Few cars capture the spirit of the 1970s quite like the Ford Capri.

Marketed as the car you always promised yourself, the Capri brought sporty styling, rear-wheel-drive performance and a touch of European glamour within reach of the everyday motorist. With its long bonnet, short rear deck and distinctive fastback profile, the Capri offered the looks and character of a much more expensive sports car, quickly establishing itself as one of Ford’s most recognisable and successful models.

Introduced in 1969 as Europe’s answer to the hugely successful American Ford Mustang, the Capri was designed to appeal to a new generation of motorists seeking something more exciting than the conventional family saloon. Available with a wide range of engines, trim levels and performance options, it catered to everyone from the budget-conscious young driver to the enthusiast seeking genuine sporting credentials. Its combination of affordability, practicality and unmistakable styling helped make the Capri a familiar sight on roads throughout Britain, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

Today, the Ford Capri enjoys a well-deserved place in classic motoring history. Once a common sight on our roads, good examples have become increasingly difficult to find, particularly those retaining their original character and period charm. With its engaging rear-wheel-drive handling, straightforward mechanicals and unmistakable seventies appeal, the Capri continues to attract a loyal following among collectors and enthusiasts. More than simply a nostalgic reminder of a bygone era, it represents a time when Ford knew how to turn an ordinary motor car into something genuinely desirable.

A genuine survivor from an era when Ford knew how to build exciting, affordable performance cars, this 1972 Ford Capri Mk1 3000E is an exceptionally rare find on New Zealand shores.

The flagship 3000E was a highly desirable and expensive motor car in its day, combining the muscular performance of Ford’s 3.0-litre Essex V6 with the additional luxury and refinement of the desirable E specification. More than half a century later, this particular example retains much of the character, originality and unmistakable charm that made these cars so special.

Finished in its original Sapphire Blue metallic, this Capri has the sort of honest, well-preserved appearance that is becoming increasingly difficult to find. It has clearly been driven and enjoyed over the years rather than subjected to an extensive, overly polished restoration. While there are the expected age-related blemishes, the body remains reasonably straight and tidy, and the overall presentation is very appealing. There is something particularly refreshing about a classic car that wears its years with pride, and this Capri is certainly one of them.

Perhaps most importantly, this is a genuine factory-built 3000 V6 Capri, not a smaller-engined car subsequently converted to V6 specification. The correct factory body reinforcements associated with the original 3.0-litre models remain present, an important distinction given the number of lesser Capris that have been modified over the years. For the knowledgeable Ford enthusiast, this authenticity is a significant part of the car’s appeal.

Vehicle Highlights

• Genuine 1972 Ford Capri Mk1 3000E, representing the desirable luxury specification of Ford’s original high-performance Capri range.

• Factory-built 3.0-litre Essex V6, complete with the correct and distinctive body reinforcements associated with the genuine V6 models.

• Original Sapphire Blue metallic finish, presenting very well overall, with an attractive patina and the occasional blemish consistent with its age.

• Honest, reasonably straight and tidy bodywork, retaining the character of a well-cared-for classic that has been driven and enjoyed.

• Desirable 3000E luxury interior, featuring a combination of original trim and sympathetic refurbishment carried out at some stage in its life.

• Distinctive E specification interior appointments, including the padded and pleated trim, rear passenger armrests and other unique luxury fittings, which appear largely complete and correct.

• Strong and willing 3.0-litre V6 engine, delivering the effortless torque and spirited performance for which these larger-engined Capris became renowned.

• Genuine heavy-duty V6 differential, remaining tight and quiet.

• Presentable chrome and exterior brightwork, with serviceable original-style fittings that complement the car’s period appearance.

• Classic Rostyle wheels, retaining the unmistakable sporting appearance associated with these early performance Fords.

• Rare and increasingly collectible specification, offering an appealing combination of genuine V6 performance, luxury appointments and authentic seventies character.

On the Road

One of the great attractions of the 3000 Capri has always been its performance, and this example certainly does not disappoint. The big Essex V6 remains willing and responsive, delivering the strong low-down torque and distinctive engine note that made these cars such a pleasure to drive. The gearbox performs well, while the genuine heavy-duty V6 differential remains reassuringly tight and quiet. Even after more than 50 years, there is still something immensely satisfying about the way a properly running three-litre Capri goes about its business.

A Rare Opportunity

Finding a genuine Mk1 3000E in New Zealand is no everyday occurrence, particularly one that retains so many of its original and distinctive features. This is not a concours restoration, nor is it being represented as such. Rather, it is an honest, attractive and increasingly scarce survivor that offers its next custodian the opportunity to enjoy a significant piece of Ford’s performance motoring history.

For the enthusiast who values authenticity, character and genuine old-school motoring over absolute perfection, this Sapphire Blue 3000E has an enormous amount going for it. A proper factory V6 Capri, with the right specification, the right looks and the performance to match. Cars like this are becoming harder to find, and once they’re gone, replacing them is seldom easy.

A great fun classic and still very capable 70s English Muscle Car to simply drive and enjoy as is, or the perfect base for a refurbishment down the line, either way you couldn’t go wrong with this car, it simply doesn’t get much rarer for a Capri than a genuine 3000 E, and it’s highly unlikely you will find another for sale anywhere in the world today.

This is a classic that will only rise in value…a very good and driveable investment for the near future.

The Ford Capri Mk1 has firmly established itself as one of the most desirable and recognisable classic Fords, with interest from collectors and enthusiasts continuing to underpin its appeal. While the smaller-engined models remain popular, it is the genuine factory-built 3.0-litre V6 variants, particularly the luxurious 3000E, that occupy a special place in the market. Produced in considerably smaller numbers than their four-cylinder counterparts, these flagship models were expensive and highly desirable when new, and their relative scarcity today has only strengthened their collector appeal. In New Zealand, where genuine examples are exceptionally uncommon, opportunities to acquire an authentic Mk1 3000E are few and far between.

Values of early Ford performance models have appreciated significantly over the past two decades, reflecting growing international demand, increasing nostalgia and the diminishing availability of original, unmodified examples. The Mk1 Capri has benefited from this trend, with collectors increasingly recognising the importance of factory originality, correct specifications and documented authenticity. Genuine V6 cars command particular attention, especially those retaining their distinctive factory features rather than having been converted from lesser models. While fully restored examples can achieve substantial premiums, honest, well-preserved survivors are also increasingly appreciated for their originality, character and the opportunities they offer collectors.

Looking ahead, the long-term prospects for genuine Mk1 Capri 3000E models remain encouraging, supported by their rarity, enduring popularity and established place in Ford’s performance heritage. As surviving numbers continue to diminish and restoration costs increase, sound and largely original examples are likely to remain particularly sought after. Although classic car values are never guaranteed to rise, the combination of limited availability, strong enthusiast loyalty and international recognition provides a compelling foundation for continued collector interest. For the enthusiast seeking an enjoyable and distinctive classic with genuine historical significance and potential for longer-term capital appreciation, the Mk1 3000E represents a particularly appealing proposition.

New Zealand Sales
Unless otherwise stated, vehicles sold for use in New Zealand will be supplied with a new Warrant of Fitness (WoF) and 12 months New Zealand registration at the time of sale.

Transport & Shipping
New Zealand transport and worldwide shipping can be arranged on the Buyer’s behalf and at the Buyer’s cost and risk. Any freight, shipping, insurance, customs charges, duties, taxes, import costs, certification or compliance costs are the responsibility of the Buyer unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Export Sales
For vehicles purchased for export, the Buyer is responsible for determining and satisfying all import, registration, certification, compliance, tax and regulatory requirements applicable in the destination country.

Viewing
All vehicle inspections and viewings are strictly by appointment only.

Applicable Law
All sales are subject to applicable New Zealand law. Nothing in these Conditions of Sale excludes or limits any statutory rights or obligations that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.

For more information about this vehicle, please contact us Monday to Friday between 9:00am and 6:00pm (New Zealand Standard Time) on +64 (0) 3 310-6485. Alternatively, you may email us at [email protected] anytime, or contact us through the form below.

The Purchaser is encouraged to personally fully inspect the vehicle and also to have the vehicle inspected, and fully assessed by an experienced, independent, specialist garage - before committing to purchase. While the Purchaser is entitled to rely on statements given by Waimak Group Ltd as being correct, where goods such as vehicles are concerned, with so many moving parts and rust being an issue with older vehicles; a Purchaser who chooses not to seek independent professional assistance when assessing the quality of what they propose to buy is considered as buying at their own risk, and if the vehicle then turns out to be of less than the represented quality, or not up to the Purchaser's expectation, or in the Purchaser opinion not fit for purpose; then the Purchaser is considered to have contributed to their own loss and should not expect any refunds or betterment from Waimak.

NOTIFICATION AS TO NATURE OF GOODS IN TERMS OF THE CONSUMER GUARANTEES ACT 1993

Waimak Group Ltd is a New Zealand registered company and accepts that the vehicle being sold must be of “acceptable quality” in terms of section 7 of the New Zealand Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (the Act) having regard to “the nature of the goods”. Waimak Group Ltd is not aware of any specific defects with the vehicle, however (a) such a vehicle being a classic vehicle may have mechanical breakdowns, electrical failures at inconvenient times and maintenance costs being part of and parcel of ownership of a classic vehicle; (b) reliability is a combination of the particular nature of the classic vehicle, how it is being driven, how it has been maintained, and to a certain extent luck; (c) because of the age of the vehicle, and its propensity to rust, it is likely that the vehicle would have been fully or partially restored, or at least repainted at some point in its life, maybe even more than once. Waimak Group Ltd does not know, and cannot give advice on how good any restoration work on the vehicle had been.

The Purchaser acknowledges that the vehicle is being sold as a classic car; that in terms of the Act and the nature of the goods, the vehicle is an old car, bike or boat, that may have visual and hidden faults, unlike a new motor vehicle.

The Purchaser is encouraged to personally fully inspect the vehicle and also to have the vehicle inspected, and fully assessed by an experienced, independent, specialist garage - before committing to purchase. While the Purchaser is entitled to rely on statements given by Waimak Group Ltd as being correct, where goods such as vehicles are concerned, with so many moving parts and rust being an issue with older vehicles; a Purchaser who chooses not to seek independent professional assistance when assessing the quality of what they propose to buy is considered as buying at their own risk, and if the vehicle then turns out to be of less than the represented quality, or not up to the Purchaser's expectation, or in the Purchaser opinion not fit for purpose; then the Purchaser is considered to have contributed to their own loss and should not expect any refunds or betterment from Waimak Group Ltd.

The Purchaser acknowledges that they have read and fully understand this notification and the nature of a car which is many years old.