"The Ford Capri was the Ford Mustang of Europe. A mind boggling array of options meant that the Capri could be whatever you wanted it to be; just like the Mustang. The Capri was released to the press on 24th January 1969 at the Brussels Motor Show and caused a sensation. For the 1982 model year, a new sporty version debuted at the Geneva Motor Show called the 2.8 Injection. Power rose to a claimed 160bhp giving a top speed of 130mph. 
Tickford were coachbuilders owned by Aston Martin and in 1981, Aston Martin created an engineering service subsidiary choosing the name 'Aston Martin Tickford', rekindling the specialist service available to all vehicle makers, which had been the Tickford philosophy for the first half of the century. The Tickford Capri was a successful project with 86 vehicles being reworked by the coachbuilder; this example is number 56 from the production run. Mechanically, there are a number of changes most notably the fitting of a front mounted turbocharger, rear disc brakes were standard on the Tickford and suspension modifications like Bilstein dampers fitted together with a limited slip differential. Cosmetically the Capri was treated to a subtle bodykit and revised front grille. The extensive modifications continued with the interior. Leather surfaces were added, although the seats remained cloth (leather seats were an option). Wood was added to the dashboard and centre consol. The result of the extensive modifications by Tickford is a Capri that is quick, handles well and has the necessary braking power for such a machine. The process of converting a Capri started with transporting new car bodies from Germany and stripping them down at Tickford’s facility in England. The process was cumbersome and inefficient, which no doubt contributed to doubling the cost of the original donor car. After literally being taken apart and re-assembled (by hand), the price virtually trebled to £14,747.77 
This example has been featured in the Tickford Owners Club magazine and is clearly a well cared for example. The low mileage of 41,025 is supported by a comprehensive history folder. Recently the clutch thrust bearing was replaced and as the gearbox was removed the vendor had new bearings fitted to the gearbox at the same time. Producing some 205 bhp we are advised she drives with no known faults. During our inspection, the 2792cc engine started immediately when requested and sounded delightful. Showing no signs of corrosion the bodywork is in very good order, the Diamond white paintwork virtually unblemished. The grey velour trim is in lovely condition and is best described as commensurate with age and mileage. Supplied with a V5C registration document and a current MoT test certificate valid until November 2018 together with the original service books, bill of sale and pepperpot alloy wheels. The classic Ford market has been very buoyant of late with Capri’s being particularly sought after. With an estimated 40 Tickford Capri’s surviving these are probably the rarest and most coveted."