Registration No: JKH 732L
Chassis No: GAECNB06187
MOT: Exempt

• Rare Cologne-built Mk1 Capri produced for the US market
• Potent Cologne 2.6 litre V6 engine variant
• Definite 'Bullitt' vibes, thanks to its distinctive colour scheme
• Californian import and current UK ownership since 2019

Designed by Ford of Britain, the first generation Capri was built in both right- and left-hand drive guises. The sleek, two-door, Fastback Coupe was styled by Philip T. Clark (who had also had a hand in the Mustang) and had more than a touch of transatlantic glamour about it. Very much a ‘sporty compact’ by American standards, examples shipped there were manufactured in Cologne, Germany and sold through the Blue Oval’s prestigious Lincoln-Mercury division from April 1970 onwards. Visually distinguished from their European siblings by quad, circular headlights and a ‘power dome’ hood, US-bound Capris were initially powered by four-cylinder engines. A 2.6 litre ‘Cologne’ V6 was added to the engine line-up for 1972 becoming the first American-market vehicle catalogued by the Ford Motor Company with a V6 powerplant. The addition of unsightly impact bumpers in 1974 lessened the visual appeal of what Ford described as ‘the sexy European’ but sales remained decent as the ‘fuel crisis’ bit. Reworked by Weslake (complete with alloy cylinder heads), the Cologne 2.6 litre V6 went on to power the RS2600 homologation models. Even in standard tune, the 2.6 litre was rated at 123bhp and 151lbft of torque.

This 2.6-litre Cologne V6 engined example of the Mercury Capri was supplied new to the target market of the United States of America, residing there for the vast majority of its life. Imported to the United Kingdom from California in 2018, the Capri is finished in the distinctive colour scheme of Green Metallic paintwork with a Satin Black bonnet, very much evoking the 'Bullitt' Mustang. The exterior appearance is completed with split-rim style alloys and Matt Black bumpers, while the interior is trimmed in luxurious Black leather upholstery and features a deep-dish Springalex steering wheel. Registered on British roads in 2018 as ‘JKH 732L’, the Capri has been in current ownership since 2019.

Offered now with just shy of 40,000 miles showing on the odometer, the Capri is accompanied by import documentation, copies of Californian titles, previous MOT certificates, and a current V5C document. Undoubtedly cool, the Capri with its potent Cologne V6 and ‘Bullitt’-esque colour scheme is sure to turn heads. The vendor informs us that it “provides rapid acceleration, precise handling and responsive steering”. If you want something a bit different in the Fast Ford crowd, then this is certainly a more than viable option!

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452