Fast Facts:

• A well-tuned restomod, built over twelve years in tribute to the Cobra and wearing the iconic white and blue livery

• The conscientiously developed 351 Cleveland V8 under the hood is reported to have a modest 3,000 km on it since the build

• Fully engineered in Victoria and certified for registration in the state

The Details:

Offered from 22-year ownership, this 1971 Ford Capri Mk I restomod was built up over a twelve year period into a magnificent street machine, evoking the mighty Shelby Cobra while maintaining a strong connection to the Capri’s own performance pedigree.

The model was famously pitched as the car you always promised yourself, and was well loved at the time for its style and handling. The larger engined specifications were met with particular praise, and the platform was well suited to motor sport, going on to earn an enviable reputation in touring car racing both in Australia and abroad.

This particular car rose from somewhat humble origins, rolling out of Ford’s Homebush plant in 1600 Deluxe guise. It is now equipped with a 351 Cleveland V8 built up with a long list of choice internals. This is paired with a C9 automatic transmission, 2450 high-stall converter, MSD ignition and modified valve body. 

A Castlemaine Rod Shop chassis strengthening kit, custom 9-inch differential and tailshaft and upgraded brakes and calipers round out the mechanical specifications. 

The Capri is reported to be accompanied by dyno charts showing the tune at 450 horsepower, and we understand the engine to have covered approximately 3,000 km since the build. The seller reports the car to have been fully engineered and certified in Victoria, and it wears corresponding Victorian engineering approval and modification plates. 

Finished in white with blue body striping, riding Superlite wheels and wearing Cobra-style badging, bonnet scoop and rear spoiler, the Capri has a presence that more than matches its inspiration. However, the seller notes that it is not a show car. The restoration is older and the car has been driven, shown and enjoyed, doing some wedding work along the way.

A small blemish or possible paint bubble is noted above the left rear wheel arch. Additionally, a bonnet catch failure in 2018 led to some damage to the bonnet, windscreen and hinges. This was repaired with a custom fibreglass bonnet, but the fit is reported to be imperfect. 

The Capri boasts a full GT interior with original high-back bucket seats, woodgrain dash fascia, centre console, aftermarket steering wheel and an impressively upgraded audio package that includes a boot-mounted sub and rear parcel-shelf speakers. The tachometer and Smiths clock are reported to not be working.

It has been registered in Victoria on modified vehicle plates, but the seller will make ‘COBRA’ plates available should the right offer be made.

Offered out of a caring 22-year ownership, this 1971 Ford Capri Mk I ‘Cobra Evocation’ boasts a commanding presence that’s backed up by a highly considered and recently completed mechanical package. We’re sure it’ll catch your eye just as it did ours.

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