Ford Capri 280 Brooklands Turbo Technics | Spotted

Get on your best tracksuit and dig out your favourite cassette - there's an icon in our midst

By Matt Bird / Monday, 7 September 2026 / Loading comments

Everybody knows the Ford Capri. Lots of people love the Ford Capri. Which is why it was the ideal name for Ford to resurrect, because it didn’t need any marketing or explanation. The new Capri could hardly have been more different to the old Capri, but that didn’t matter - the name would stick. And in a packed EV SUV sector, recognisability is important.

Though it’s still hard to imagine now, there was a long time where the original Capri was simply too common to be considered much of a classic. They were everywhere, and not deemed worth saving, because there’d always be another one. Until there wasn’t. What were banger racers and £200 scrap and Sheds of the Week were gone, almost overnight.

40 years after the last Capris were made, there remains plenty of love for all of them, but some stand out above the rest. The 280 ‘Brooklands’ is certainly one, the lavishly equipped last of the line special made as young enthusiasts moved from coupes to hot hatches. What Ford could hardly give away in the 80s is the collectors special now.

But this isn’t any old Capri 280 (Brooklands is an unofficial name that stuck), because it’s a Turbo Technics Capri 280. Perhaps the most 80s thing on wheels since a roller disco, and maybe even more exciting as well: power was up to 200hp from 160hp or so. And Capri brakes were never great to start with…

Undoubtedly it’s going to draw a crowd. Driving the final 280 close to Ford’s heritage HQ was like driving an F40 in Maranello (probably), kids pointing and old men wanting to chat. And that’s before seeing under the bonnet.

This one was recently restored as well, refurbished from top to bottom by a marque specialist so it really should be as good as new. What couldn’t be repaired was replaced, the underside is said to be immaculate, and you’ve never seen better shiny interior plastics. Even after seeing dozens of Capris in the classifieds, this one appears a real gem. It was actually a recent competition prize, but the winner opted for the cash instead, so now it’s up for sale. And in the slightly mad world of classic fast Fords in the mid-2020s, £35k doesn’t seem daft. Best get planning a 40th anniversary road trip…

SPECIFICATION | FORD CAPRI 280 BROOKLANDS TURBO TECHNICS

Engine: 2,792cc, turbo V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 160@5,700rpm (standard)
Torque (lb ft): 162@5,700rpm (standard)
MPG: N/A
CO2: It was 1986…
Year registered: 1987
Recorded mileage: 36,000
Price new: £11,999 (standard)
Yours for: £35,999