VA13321 Ford Capri MkI 3.0 GXL - Fern Green (County Classics Motor Museum)

The Capri modelled is a remarkably original survivor, and one of the most admired exhibits in the County Classics Motor Museum, Taunton, Somerset. It was ordered from Ford main dealers Frank H. Jenkins and Son, Wallingford, Oxfordshire by Mr Brian Kent. He specified many extras including metallic paint, a white vinyl roof, an 8-track cartridge player and radio, a sliding sunroof and uprated headlights. 

He collected the car on 7th September 1973 and initially registered it and insured it through his father as he was then still a young man. He used the Capri sparingly, however, almost exclusively for leisure activities as he had a company car provided for his work as a computer engineer.

Mr Kent maintained the Capri scrupulously, and it was carefully stored in his parent’s garage between 1995 and 2006 while he lived in the USA. He recommissioned the car when he returned to the UK, and it was inspected by the Capri Mk1 Owners Club in 2009 who declared it to be, “an especially unique example of the Capri Mk1 facelift”, because of its amazing original condition, unusual specification and perfect Tan Trim vinyl interior. 

He offered it for sale, with obvious regret, in 2015 when it had still only covered 49,000 miles. It was purchased by collector and Capri lover Patrick Hawkins, who would go on to create the County Classics Motor Museum in 2023, which continues to showcase his fantastic collection.