coupled to a four-speed manual with a 3.09 differential. The vinyl roof is factory and bears a rare factory Golde steel sliding sunroof.

Inside, the executive gained twin bucket back seats with centre arm rest and ashtrays, cut pile carpeting, wider reclining front seats and extra padding in the doors and dash fascia. It also was specified with a sports steering wheel, retracting seat belts and inspection lights in the boot and under the bonnet.

The car comes with its original keys, handbook, UK Registration documents, and its original black and white Aussie plates (car currently on Club Rego).

The car is said to run and drive with no mechanical faults.

It presents well throughout and has just 130,000kms on the odometer.

Based in Melbourne, the car is listed for $40,000.

You can check out the full listing here!

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