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I've been watching the reruns of The Professionals on Men & Motors recently. I'm getting the urge to bid for this, get myself a perm, a too-tight leather jacket and a card with CI-5 on it......
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37 to 45, don't tell Alpha Bravo that in last night's episode, his Granada went from having no driving lamps to having them and back again!
Granada 2.8i Ghia X
Wow!
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I love watching the Professionals, partly due to the old cars! I drive a 82 Granada Ghia, a superb motor and would love to get my hands on a 'new' car like this Cortina!
I note Cowley in the Professionals gets ferried about in a red Mk 2 Granada Ghia like mine, I think my GF is sick of me constantly pointing it out....
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But do you have a big old fashioned telephone in the back seat?
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Considering the number of Cortinas built, it is surprising they are so rare now. In fact, I have seen more Mk 1's still in use than any of the others. The Mk 3 in particular disappeared very quickly after production ended. My favourite was always the Mk 2, particularly the Lotus version and the 1600E.
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Strange that they say the car is un-registered but that the V5 registration document is present? :-)
I'll be suprised if the car is anything other than new though, the bodywork has a better new car shine on it than most new Fords do today thanks to their shoddy transportation from the factory.
Blue
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I wonder what state the engine is in having not been run for 23 years!!! surely that should cause some problems, and im reliably informed they only cost about £2000 new!!!!
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Im a student ive got time!!!
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Probably due to the low quality of steel used in the 70s. There also seems to be more Mk I Capris around than MkIIs. My dad had a 75N 1.6XL and it was rusting at 3 years - he traded it in for a 78S German built 2.0 Ghia which was still rust free when it was nicked in 1986.
Same with Jags - MkII Leyland XJ6s are rare compared with MkIs
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Take a look at this page, chaps.
www.personal.u-net.com/~carnfort/Professionals/pro...m
(RichardM. Another Professionals fan).
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PAh, bin there done that. While it was being shown the first time, me and my mates were rushing around in newish capris, granadas and escorts. I even had a bubble perm.
And you should see the other fella!
The Mk4 was an ok car, I have to vehemently disagree with Mark here, the Mk3's were an absolute abomination that coke bottle shape was disgusting, and the dash on the early models were awful!
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I told my Dad about it thinking he'd be really impressed (he had one) and all he could say was, it was crap. Better than the Orion which he had after his speight of Capri's though.
Speaking of which, the rear lights don't half look like the ones off the Orion of old don't they?
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Adam
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Your old man had an orion? runs in the family then?
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You'd think so wouldn't you? ;-)
He hated it. It got nicked and then he moved onto a Golf Gti.
Be very careful how you insult his car choice RF - he had about 6 consecutive 2.8 and 3.0 Capri's before the Orion. You had a Capri didn't you mate?
;-)
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Adam
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My grandfather had 1976 'P' reg Cortina Mk III fresh from the factory - 18 months later it had severe rust on the arches and the door bottoms were starting to go - maybe this is why you don't see many now!
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My grandfather had 1976 'P' reg Cortina Mk III fresh from the factory - 18 months later it had severe rust on the arches and the door bottoms were starting to go - maybe this is why you don't see many now!
If you knew how scary that is - your GRANDFATHER did you say!!!
I had a new Ford straight from the factory in 1959 - it's not fair, now you've made me feel old!
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I had several, made a man of me did the Ford Capri!
Why was it, for a trully horrid car, that Ford orions were always getting nicked?
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God knows. Maybe dead easy to nick.
I would have a Capri in a shot. Not a rusty old 1.6 Laser but a nice big powerhouse.
If I had the money, I'd buy a decent one for the weekend.
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Adam
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It has to be a Mk1 (facelifted), none of this hatchback rubbish.
www.fordcapri.co.uk/mk1show/gallery.htm
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Don't get too excited about the standard Mk3 Capri 2.8i - most decent modern hot hatches would leave it for dead. Mind you, the V6 still sounds good, and 130mph top speed and 0-60 in 7.8s probably feels a whole lot scarier than the bare numbers might suggest.
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It's not about speed with something like that. It's about:
1) Noise
2) Which wheels are being driven - the best wheels
3) It's a Capri
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Adam
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The Mk1 three litre had a massive 128bhp and could reach the staggering speed of 114mph! Pah you think and you would be right.
However I doubt* you would find a more tail happy beast of a car, that was quite prepared to bite you in the botty if you "dissed" her. Handle her right however and she would wag her tail quite happily for you all day, all weathers.
*yes all right there are a few but this was firmly one of them
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Yeah yeah Adski/RF, like, whatever! The Capri is/was a dodgy old Cortina-based sheep in wolf's clothing, and only clings on to its coolness thanks to the enduring kitsch appeal of The Professionals. If you want an affordable 1980s coupe, get an Opel Manta.
(goes back to browsing the Autotrader website for newish 1.8 MX5s - almost as quick as the 2.8 Capri and a whole lot nicer to drive)
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Andyconda wash out your mouth!
Put it like this (dont know how long this will last on here but I will give a try ;) )
During the late 60s and most of the 70's would your average girl drop em for a Manta?
I know the answer for the Ford! ;)
Manta? wasnt that a mark 1 cavalier-based sheep in sheeps clothing?
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My Uncle had a Manta. Better than the Capri? Ha. He's my uncle!!!
I've never seen a full episode of The Professionals in my life by the way. That Bodey got on my nerves too much.
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Adam
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I've always liked the looks of the Capri, but I drove a 2.0 ages ago and found it to be a massive letdown. Think I've been spoilt with modern cars - maybe I should try a 2.8 instead.
PS Roger Jones, I read your earlier thread about restoring your old 2.8 Capri, and it sounds very interesting. Good on you for helping to preserve motoring history. Mid you, I'd still rather drive your Golf VR6...
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(goes back to browsing the Autotrader website for newish 1.8 MX5s - almost as quick as the 2.8 Capri and a whole lot nicer to drive)
It may be almost as quick and nicer to drive but the MX5 and it's owners have a 'certain' reputation whereas the Capri is pure manliness.
I'd consider a capri as a second car although it would have to be either a 280 Brooklands or a Tickford!
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The Capri is pure manliness?? In a "chest-wig and Brut 33" kind of way, maybe!
I've never had my masculinity questioned whilst driving a 5. The Capri was immensely popular in its day as an affordable RWD sports car, and the MX5 occupies a similar position today. The technology may have changed in the last twenty years, but the target market remains similar.
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You have to face facts. An MX5 is up there with the 206 as a hairdresser's car.
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Adam
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You have to face facts. An MX5 is up there with the 206 as a hairdresser's car. -- Adam
Agreed :-)
Blue
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OK, two points to make.
First, Adski, you said "I would have a Capri in a shot. Not a rusty old 1.6 Laser but a nice big powerhouse. If I had the money, I'd buy a decent one for the weekend." In response to that, I was merely trying to point out that there are other cars offering more performance and better handling for the money, and that the Capri is often hyped beyond its true capabilities. The MX5 was offered as an example that "humble" modern four cylinder sports cars could easily keep up with a 2.8 Capri.
Second, I defended the "hairdresser" image a million times while I had an MX5, but I'll do it again here. It seems that almost EVERY sub-£20k convertible is described as a hairdresser's car (usually by fat, balding motor journalists who'd prefer to hide in a saloon). MGF, MR2, 206 CC, Megane CC... all get described as hairdressers' cars. Even the BMW Z3 and Merc SLK sometimes don't escape the description. Just about the only convertibles that aren't hairdressers' cars are TVRs, Porsches, Ferraris and 70s classics. Most motor magazines agree that (with the exception of the Lotus Elise) the MX5 is the best handling car you can buy for under £20k. Given that we all moan about constant restrictions on speed, surely the best way to have fun in a car these days is to buy one that handles well?
If I get another MX5 in the future, I'll look forward to seeing you in the rear-view mirror as I leave you for dead on a twisty road.
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You're missing the point andy.
I don't want blistering performance and superb handling. I want a Capri. I want to hear the growl when you open it up. It won't handle as good as my Focus but I still want one.
It will never go out of date. To me anyway.
Wet day + RWD + Roundabout + Acceleration = Fun.
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Adam
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I don't want blistering performance.
That's obvious - you drive a Focus!
I want a Capri. It will never go out of date.
That's cool, I'm not trying to tell anyone what they should and shouldn't drive. I used to want a Capri too, but as I said, I drove one a while back and found that the Cortina-based reality didn't live up to the hype.
Think it's time for me to head over to www.pistonheads.com, where they know a good drivers car when they see one, and don't just trot out lazy cliches about hairdressers' cars when an MX5 is mentioned!
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>>Think it's time for me to head over to www.pistonheads.com
Bye then.
Anyone is welcome here, even hairdressers, but it isn't compulsory. If you don't like it, then don't torture yourself.
And I do think the MX5 is a hairdresser's car. And I am entitled to that opinion, even if it is opinionated drivel. So get off your high horse. I suppose you'll check the cars I've owned now to verify as to whether or not that opinion is acceptable ?
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Lets get a couple of things right here.
The Capri was a "lifestyle" car. It was never marketed or sold as a sports car, nor on its performance or handling (just as well - both were carp). It was purely aspirational and sold on looks. And sex appeal, and boy did it have plenty of that. It was, in the late 60's and early 70's a boys dream car, that you could aspire to because it was affordable and available.
Later, as the times changed and the capri became old hat style wise it became a bit of a joke, as it did nothing well.
That was only changed when the 2.8i and the Brooklands came out, when it became a fun 4 seat 2 door sports coupe. The Brooklands is and will always be a classic then now and in the future. An MX5 will never be.
MX5? sorry it is THE hairdresser car, also driven by wooly woofters who have small yappy dogs, and men with beards, who drink cloudy real ale and claim its the sister of the MG.
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Completely agree.
Listen to the man. He knows what he's on about!
Sadly, the only Capri I've ever had a go in was a 2.0. Not one I would have but I did like it.
Bring on the Brooklands.
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Adam
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Listen to the man. He knows what he's on about!
No, he doesn't! I've read his history of cars owned, and (Capri 3.1 aside) he doesn't seem to have owned many sports cars.
I'm really disappointed with the amount of outdated cliches that have been used, and it seems that this forum is more about second or third-hand "pub talk" than true informed opinion.
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Look mate, you're taking this to heart too much.
We like Capri's, you don't. You like the MX5 and we (or at least I) appreciate how good a car it is but it is seen by most as a hair engineer's car.
You're driving a Fiesta at the moment don't you? We can all play the "What car you drive" game.
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Adam
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Yes he does
He may not have owned all the sports cars under the sun, but in 32 years driving there are not many he has not driven, (the neighbours Porsche two weekends ago for example or the guy three doors down who is a merc salesman and lets me have a bash in the miriad of cars he brings home every night - I have been promised a drive in the new A type this w/e)
Not to mention driving astons round Silverstone, The original golf GTI around oulton park, numerous exotica around castle combe, Vauxhall VX220 around the bowl at Milbrook, Elise at Snetterton, a lap record holder at *Brands Hatch, rallied a Mk1 escort and a works sierra cossie 4x4.
*(Ok it was in a Transit Minibus full of disabled kiddies had to do the indy as it wouldnt fit under the bridge on the GP)
Now at 28, apart from your MX5 with your yappy dog in it and your Fiesta, what have you driven?
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I thought we weren't going to play the "what car do you drive" game. I've driven a Golf 1.8T, Puma 1.7, Jag X-type, Range Rover (at LR's Castle Bromwich off-road proving ground), various Mondeos, Focus RS, new Thunderbird, and many others. I worked for Ford for eighteen months and enjoyed driving many of their fine cars.
I don't have a problem with people having differences of opinion on cars. If I like the 5 and you like the Capri, then that's fine. What irritates me is when people who have never driven a particular car spout an endless stream of cliched drivel about it. As an example, some guy on this forum asked for real-world experience of the BMW 3-series compact recently, and all he got was a load of dumb "it's not a proper BMW" comments from people who had never driven one. And that was before today's ill-informed "all MX5s are for poofs/girls/dwarves" nonsense.
If I want ill-informed pub talk from people who haven't actually driven the cars they're talking about, then I'll go to a pub and get that!
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"And that was before today's ill-informed "all MX5s are for poofs/girls/dwarves" nonsense."
Don?t forget eunuchs. A large percentage of MX5s are bought by eunuchs.
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I think I get it now: the backroom experts seem to agree that an MX5 is for a female hairdressing eunuch poofter.
Mazda sells an awful lot of MX5s, so it seems that conventional wisdom has massively understimated the world's population of female hairdressing eunuch poofters.
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And Oompa Loompas. You see a lot of MX5s being driven by Oompa Loompas.
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And Oompa Loompas. You see a lot of MX5s being driven by Oompa Loompas.
Why the manatee that lives near me has to shoehorn herself into one every morning is beyond me...It ain't pretty :o(
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Does it flap about a lot in the wind with the top down?
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I get it. It isn't NoWheels any more is it NW. It's MX5. Come on. You can tell us.
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Adam
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I get it. It isn't NoWheels any more is it NW. It's MX5. Come on. You can tell us.
I'm not a hairdresser :)
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>>I'm not a hairdresser :) <<
No comment ;-)
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Adam
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I had to ask - funny how this didn't get added to the questions list at the bottom of the auction...
""...just because it hasn't been driven does not mean to say it hasn't been started."
Surely as you work in the motor trade you know that this is worse for an engine than leaving it standing, as the condensation formed internally never gets 'burnt off'. Plus I bet it's had the same oil in it for most if not all of those 23 years. What about the rubber components like bushes? I would imagine they will need replacing soon after being used for the first time in two decades...."
Over the last two decades this vehicle has been stored in a prestige collection worth over 10 million pounds, it has been stored in a temperature controlled environment with 2 full time mechanics attending to it's every need. If you feel that this car is not right for you and feel that you may have problems in the future then please refrain from bidding. Thank you
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It seems that almost EVERY sub-£20k convertible is described as a hairdresser's car (usually by fat, balding motor journalists who'd prefer to hide in a saloon). MGF, MR2, 206 CC, Megane CC... all get described as hairdressers' cars. Even the BMW Z3 and Merc SLK sometimes don't escape the description.
That would probably be down to the above mentioned cars being bought by one of three groups of people. 1) Women 2) Hairdressers or 3) Gays
They are all pretty much style over substance and no self respecting male would be seen dead driving one. Should i spend £15k on a brand new MX5 or do i spend the same amount on a used BMW M3 Evo convertible, a Caterham or even a nice 911 convertible?
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"That would probably be down to the above mentioned cars being bought by one of three groups of people. 1) Women 2) Hairdressers or 3) Gays"
Don?t forget 4) Short blokes
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It's great fun seeing the expressions on the faces of hot-hatch drivers as I pass them in my 1984 Capri 2.8i. It was never first off the mark, but its high-speed cruising stability and its acceleration in the 60-80+ mph range are comforting. It remains a fun car that brings a smile to not only my face but to those of many who see it; I often have people striking up conversations at filling stations. At 68k I'm looking forward to getting at least another ten years out of it. It's totally free of rust, but then I've driven it since new and it was dormant in a dry garage for 13 years. It hasn't missed a beat since restoration 18 months ago.
If anyone is interested in the restoration story, it's at:
tinyurl.com/6ttbv
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P.S. And, yes, it does sound good, especially with the SS exhaust that I fitted last year. Wave if you see me on the A505 between Luton and Hitchin between 1.30 and 2.00 today.
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Have you got any pictures of it Roger?
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Adam
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>>Speaking of which, the rear lights don't half look like the ones off the Orion of old don't they?>>
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Well Adam with very slight modification you can fit early Orion taillights to a Cortina Mk5. Just a small piece of plastic needs to be cut away.
I know this 'cos i modified my '80 2.0GL back in 1987 with '84 Orion lights. It looked the 'biz!
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Well Adam with very slight modification you can fit early Orion taillights to a Cortina Mk5
Maybe Adam could fit them to his Cortina Mark 7 to improve its steeet cred
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I think you'll find Miss Wheels that the Scorpio was the Mark 7 - mine is in fact the Mark 9.
Imagos - I can picture you working away sticking those lights on, having cut your hands to pieces and then stepping back admiring the job!
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Adam
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