With its traditional layout and lively leaf-sprung rear, the Capri is one of the original boy racer favourites and it’s hard to resist the temptation of a few tail-out moments whenever you drive one.

If you start with the four-cylinder Pinto-powered models or 2.8 Cologne V6 then there’s a whole world of bolt-on gear out there too. One of the first things to bear in mind  is that you’ll need bigger rims than the 13-inchers found on many four-cylinder cars if you’re planning to fit bigger brakes at any point.

Couple this with the fact that performance rubber can be difficult to find for the 13-inch wheels and it makes sense to move to a 15-inch wheel, the Ford RS-style seven-spokers being a favourite. Remember, you’re limited to a maximum width of 7 inches on all models, but modern performance tyres can transform the car.

As far as getting more performance goes, as John Hill at the Capri Club International points out, the chances are your Capri’s exhaust will need replacing anyway, so it makes sense to switch to a 2” performance system as they’re the same price as a standard replacement. Pair it with a tubular manifold set-up and you’ll find the car is livened up, with the V6 sounding much throatier too.

PRODUCED:     1977-1987
ENGINE:     1998cc 4 cyl, 2792cc V6
PRICES:     £500 (tatty) to £5000
UPSIDE:     As simple as a Cortina
DOWNSIDE:     As simple as a Cortina...
WHY YOU WANT ONE:    Mustang lite looks
CLUBS:     Capri Club International: 01386 860860/www.capriclub.co.uk
SPECIALISTS:    Capri Gear: www.caprigear.co.uk/ 01507 343148
PARTS PRICES:
Spax inserts (pair)    £162
Lowered coil springs (pair)    £48
2 performance exhaust (4 cyl)    £165
Tubular manifold (4 cyl)    £142
Four-pot brake upgrade    £486
Prices inclusive of VAT

Read the full article in the April 2012 issue of Classic Car Mart - available to buy here.