VALUES

MkIs are strong money now and there’s a demand for the very late MkIIIs too which makes the MkII something of a hidden bargain. Budget on £2000 for a presentable, MoT’d 2-litre, moving up to around £3000 for the 3-litre V6 with really nice cars making around £4000. The 3.0 is more desirable than the later injected 2.8 engine as used in the MkIII.

ENGINE & GEARBOX

• Massive choice of engines from 1300 to 3-litre V6. The 2-litre and Essex V6 are the most popular
• Diff covers can rust to the point where the oil runs out
• Pintos can suffer from noisy worn cams when the oil spray bar gets blocked
• Fibre timing gear on the Essex V6 can strip
• Tuned engine? It’s not a bad thing if it’s been done right
• Don’t dismiss the 2-litre: the tunable Pinto can be made faster than the V6 for not much
• Five-speed gearbox is a popular conversion

STEERING, SUSPENSION

• The Capri uses a leaf-sprung rear end and a broken spring will make it handle like a Flymo
• Front end is the standard Ford MacPherson strut set-up
• Plenty of upgrade options are available to rejuvenate tired cars

To read the complete Buyer's Checklist feature buy the April 2011 issue of Classic Car Mart. Back issues available here.