Corgi Vanguards Ford Capri Mk2 1.6 GT, Purple Velvet

The Capri modelled was first registered on 1st October 1974, by Taw Garages, Barnstable, Devon, a Ford main dealer. It stayed in this area, with the same family, until March 2009 when it was offered for sale via an online auction, with an MOT and showing a documented 70,000 miles. It was bought, unseen, by Lincolnshire-based Stephen Reedman, a longstanding Capri enthusiast who had always loved the colour, and liked this example’s distinctive registration plate.

He was also attracted by the fact it was an early car, a rare XL, which is a trim level that was only produced from the Mk2’s launch in February 1974 until September when it was replaced by GL. Stephen got a lift to Devon in a friend’s lorry, and was pleased the car was as advertised. Just as he was about to drive off however, it stopped running.The fault was traced to a blown fuse, which was fixed with silver paper, and held all day.

He and his two Capri enthusiast sons, Scott and Mark, enjoyed driving the car and taking it to events, consequently in October 2009 they asked Martin Pawson at Capri Gear in Lincolnshire to restore it. He welded various new panels into the bodyshell, rebuilt the engine and fitted poly-bushed 2.8i suspension to improve the handling.

In early 2013 the finished car was featured in Classic Ford magazine and always draws admiring crowds at classic car shows.