Oldest Surviving Capri?

[Andrew 2.8i]

Hi Everyone,
I was looking through my Capri photos and came across this 1300 mk1:



I noticed that it was registered on the 28th February 1969, only 26 days after the Capri went on sale. Is this the oldest surviving Capri?

Andrew.

[Caprifan Rob]

I noticed that it was registered on the 28th February 1969, only 26 days after the Capri went on sale. Is this the oldest surviving Capri?

Can't be many left older than that, must be even rarer with that engine / spec too. Would still like to own it though.
Nice find,
Rob

[Andrew 2.8i]

Can't be many left older than that, must be even rarer with that engine / spec too. Would still like to own it though.

Hi Rob,
Good point. There aren't any badges on the back, so I would guess that it's an L spec car, I'm pretty sure it doesn't have the XL or XLR package. Going through the figures on howmanyleft.co.uk, the number of 1300L mk1s remaining don't even get into double figures. One of only three left from 1969.

Andrew.

[fordperv]

^ It's registered as a 1300 XL

[Andrew 2.8i]

^ It's registered as a 1300 XL

Hi,
Thanks for that info. In that case, it's one of only 6 mk1 1300XL that are registered, 3 from 1969.

There's only 111 1969 Capris in total still registered with the DVLA.

Andrew.

[andy a]

I used to own UFH 9G, 1300 XL, which I sold last year, or was it the year before, I forget, registered 17th of Feb '69..

[Andrew 2.8i]

Hi Andy,
Judging by the photo, that looks to be a stunning example of a very early car.
I hope the new owner has maintained the good condition, although as it hasn't been taxed since 2014, I fear the worst.

Andrew.

[andy a]

Hi Andrew,

She looked a bit better in the picture than she was in the flesh, I ran it as a daily for a couple of years in good weather, but it was well due for some work, and would've sat behind the GT for years, so it's gone to a new home, and is currently undergoing a full restoration, still miss the old thing if I'm honest,

Andy

[Caprifan Rob]

still miss the old thing if I'm honest,

I know what you mean, miss a load of cars I've sold in the past too. Looked a nice one in the picture, hope the GT is coming along slowly.

[Andrew 2.8i]

and is currently undergoing a full restoration

Hi Andy,
Great news! It would be a real pity to lose one of the very earliest survivors.

Andrew.

[Caprifan Rob]

Great news! It would be a real pity to lose one of the very earliest survivors.

Would be great to see it finished, it looks like a good starting point, mk1s are a lovely shape, would like my old one back now ..

[andy a]

It was a difficult decision to let it go tbh, I put it in storage for a bit, but knowing the problems I've had sourcing parts for the GT I didn't fancy trying to find parts for 2 of them

The GT is still sitting there while I gather parts, I'm getting down the list slowly ( a lot slower than I thought, or want), and it's been in danger of being sold a couple of times, but then I go down there and do a small job, or just pull it out into daylight and I get my enthusiasm back, even if I do hate the facelift front end, so I guess it's here to stay now

The hope is that once I've got all the parts for the body restoration I'll just send it in somewhere and get a complete, painted shell back, the question is, as I've heard from several owners, where do you send it, finding a good body man now isn't easy, and the guy who was always going to do the job has retired due to ill health, a friend got a quote on his Mk1 from the place that sprung straight to mind , £20,000 + VAT, add in the trim and mechanicals, plus the parts already purchased and it could end up at £50k, I don't fancy being the man with the 50 grand GT, so the hunt goes on

[Desert_Jim]

Hello!

I think it might be me. Well my Capri...

The VIN determines it as being built in November '68 and according to the guys at the Mk1 Register, it's the lowest chassis number.

Before I moved overseas, it was my daily drive (I'm not kidding) and I would happily drive around the country in it - It's somewhat dogged appearance (and the difficulties in getting it started) meaning that any potential theft was likely avoided

It's been in store for the last three years. I was hoping to restore it in time for the Capri's 50th anniversary. But some personal issues have mean that that Capri was the last thing on my mind. I only stumbled across this post as I had just started researching again to determine what to do with it.

Here's a picture of it in considerably better health than it is now.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/81018118@N02/7649158228

Credit to Paul Cheetham for the photo.

[Jasonmarie]

So you have the oldest Capri in the world . ( say them words like Clarkson )
No it’s a shame you can’t get that up and running again for next years 50th . Nice car my grandad had a mk1 in red from fords and it was the first car I went in when he pick me up when I was born .

[Andrew 2.8i]

Hi and welcome to the forum!
As Jason says, it's a pity that the car won't be ready for the 50th anniversary celebrations. As it's likely to be the oldest Capri at any show, it is bound to attract a lot of attention.
Do you have any more recent photos of your car?

Andrew.

[andyd]

To you and the Capri

Hope you get the car sorted again



Found this (although quite old) http://www.caprimk1ownersclub.com/gary.htm