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Curated Auction

1988 Ford Capri 280 “Brooklands”

At a Glance

Full Nut-and-Bolt Restoration | Concours-Specification Rebuild | Just 137 Miles Since Completion | Finance Available

  • Mileage~137 on the Clock
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine2.8-Litre
  • LocationRamsgate

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more


Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

CURATED AUCTION

Days
HRS
MIN
SEC
CURRENT BID£1,000
See Bidding

AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£1,000

Introduction

Dom Ginn
Professional Consigner

The Ford Capri 280 represented the final chapter of one of Ford’s most recognisable sporting models, giving the Capri a fitting send-off with its distinctive Brooklands Green finish and limited production run.

This 1988 Ford Capri 280 has undergone an extensive nut-and-bolt restoration, having been purchased by the current owner, Gary, as a project around seven years ago. Rather than simply bringing the car back to usable condition, the aim was to rebuild it to a concours standard, with considerable attention given to the bodywork, mechanical components, and overall presentation.

The restoration included taking the body back to bare metal, professionally addressing corrosion, and replacing affected areas with complete body panels rather than relying on localised patches. The engine, gearbox, rear axle, steering rack, and suspension have all been rebuilt, and the car has covered just 137 miles since the restoration was completed.

At the same time a handful of sympathetic mechanical upgrades were carried out, including improvements to the cooling system and a larger camshaft - with Gary estimating output at ~175bhp.

The result is a Capri 280 that has effectively been comprehensively rebuilt from the ground up and presents extremely well throughout.

This listing was written from information supplied by Dom after meeting Gary the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

I’d always wanted a Capri 280 Brooklands, so when the opportunity came up to buy this one around seven years ago, I decided to take it on as a project.

Gary has owned the Capri for approximately seven years, having originally purchased it as a project requiring a substantial restoration.

What followed was far more than a cosmetic refurbishment. Gary embarked upon a complete nut-and-bolt rebuild, with the intention of creating a Capri finished to a concours-level standard.

The work extended throughout the car, encompassing its body, paintwork, engine, gearbox, rear axle, suspension and steering. Particular care was taken with the shell: corrosion was professionally removed and complete replacement panels were fitted where required rather than simply patching affected areas.

With the restoration now complete, the Capri has covered just 137 miles since its rebuild.

Gary would be happy to answer any questions in the comments section below.

Gary
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER

Exterior

The Ford Capri became one of Britain’s most recognisable sporting coupés, combining distinctive fastback styling with accessible performance and everyday usability.

Wheels and Tyres

The Capri sits on its distinctive alloy wheels, which suit the 280 particularly well and form an important part of the model's appearance.

The tyres also appear to have plenty of visible tread remaining.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

image

Bodywork

Bodywork was a major part of the restoration of this Capri.

Gary tells us that all corrosion was professionally removed during the rebuild. Where replacement metal was required, complete body panels were used rather than simply cutting out affected areas and fitting smaller patches.

This formed part of his approach to rebuilding the car properly from the ground up.

Looking across the car today, the panels present particularly well and the Capri retains its unmistakable long-bonnet, fastback profile. The doors, bonnet and tailgate appear to sit neatly from what we could see during our visit.

The black lower bodywork, rear spoiler, and bumpers contrast nicely against the Brooklands Green body.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

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Paint

As part of the restoration, the body was stripped back to bare metal before receiving a complete respray.

The Brooklands Green finish presents extremely well across the car, producing plenty of depth and reflection in good light.

There are only two imperfections: a mark to the paint on the roof and a scratch around the driver's-side rear corner near the fuel filler.

Otherwise, the paintwork appears to be in excellent overall condition following the restoration.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

image

Glass and Trim

The exterior trim presents very smartly throughout, with the Capri's black bumpers, side mouldings, rear spoiler, and window surrounds complementing the dark green bodywork.

The glass appears clear overall, while the lights and lenses at both ends present well.

The red coachline running around the body provides the finishing touch to the exterior and works particularly well against the Brooklands Green paint.

Please view the photos and video below to review the condition of the glass and trim for yourself.

image

Interior

The Capri’s cabin is unmistakably of its era, with a driver-focused layout, plentiful analogue instrumentation, and a wonderfully simple sporting character.

Seats and Carpets

The grey seats with contrasting red piping present very well throughout, including both the front sports seats and matching rear bench.

The grey carpeting also appears clean and well cared for, complemented by fitted floor mats.

Please take a look at the photos and video below to decide on the condition of the seats and carpets for yourself.

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Dashboard

The dashboard presents particularly well, retaining the Capri’s characteristic bank of analogue gauges and straightforward switchgear.

The fascia and surrounding trim appear clean and tidy, maintaining the period appearance of the cabin.

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Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The Ford steering wheel sits neatly ahead of the instrument cluster and presents well, while the manual gear lever and surrounding centre console are similarly tidy.

Together, they complete the simple, driver-focused feel of the Capri’s interior.

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Mechanics

The Capri 280 combines the character of Ford’s 2.8-litre V6 with a rear-wheel-drive chassis, creating the engaging and unmistakably analogue driving experience for which the Capri became known.

Engine and Gearbox

As part of Gary’s comprehensive restoration, both the engine and manual gearbox were fully rebuilt. The engine also benefits from an upgraded cooling system and a larger camshaft, with Gary estimating that it now produces around 175bhp, compared with approximately 160bhp in standard form.

The gearbox operates smoothly, and with just 137 miles covered since the rebuild, the mechanical components have seen very little use since completion.

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Suspension and Brakes

The running gear received equally extensive attention during the restoration. The original Bilstein suspension was fully rebuilt, with new leaf springs fitted at the rear, while the steering rack was also completely rebuilt.

The braking system was recommissioned as part of the overall restoration, resulting in a car that feels tight, composed, and confidence-inspiring on the road.

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The Drive

On the road, the Capri feels remarkably fresh as a result of the scale of the work carried out. The rebuilt V6 pulls strongly, the gearbox changes smoothly, and the refreshed suspension and steering give the car a precise, well-controlled feel.

The slightly uprated engine adds a little more performance without taking away from the character of the original 280, resulting in a Capri that remains engaging and unmistakably old-school to drive.

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Electrics and Other

The electrical systems were checked and recommissioned as part of the nut-and-bolt restoration, with everything reported to operate as it should.

The rear axle was also fully rebuilt, while the upgraded cooling system provides additional reassurance when using the car in modern traffic.

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History and Paperwork

This Capri’s recent history is defined by an extensive nut-and-bolt restoration, with considerable time and investment dedicated to returning the car to an exceptionally high standard.

Gary purchased the Capri as a project around seven years ago and has since overseen a comprehensive rebuild covering virtually every area of the car. The body was taken back to bare metal, corrosion was professionally removed, and full replacement panels were used where required - rather than localised patches.

Mechanically, the engine, gearbox, rear axle and steering rack were rebuilt, while the original Bilstein suspension was refurbished and new rear leaf springs fitted. With the restoration now complete and just 137 miles covered since the rebuild, the scale of the work carried out is evident throughout the car.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Trade Classics Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative (IAR) of AFS Compliance Ltd which is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under firm number 625035. Trade Classics Limited is a vehicle sales business with permission to introduce prospective finance clients to Revered Finance Limited who is also an AR of AFS Compliance Ltd and an independent asset finance brokerage not a lender. We are not independent financial advisors and are unable to provide you with independent financial advice. Trade Classics Limited and Revered Finance Limited will receive payment(s) or other benefit from the finance provider if you decide to enter into an agreement with them. We work with both discretionary and non-discretionary commission models. Commission payments are factored into the interest rate you pay.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
10/03/2026 MOT 63
Key Details
  • Finance Available? Yes - contact us
  • Model Capri 280
  • Transmission Manual
  • Reg. Date 25.03.1988
  • CC 2792
  • Mileage ~135 on the Clock
  • Colour Green
  • Interior Colour Grey
  • Interior Trim Leather
  • Chassis # WF0CXXGAECGG11603
  • Engine # 9911603
  • Restored Yes
  • Engine Rebuild Yes
  • MOT Yes, exp: 09.03.2027
  • HPi Clear Yes - all clear
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Key Feature Concours Restoration
  • Vehicle Registration E26 UVP
  • Auction ID 3894


    Auction Bidding

    Live Bidding
    Current Bid £1,000
    £
    1988 Ford Capri 280 “Brooklands”
    AUCTION STATUS AT STARTING BID
    RESERVE NOT MET RESERVE MET
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    Auction Ends Sat 31st Oct at 7.00pm
    Bidding History
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    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a Ford Capri like this is £181 via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Summer 2026.

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    Vehicle Location

    Ramsgate

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