Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: Varche on 22 December 2021, 19:04:10

Title: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Varche on 22 December 2021, 19:04:10
Every so often we have suggestions that the Omega will/ won’t become a classic.

Here is a thought. In ten years time the average omega will be about 30 years old. Just as the folk who drove them in their hay day are reaching retirement age and unlock cash to spend. Probably no point in putting it in the bank as interest rates may still be v.low. International travel may still be doubtful.

There will still be no new cars to buy ( well a slight exaggeration) but might be true if Covid 2031 has struck and the chip makers never recovered.

What to buy? Stuff from 30, 40 years ago. Just as people now snap up stuff from 30 , 40 years ago from toy cars they had to the real thing.

I am thinking the price of a good Omega could well be high then.
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: STEMO on 22 December 2021, 19:11:23
Every so often we have suggestions that the Omega will/ won’t become a classic.

Here is a thought. In ten years time the average omega will be about 30 years old. Just as the folk who drove them in their hay day are reaching retirement age and unlock cash to spend. Probably no point in putting it in the bank as interest rates may still be v.low. International travel may still be doubtful.

There will still be no new cars to buy ( well a slight exaggeration) but might be true if Covid 2031 has struck and the chip makers never recovered.

What to buy? Stuff from 30, 40 years ago. Just as people now snap up stuff from 30 , 40 years ago from toy cars they had to the real thing.

I am thinking the price of a good Omega could well be high then.
My crystal ball tells a different tale.
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Viral_Jim on 22 December 2021, 19:22:21
Fwiw I predict they will fall into 'rare but nobody cares' status.
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Varche on 22 December 2021, 19:25:42
Hmm and I had got you down VJ as a prospective purchaser of Lizzies immaculate Omega in ten years time when she has to give up driving.

Have you seen the price of junk now from 30/40 years ago? I am sure it is folk with money to spend/ invest that is driving those prices up. Maybe Nick W will be along shortly with his thoughts.
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Lizzie Zoom on 22 December 2021, 19:49:32
Hmm and I had got you down VJ as a prospective purchaser of Lizzies immaculate Omega in ten years time when she has to give up driving.

Have you seen the price of junk now from 30/40 years ago? I am sure it is folk with money to spend/ invest that is driving those prices up. Maybe Nick W will be along shortly with his thoughts.

Thanks for that compliment :y

But even I are now wondering if/when my Omega will be too much for me to keep going with time taking it’s toll on both the car and me, along with a certain decline in parts availability as we get nearer to the electric / or whatever vehicle revolution, that along with political will forcing our Omegas off the road / taxing us to the hilt.  In addition how many old fashioned mechanics will still be available to do any work on the Omega, and other obsolescent vehicles, when the market demands electrical engineers for the revolution.  Already certain jobs on the Omega appear to be beyond the knowledge / abilities of contemporary mechanics, with people like Serek in short supply.

The new age is coming, if not here already, and we are getting near to giving up driving age. Once we are past the current clammer to buy older vehicles, time, the market / financial situation, the youngsters wanting the new cars, and that all important government legislation will mean the motor car is destined for museums, like steam engines have :'(
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Viral_Jim on 22 December 2021, 20:05:12
Tbh I don't know varche, I have a soft spot for the old girls, but on balance I'd rather hang on to something luke an x350 jaguar xj and I think therin lies the issue, if you want to keep an old barge to classic status I think you'd pick an s-class, xj or LS400, maybe even a 7 series if you also own a labrador and  a collection of white sticks.  :y
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Nick W on 22 December 2021, 20:28:17
Every so often we have suggestions that the Omega will/ won’t become a classic.

Here is a thought. In ten years time the average omega will be about 30 years old. Just as the folk who drove them in their hay day are reaching retirement age and unlock cash to spend. Probably no point in putting it in the bank as interest rates may still be v.low. International travel may still be doubtful.

There will still be no new cars to buy ( well a slight exaggeration) but might be true if Covid 2031 has struck and the chip makers never recovered.

What to buy? Stuff from 30, 40 years ago. Just as people now snap up stuff from 30 , 40 years ago from toy cars they had to the real thing.

I am thinking the price of a good Omega could well be high then.
My crystal ball tells a different tale.


And mine. By the time these cars are 30+ years old, there won't be many survivors - like a 3 year old Carlton or even mk2 Cavalier. Hell, when was the last time you saw a very early Omega, which is already close to that age, in use? Unlike older cars with minimal electrics, and mechanical components shared with other cars, Omegas(and every other equivalent) will be a lot harder to patch up and keep running.


But you're all missing the thing that drives up the value isn't just rarity. There has to be a much bigger demand than supply, and that requires that the cars are desirable to lots of people. And that just isn't the case, so the small number of survivors will be enough to satisfy the market.


None of that will stop the ever decreasing number of really good cars increasing in value, but it won't be by much.




Edit:


Just noticed Jim's rare, but nobody cares comment. That sums it up much better than I did. It's exactly where 70s big Vauxhalls are now.
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 22 December 2021, 20:41:25
The demand for modern classics especially old Fords is driven by middle aged blokes who always wanted one of them when they were young but couldn't afford one or couldn't afford to insure it.

My mate is a good example when he went out and bought an XR2 a few years ago.  :y

His Missus was less than impressed and it didn't stay around for long!  ;D

I don't think many young lads lusted after the Vauxhall Omega.....  :-\
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Rangie on 22 December 2021, 20:43:14
Don't think it will happen ,was watching an episode of bangers & cash they were talking to a car club member who more or less summed it up as the cars get older the people who like & enjoy them are dying off, very few young people I know have any interest in cars, phones & computer games  seem the draw for them.
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: ronnyd on 22 December 2021, 20:46:38
Fwiw I predict they will fall into a big pile of rust.
Fixed for you  ;)
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 22 December 2021, 21:19:23
Here's a good example! Could this (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/144284491300?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338817149&toolid=10050&customid=DANSWORKAROUND2&ul_ref=https%3A%2F%2Frover.ebay.com%2Frover%2F1%2F710-53481-19255-0%2F1) be worth a £100k in a few years?  ???

Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Rangie on 22 December 2021, 21:22:57
Here's a good example! Could this (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/144284491300?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338817149&toolid=10050&customid=DANSWORKAROUND2&ul_ref=https%3A%2F%2Frover.ebay.com%2Frover%2F1%2F710-53481-19255-0%2F1) be worth a £100k in a few years?  ???



Only if you're stark raving mad !
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 22 December 2021, 21:55:09
Here's a good example! Could this (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/144284491300?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338817149&toolid=10050&customid=DANSWORKAROUND2&ul_ref=https%3A%2F%2Frover.ebay.com%2Frover%2F1%2F710-53481-19255-0%2F1) be worth a £100k in a few years?  ???
For a supposedly concours restoration, that front bumper alignment is horrendous. especially at that price :o
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Varche on 22 December 2021, 22:38:40
Here's a good example! Could this (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/144284491300?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338817149&toolid=10050&customid=DANSWORKAROUND2&ul_ref=https%3A%2F%2Frover.ebay.com%2Frover%2F1%2F710-53481-19255-0%2F1) be worth a £100k in a few years?  ???

Well firstly this is already 45 ? years old so really fits my scenario of 25 years time. Yes it might commsnd 100 in todays money in ten years time for certain. The example of a bloke buying an XR2  illustrates exactly my point. If people have got the disposable money then why not a good omega ifthat is what you fancy.  I take the point about rarity, desirability though..

People will always be around that have money to throw around reliving their youth. No pockets in a shroud.
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Nick W on 22 December 2021, 23:00:01
Here's a good example! Could this (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/144284491300?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338817149&toolid=10050&customid=DANSWORKAROUND2&ul_ref=https%3A%2F%2Frover.ebay.com%2Frover%2F1%2F710-53481-19255-0%2F1) be worth a £100k in a few years?  ???
For a supposedly concours restoration, that front bumper alignment is horrendous. especially at that price :o


As an RS3100, it has factory quarter bumpers that were taken off another(I can't remember which) Ford. Those are correct. They never fitted.
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 22 December 2021, 23:04:15
Here's a good example! Could this (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/144284491300?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338817149&toolid=10050&customid=DANSWORKAROUND2&ul_ref=https%3A%2F%2Frover.ebay.com%2Frover%2F1%2F710-53481-19255-0%2F1) be worth a £100k in a few years?  ???
For a supposedly concours restoration, that front bumper alignment is horrendous. especially at that price :o


As an RS3100, it has factory quarter bumpers that were taken off another(I can't remember which) Ford. Those are correct. They never fitted.
Fair point, but if you're going to be asking 200 times the original price you would try to get the straight ???
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Nick W on 22 December 2021, 23:21:07
Here's a good example! Could this (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/144284491300?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338817149&toolid=10050&customid=DANSWORKAROUND2&ul_ref=https%3A%2F%2Frover.ebay.com%2Frover%2F1%2F710-53481-19255-0%2F1) be worth a £100k in a few years?  ???
For a supposedly concours restoration, that front bumper alignment is horrendous. especially at that price :o


As an RS3100, it has factory quarter bumpers that were taken off another(I can't remember which) Ford. Those are correct. They never fitted.
Fair point, but if you're going to be asking 200 times the original price you would try to get them straight ???


If you look at them from the front, they are straight and level. But they're intended for a different car, and don't wrap around the wing level. A high end concours restoration cannot 'correct' the fit, and any judge would immediately deduct points if that had been done. As would the person paying for it....
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Raeturbo on 22 December 2021, 23:45:57
The demand for modern classics especially old Fords is driven by middle aged blokes who always wanted one of them when they were young but couldn't afford one or couldn't afford to insure it.

My mate is a good example when he went out and bought an XR2 a few years ago.  :y

His Missus was less than impressed and it didn't stay around for long!  ;D

I don't think many young lads lusted after the Vauxhall Omega.....  :-\

                  Oh... where did she go?😂😂
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Andy B on 23 December 2021, 08:29:41
or you could pay £80k for a stripped out brand new 'MKI Escort' ..... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y01m9Q9ToCQ
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Rangie on 23 December 2021, 09:59:35
Should have kept my 1961 Mk 2 lowline Zephyr 1 owner totally immaculate sold it in 1974 for £45, probably worth 200 times more than that now, replaced it with a new Ford Mexico £1030.
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Nick W on 23 December 2021, 11:02:15
Should have kept my 1961 Mk 2 lowline Zephyr 1 owner totally immaculate sold it in 1974 for £45, probably worth 200 times more than that now, replaced it with a new Ford Mexico £1030.


It's the Mexico you should have kept. They've been worth real money for a long time.
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Rangie on 23 December 2021, 11:39:27
Should have kept my 1961 Mk 2 lowline Zephyr 1 owner totally immaculate sold it in 1974 for £45, probably worth 200 times more than that now, replaced it with a new Ford Mexico £1030.


It's the Mexico you should have kept. They've been worth real money for a long time.



Sold the Mexico to my younger brother  who totalled it ! I had a 2.8 Granada Ghia X estate by then .
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Lizzie Zoom on 23 December 2021, 11:41:22
When I had my brand new Escort Mk1 in 1972 I thought I was the bees knees, but I still dreamed of the Mexico, or even a Lotus Twin Cam example - which probably would have killed me as I loved speed in those days!!

I have just found this on the internet:
https://collectingcars.com/for-sale/1971-ford-escort-mk-1-lotus-twin-cam

Sold for £43,750 !!!

I always did have expensive tastes, and if I had that kind of cash spare I could be tempted, even though I believe in my comments within my post #4.  But I certainly could be tempted by that beauty!! :'( :'( ;D ;D
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: ronnyd on 23 December 2021, 12:32:20
If we'd have kept all the stuff of our younger years in case it rocketed in value later on, we'd all have needed a country estate the size of Opti's.  :-X
Also, all that money he's asking for the Capri and he can't post decent pics.  ::)
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 23 December 2021, 13:20:08
Wish I'd kept my Marina.........    :-\                                                                                    ;D
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Rangie on 23 December 2021, 13:25:31
Thankfully I am more sensible now was up to my eyes in debt back then cars on HP mortgage & credit cards galore never again.
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: omegod on 23 December 2021, 13:30:11
I've just sold my mint 17k 1996 Omega, got a very good price and I am comfy in the knowledge that it's the best Omega in existence and will live a cosseted life in what is likely the best private collection in the country. 
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 23 December 2021, 13:41:06
I must have good taste because all the 'old cars' I lusted after as a boy are now worth a fortune.
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Rangie on 23 December 2021, 14:09:02
The only car I ever regret not buying was an E Type Jaguar, my wifes uncle had a garage in Banstead Surrey & I had just purchased a Corsair 2000e for her he told me to run it over to him & he would give it a look over, on his front was the Jag think it was around £5,000 I was prepared to get into more debt to buy it but he talked me out of it , probably the biggest mistake of my life, still remember the reg number JUC 8.
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: ronnyd on 23 December 2021, 14:23:36
I must have good taste because all the 'old cars' I lusted after as a boy are now worth a fortune.
Do you still have any of them though?
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: YZ250 on 23 December 2021, 14:40:06
This thread got me googling my old Ford reg numbers. My beloved black 1979 MK3 Ford Capri 3.0S was still being taxed until August 2003.  :o  I bought it when it was just under a year old and owned it for six of those years. Still got my Capri Club International membership card.  ;D
The others show as no information held so obviously long dead. Our newborns baby buggy would only just fit in the boot of the Capri so my Dad suggested buying something sensible and more economical and practical. He was horrified when I turned up in my moonraker blue Rover SD1 Vitesse 3.5 V8 TP.  ;D 
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Lizzie Zoom on 23 December 2021, 14:52:30
When I had my brand new Escort Mk1 in 1972 I thought I was the bees knees, but I still dreamed of the Mexico, or even a Lotus Twin Cam example - which probably would have killed me as I loved speed in those days!!

I have just found this on the internet:
https://collectingcars.com/for-sale/1971-ford-escort-mk-1-lotus-twin-cam

Sold for £43,750 !!!

I always did have expensive tastes, and if I had that kind of cash spare I could be tempted, even though I believe in my comments within my post #4.  But I certainly could be tempted by that beauty!! :'( :'( ;D ;D

Just after posting this thread I went to Sainsbury's, and coming along the road on a flat bed truck was a Ford Escort Mk1 !!

But, it had been converted into a small pick up, painted yellow, and was horrible! :o :o

I can just imagine though somebody "doing it up" as an immaculate Escort Mk1 saloon, with a sought after engine and specification, with it being sold for £50K !! ::) ::) ::)

 ;D ;D ;)
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 23 December 2021, 18:33:21
This (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175076419558?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338817149&toolid=10050&customid=DANSWORKAROUND2&ul_ref=https%3A%2F%2Frover.ebay.com%2Frover%2F1%2F710-53481-19255-0%2F1) has to be an excellent investment!  8)
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 23 December 2021, 19:07:35
Wish I still had my Chevette.

Silver with HS spoilers fitted. Engine had Stage 3 head CHR 2 cam, comp clutch, HP oil pump & lots of spotlights ::)
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: dave the builder on 23 December 2021, 19:15:56
This (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175076419558?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338817149&toolid=10050&customid=DANSWORKAROUND2&ul_ref=https%3A%2F%2Frover.ebay.com%2Frover%2F1%2F710-53481-19255-0%2F1) has to be an excellent investment!  8)
scrap metal prices will never rocket enough to make that a viable "investment"  :D
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 23 December 2021, 20:54:28
This (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175076419558?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338817149&toolid=10050&customid=DANSWORKAROUND2&ul_ref=https%3A%2F%2Frover.ebay.com%2Frover%2F1%2F710-53481-19255-0%2F1) has to be an excellent investment!  8)
scrap metal prices will never rocket enough to make that a viable "investment"  :D

Oooo so cruel!  :o                                                                                         ;D
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: TheBoy on 24 December 2021, 10:50:23
Our newborns baby buggy would only just fit in the boot of the Capri so my Dad suggested buying something sensible and more economical and practical. He was horrified when I turned up in my moonraker blue Rover SD1 Vitesse 3.5 V8 TP.  ;D
A perfect family car, plenty of room to shove the pram in :)
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: dave the builder on 24 December 2021, 10:56:05
The sections of trim that constantly fall off provide an excellent supply of "teething rings" for the offspring  :D
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Rangie on 24 December 2021, 11:01:31
This (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175076419558?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338817149&toolid=10050&customid=DANSWORKAROUND2&ul_ref=https%3A%2F%2Frover.ebay.com%2Frover%2F1%2F710-53481-19255-0%2F1) has to be an excellent investment!  8)


Wow it's even got go faster wheels, what a find..😂😂☺️
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Nick W on 24 December 2021, 11:39:03
This (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175076419558?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338817149&toolid=10050&customid=DANSWORKAROUND2&ul_ref=https%3A%2F%2Frover.ebay.com%2Frover%2F1%2F710-53481-19255-0%2F1) has to be an excellent investment!  8)


Wow it's even got go faster wheels, what a find..😂😂☺️


Those are stock MGF, so are easier to find than Marina wheels
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Rangie on 24 December 2021, 11:55:03
This (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175076419558?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338817149&toolid=10050&customid=DANSWORKAROUND2&ul_ref=https%3A%2F%2Frover.ebay.com%2Frover%2F1%2F710-53481-19255-0%2F1) has to be an excellent investment!  8)


Wow it's even got go faster wheels, what a find..😂😂☺️


Those are stock MGF, so are easier to find than Marina wheels
.

Wonderful they look great a superb upgrade..😂😂
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 24 December 2021, 13:03:01
I must have good taste because all the 'old cars' I lusted after as a boy are now worth a fortune.
Do you still have any of them though?

I have not owned any of them......sadly. All were just part of a childhood want list. :'(

The list is quite long.

TR6.....Elan sprint......Ferrari Daytona.....Lamborghini Espada......Maserati Bora. Not too much to ask. :y
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 24 December 2021, 13:06:11
This thread got me googling my old Ford reg numbers. My beloved black 1979 MK3 Ford Capri 3.0S was still being taxed until August 2003.  :o  I bought it when it was just under a year old and owned it for six of those years. Still got my Capri Club International membership card.  ;D
The others show as no information held so obviously long dead. Our newborns baby buggy would only just fit in the boot of the Capri so my Dad suggested buying something sensible and more economical and practical. He was horrified when I turned up in my moonraker blue Rover SD1 Vitesse 3.5 V8 TP.  ;D

Also on my list was/is a 1972 MK1 3000E finished in yellow and complete with a BVR.   :y
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 24 December 2021, 13:09:29
This (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175076419558?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338817149&toolid=10050&customid=DANSWORKAROUND2&ul_ref=https%3A%2F%2Frover.ebay.com%2Frover%2F1%2F710-53481-19255-0%2F1) has to be an excellent investment!  8)

Is the bonnet open, or is that representative of the fit and finish of BL products in 1972? ;D
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: TD on 24 December 2021, 14:31:55
Wish I still had my Chevette.

Silver with HS spoilers fitted. Engine had Stage 3 head CHR 2 cam, comp clutch, HP oil pump & lots of spotlights ::)

That was my first car! Mum and Dad bought me it as an 18th birthday prezzie  :y
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: YZ250 on 24 December 2021, 14:53:26
This thread got me googling my old Ford reg numbers. My beloved black 1979 MK3 Ford Capri 3.0S was still being taxed until August 2003.  :o .........

Also on my list was/is a 1972 MK1 3000E finished in yellow and complete with a BVR.   :y

The father of one of my ex girlfriends owned a white MK1 Capri 3000E with BVR. Due to the distinctive exhaust tone I could always tell when he was travelling back from the local pub at night, which gave me just enough time to stop doing to his daughter anything that may have offended him.  ;D
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: TheBoy on 24 December 2021, 15:33:39
which gave me just enough time to stop doing to his daughter anything that may have offended him.  ;D
Is drinking tea offensive?
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: YZ250 on 24 December 2021, 15:56:05
which gave me just enough time to stop doing to his daughter anything that may have offended him.  ;D
Is drinking tea offensive?

It is if you happen to be drinking it from his daughters furry cup.  ;) ;D
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 24 December 2021, 16:01:55
which gave me just enough time to stop doing to his daughter anything that may have offended him.  ;D
Is drinking tea offensive?

It is if you happen to be drinking it from his daughters furry cup.  ;) ;D

Far less likely in 2021. ;D
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 24 December 2021, 16:06:10
Anyway.....back to the MK1 Capri 3000.

Which extra bits of kit were added for GT......GTX.....GTXL......and GTXLR. I'm not sure if even Ford know. ;D
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Migv6 le Frog Fan on 24 December 2021, 16:49:01
Extra dash gauges for a start. I had a MK1 1600 GT XLR which had lots of gauges and plastic wood dash. Seats were black and shiny and could have been leather, but I wasnt interested enough to find out.
I found it a very unimpressive car in every respect, as I did the 3.0 V6 I had a drive in. The 3.0 had a lot less grunt than I thought it would have, and of course the handling on any Capri was shit.
As for the TR6 of your dreams. I have driven a standard road version and a highly tuned race version and wouldnt give more than a fiver for either of them. ;D
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Kevin Wood on 24 December 2021, 17:00:26
Extra dash gauges for a start. I had a MK1 1600 GT XLR which had lots of gauges and plastic wood dash. Seats were black and shiny and could have been leather, but I wasnt interested enough to find out.
I found it a very unimpressive car in every respect, as I did the 3.0 V6 I had a drive in. The 3.0 had a lot less grunt than I thought it would have, and of course the handling on any Capri was shit.
As for the TR6 of your dreams. I have driven a standard road version and a highly tuned race version and wouldn't give more than a fiver for either of them. ;D

One of my school mates managed to drive her Capri Mk 1 backwards through a lamp post on the most gentle of bends you could imagine. She replaced it with a Volvo 343. :D
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 24 December 2021, 17:00:53
Extra dash gauges for a start. I had a MK1 1600 GT XLR which had lots of gauges and plastic wood dash. Seats were black and shiny and could have been leather, but I wasnt interested enough to find out.
I found it a very unimpressive car in every respect, as I did the 3.0 V6 I had a drive in. The 3.0 had a lot less grunt than I thought it would have, and of course the handling on any Capri was shit.
As for the TR6 of your dreams. I have driven a standard road version and a highly tuned race version and wouldnt give more than a fiver for either of them. ;D

In some ways it is probably best to leave our dream cars of the past as just that. It is almost inevitable they will be shit slow have brakes that don't work and handle like a dog on polished lino. ;D
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 24 December 2021, 17:04:49
Extra dash gauges for a start. I had a MK1 1600 GT XLR which had lots of gauges and plastic wood dash. Seats were black and shiny and could have been leather, but I wasnt interested enough to find out.
I found it a very unimpressive car in every respect, as I did the 3.0 V6 I had a drive in. The 3.0 had a lot less grunt than I thought it would have, and of course the handling on any Capri was shit.
As for the TR6 of your dreams. I have driven a standard road version and a highly tuned race version and wouldn't give more than a fiver for either of them. ;D

One of my school mates managed to drive her Capri Mk 1 backwards through a lamp post on the most gentle of bends you could imagine. She replaced it with a Volvo 343. :D

The only Capri I owned was a 1.6XL of 1973/74 vintage. I paid £200 for it in about 1988.

It drove like a lorry and would just about pull an indicated 100MPH.
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: ronnyd on 24 December 2021, 17:53:19
Extra dash gauges for a start. I had a MK1 1600 GT XLR which had lots of gauges and plastic wood dash. Seats were black and shiny and could have been leather, but I wasnt interested enough to find out.
I found it a very unimpressive car in every respect, as I did the 3.0 V6 I had a drive in. The 3.0 had a lot less grunt than I thought it would have, and of course the handling on any Capri was shit.
As for the TR6 of your dreams. I have driven a standard road version and a highly tuned race version and wouldnt give more than a fiver for either of them. ;D

In some ways it is probably best to leave our dream cars of the past as just that. It is almost inevitable they will be shit slow have brakes that don't work and handle like a dog on polished lino. ;D
Reminds me of my daughters little dog when the door bell goes. She has a wooden floor in the hallway (daughter, not dog) and the poor little bugger nearly always smacks into the front door.  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Nick W on 24 December 2021, 21:02:32

One of my school mates managed to drive her Capri Mk 1 backwards through a lamp post on the most gentle of bends you could imagine.


The modern equivalent of that is rearranging the back end of a 3-series BMW. Using a lamp post.
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Raeturbo on 24 December 2021, 21:53:11
The Tickford Capri was the only version that interested me, although I couldn’t afford a gambo at the time😂😂😂😂
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: YZ250 on 24 December 2021, 22:18:27

One of my school mates managed to drive her Capri Mk 1 backwards through a lamp post on the most gentle of bends you could imagine.


The modern equivalent of that is rearranging the back end of a 3-series BMW. Using a lamp post.

I know what you mean but I found my Capri very predictable once you were familiar with it. People used to say about loading the boot for better handling but part of the fun was knowing when the rear was going to break loose, to the point of inducing deliberate power slides mid bend. (I was young and invincible at the time).
Turn the nanny toys off on my 430 BMW and with a bit too much enthusiasm it will snap out of line and things can go wrong very very quickly. 
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Rangie on 24 December 2021, 22:42:09
With me it would be only one car that I'd kill for ,AC Cobra had pictures of them when I was a teenager & was fortunate to have a neighbour who had a spray shop who brought one home one weekend that he was working on , the sound of raw power was fantastic.
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Nick W on 24 December 2021, 22:45:00

One of my school mates managed to drive her Capri Mk 1 backwards through a lamp post on the most gentle of bends you could imagine.


The modern equivalent of that is rearranging the back end of a 3-series BMW. Using a lamp post.

I know what you mean but I found my Capri very predictable once you were familiar with it. People used to say about loading the boot for better handling but part of the fun was knowing when the rear was going to break loose, to the point of inducing deliberate power slides mid bend. (I was young and invincible at the time).
Turn the nanny toys off on my 430 BMW and with a bit too much enthusiasm it will snap out of line and things can go wrong very very quickly.


As a serial Capri owner, I agree. They have a couple of characteristics that need to be accounted for: the front and rear roll at different rates, and the front structure is a bit floppy. What's needed is more rear roll stiffness(but not, under any circumstances more spring rate than  new, standard single-leaf springs), strut and chassis braces plus struts that don't bend in use(the real reason why the 2.8i Bilstein is preferable). Once you've done that, the need for getting the car settled into a bend early and not changing the steering is reduced. That's a good way to make safe, fast progress in anything.


They don't need a lot of tyre either; a four cylinder car has a lovely progressive feel on 185/70 13s, and will switch to a four wheel drift at 70mph on a big roundabout, for as many circuits as you like. Not that I've ever done that you understand ;D
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Raeturbo on 24 December 2021, 23:45:10
For those who may have not heard of them…..

              https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-spottedykywt/tickford-ford-capri-spotted/38076
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Rangie on 25 December 2021, 07:44:57
For those who may have not heard of them…..

              https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-spottedykywt/tickford-ford-capri-spotted/38076



That bodykit looks like it cost about £2.50 from a cheap accessory shop, spoils the car completely, some things are much better left original.
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Raeturbo on 25 December 2021, 10:08:15
Ha ha yes not the prettiest ;D but by far the quickest, and with 260lbs ft at 3500rpm  quite an handful if stomping on the gas, especially if it’s damp. ::)
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Rangie on 25 December 2021, 11:24:03
I always fancied a 2.8 injection Capri but never got round to it a mate had the 3.0 S.
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 25 December 2021, 11:58:56
My last/favourite Mk2 Granada was a factory manual 2.8i Ghia X with a limited slip diff. That was a blast to drive. Never driven a Capri, but being a fair bit lighter, the 2.8i must have been quite squirrelly....

A mate had a Mk1 1300 two door Escort as his first car, although he traded it for an '83 1600 Capri... God alone what he was thinking :o He did redeem himself slightly with the '88 Sierra XR4X4i that replaced it 8)
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: ronnyd on 25 December 2021, 18:39:29
For those who may have not heard of them…..

              https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-spottedykywt/tickford-ford-capri-spotted/38076



That bodykit looks like it cost about £2.50 from a cheap accessory shop, spoils the car completely, some things are much better left original.
Have to say that i agree, but, as they say, "beauty in the eye" and all that.
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: BazaJT on 25 December 2021, 18:55:13
Never had a Capri[never fancied one] I went slightly more "left field" and had a GTV6 instead.Had a '59 Consul as my first car and a '64 Zephyr 4 as my second car,while a MkII Granada 2L in the mid '80's completes the line up of my Ford ownership experience.
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 26 December 2021, 13:15:19
For those who may have not heard of them…..

              https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-spottedykywt/tickford-ford-capri-spotted/38076



That bodykit looks like it cost about £2.50 from a cheap accessory shop, spoils the car completely, some things are much better left original.

I agree.

The only way to drive this is with your shirt open to the waist and a large medallion brushing against your chest hair. ;D
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 26 December 2021, 13:17:38
Ha ha yes not the prettiest ;D but by far the quickest, and with 260lbs ft at 3500rpm  quite an handful if stomping on the gas, especially if it’s damp. ::)

The Signum has 258 lbs ft at a lowly 1800 RPM......and all though it's front paws. :-X
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 26 December 2021, 13:26:36
For those who may have not heard of them…..

              https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-spottedykywt/tickford-ford-capri-spotted/38076
That's seems like a lot of work for not much gain... 6-7 mph top speed, although knocking almost 2 seconds off the 0.60 time isn't to be sneezed at...
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: dave the builder on 26 December 2021, 13:27:48
Ha ha yes not the prettiest ;D but by far the quickest, and with 260lbs ft at 3500rpm  quite an handful if stomping on the gas, especially if it’s damp. ::)

The Signum has 258 lbs ft at a lowly 1800 RPM......and all though it's front paws. :-X
probably needs that much to drag it's ugly arse  :D

Happy Christmas  :)
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Raeturbo on 26 December 2021, 13:32:19
I wasn’t fussy on the Capri but owned a 2.0gt V4 for a few weeks that was enough power in that body.
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Migv6 le Frog Fan on 26 December 2021, 13:56:46
They were known as the British Mustang. In the same way Cliff Richard was known as the British Elvis and Donovan was known as the British Bob Dylan.
I.E. all very poor imitations.  :)
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 26 December 2021, 14:11:51
They were known as the British Mustang. In the same way Cliff Richard was known as the British Elvis and Donovan was known as the British Bob Dylan.
I.E. all very poor imitations.  :)
It speaks volumes that the only production market for the last 2-3 years was the UK.
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Nick W on 26 December 2021, 14:14:09
They were known as the British Mustang. In the same way Cliff Richard was known as the British Elvis and Donovan was known as the British Bob Dylan.
I.E. all very poor imitations.  :)


ever tried an ordinary Mustang? Base models used a straight six that was underwhelming in the family saloons it was intended for. A 289 Mustang is hardly a quick car, yet is entertainingly awful to drive because the better engine easily overwhelms the terrible suspension, weedy tyres, barely connected steering and piss-poor drum brakes. The novelty soon wears off though, and you find yourself looking at £3000 worth of simple upgrades. Or buying another V6 Capri.


Capris make a better go of the same approach of using utterly ordinary running gear in a fancy body, an idea which was hardly new; MG were probably the first with Standard and Triumph only just behind. Lets not forget that Ford listed a mk3 Capri 1.3S :o . And they sold at least one, because I've seen it.
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Raeturbo on 26 December 2021, 14:18:45
Mustang just as bad as a Capri no handling no brakes little go.👍👍
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Raeturbo on 26 December 2021, 14:30:19
And on the other hand

       https://youtu.be/UPKB4Kz5jRo
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Nick W on 26 December 2021, 14:42:39
And on the other hand

        https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=ford+capri+handling&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-gb&client=safari#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:24319062,vid:UPKB4Kz5jRo,st:0 (https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=ford+capri+handling&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-gb&client=safari#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:24319062,vid:UPKB4Kz5jRo,st:0)


The last one I had anything to do with, I bought most of this list while the owner was driving it home from Wales:


From Rally Design


145lb -2" front springs
new TCAs with poly bushes
poly anti-rollbar bushes (for the later 24mm W-bar)
poly rack mounts


poly bushes for the rear springs, anti-rollbars and handbrake linkage
Basic KYB shocks
1" lowering blocks


stuff we already had:
2.8i struts
good 2.8i rear springs
7" wide seven spoke 2.8i wheels


other stuff we had to buy:


Caprisport axle location kit


That lot, along with a front chassis brace took a couple of hours the following day. This car was a 2.0l, but it works well on a 2.8i too. It gives predictable handling, long life for the suspension bushes(just like an Omega, the stock TCA rubber bushes don't last long) and retains an acceptable ride - this setup rides better than a stock mk1 Focus.
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Raeturbo on 26 December 2021, 14:53:15
Yes Nick👍
                      I’ve changed the link too as the first one didn’t work :y
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: BazaJT on 26 December 2021, 18:22:16
I believe a popular brake upgrade[for the bigger engined Capris at least]was to fit the front calipers from the BL Princess.
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Nick W on 26 December 2021, 20:17:43
I believe a popular brake upgrade[for the bigger engined Capris at least]was to fit the front calipers from the BL Princess.


It had real problems:


the caliper was designed to go under a 14" wheel, so you had to grind the top. The castings were variable, which made many of them dangerously thin - after one of mine blew the seal out, we all reverted to M16s


it's meant for 257mm diameter discs but Capris are 247. Chamfering the edges of the pads isn't a particularly good solution....


The Capri's brake problem isn't a poor caliper, but the inadequate 247x20mm thick vented disc. If you fit a bigger caliper and aggressive pad to them, they last about 5 minutes. And you regularly boil the wheel bearing grease.


They're bloody heavy!


These days the calipers are outrageously expensive, and there are better options. The RS Turbo 260x24 vented disc needs the hub circumference turned down slightly and the disc mounting ears removed, and brackets to fit the matching caliper aren't difficult. That gives a suitably improved disc, that's now clamped between the hub and aluminium wheel which acts as a good heat sink
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Varche on 27 December 2021, 10:23:12
Here is one to put away for a few years.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/294634763052?hash=item449999b32c:g:eOcAAOSwm15hXFZs

Only £8k
Title: Re: Old cars - investment.
Post by: Andy B on 27 December 2021, 10:48:19
Here is one to put away for a few years.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/294634763052?hash=item449999b32c:g:eOcAAOSwm15hXFZs

Only £8k

IIRC the owner (Ian??) was member here at one time .... his Dad (Geoff had a beautiful Senator)