1973 FORD CAPRI

1973 Ford Capri Mk1 GT XLR – Cosworth YB Turbo – Daytona Yellow

This is a very reluctant sale of my 1973 Ford Capri Mk1, finished in Daytona Yellow and fitted with a genuine Cosworth YB Turbo engine and Tremec T5 gearbox.

I've wanted a Capri for as long as I can remember. Owning one was always on the list, and just over four years ago, I finally bought this car. At the time it was already a very solid, well-presented example that had previously been converted from its original V4 engine to a 2.0 Pinto and Type 9 five-speed gearbox.

The long-term vision was always the same: to build the Cosworth-powered Mk1 Capri I had imagined owning for years.

Over the last four years, that vision has gradually become reality.

The result is not a stripped-out race car or an unfinished project, but a properly built, usable classic that retains the character and appearance that made me fall in love with Capri's in the first place, while benefiting from one of Ford's most iconic performance engines.

It has been a hugely enjoyable car to own and one that attracts attention and conversation wherever it goes. Selling it is not a decision I've taken lightly, but with other projects and commitments now demanding my time, I've reluctantly decided it's time for the Capri to move on to its next custodian.

The V5 is registered as a Capri 2000 GT XLR. The car is a 1973 Mk1 and, while I cannot verify the factory specification beyond the documentation, this designation remains recorded on the V5.

The odometer currently shows approximately 50,000 miles. Based on the overall condition of the vehicle, I believe this may be genuine, although I do not have sufficient historical documentation to verify the mileage with certainty.

Engine & Drivetrain

• Genuine Cosworth YB Turbo engine

• Tremec T5 gearbox

• L6 ECU management

• 3 bar MAP sensor

• Pocketed pistons

• Airtec front-mounted intercooler

• Airtec radiator

• Twin electric cooling fans

• Custom single-piece propshaft

Based on comparable YB builds, power is estimated in the region of 250–280 bhp, although the car has not been dyno tested.

Chassis & Brakes

• Gaz adjustable front strut inserts

• New front calipers and pads

• Rear drums rebuilt with new shoes and wheel cylinders

• Braided brake lines

• New copper brake pipes

• Servo rebuilt with new seals

Additional Modifications

• Battery relocated to boot

• Fuel pump and filter relocated to boot

• Ford Mustang slot magnesium wheels

• Four new 205/60/13 tyres

• Lightweight fibreglass bonnet

Interior

• Fully adjustable leather Audi TT front seats

• Original rear seats in excellent condition

• Additional gauges fitted

Included with Sale; All Original Retained Items (Stored Correctly)

• Original Cloth/Vinyl reclining front seats - excellent condition

• Original Bonnet - great condition requires repaint

• Original Stereo - unsure of condition requires testing

• Original chrome trim - excellent condition

The engine bay was prepared and repainted during the conversion, with modifications carried out to accommodate the intercooler and cooling package.

The car starts, runs and drives very well and presents extremely well for a 52-year-old classic. It is not a concours restoration and, as with any modified classic Ford, should be viewed with realistic expectations. What it is, however, is an honest and highly usable Capri with a genuine Cosworth YB installation, a strong mechanical specification and a great deal of character.

Underside photographs, engine number photographs, casting/stamping photographs, walkaround videos and cold-start videos are available for serious buyers.

£39,995 or nearest offers.

Serious enquiries welcome.