VA13319 Ford Capri MkI 3.0 GXL - Daytona Yellow (Richard Hammond's The Smallest Cog)

This Vanguards 1:43 Ford Capri die-cast model represents one built in September 1973, making it one of the last three-litre GXLs produced at Dagenham before production of the Mk1 ceased. The Mk2 Capri was launched in February 1974 but entered production sometime before then so that dealers had stock on launch day.

This car was not registered until February 1974, so was probably displayed in a showroom for some time to attract footfall, something for which its top specification and eye-catching colour made it eminently suitable. In August 1999, it was purchased by its fourth owner, lifelong Capri enthusiast, Ray Cross. He was based in Essex, like the three previous owners.

Ray bought the car partially restored and finished it in April 2000. He enjoyed taking it to classic car events and won Best Ford at a rally in Chigwell in 2002.

Unfortunately, coming out of Brands Hatch in summer 2004, another car drove into the nearside rear. Instead of just repairing the damaged area, Ray stripped the whole Capri for a bare-metal respray that was completed in 2006. Sadly, his circumstances changed, and it remained unfinished until he reluctantly sold it in May 2023 because he was about to lose access to its garage.

It was purchased by TV presenter and proprietor of The Smallest Cog, Richard Hammond, who modified it before taking it on a grand African adventure.

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