Auction Car of the Week: Ford Capri 280 Brooklands

Last weekend’s sale by Iconic Auctioneers at the NEC Classic Motor Show saw a Ford Capri 280 Brooklands make an astonishing £63,000 – a live auction world record for this limited-edition Ford.

The car had covered just 5,500 miles from new, preserved as a true collector’s piece since 1987.

The Capri featured here, also up for sale with Iconic Auctioneers, represents a more attainable route into Brooklands ownership. It has covered just under 98,000 miles, with a comprehensive service history to chart its story so far.

Final chapter for a fast Ford

Ford Capri 280 Brooklands

The Capri 2.8 Injection Special – unofficially known as the ‘Brooklands’ due to its exclusive shade of Brooklands Green paint – marked the end of the line for Ford’s enduring coupe.

Just 500 cars were built in the Capri’s swansong year of 1987. The Brooklands brought together all the best ingredients from the car’s 19-year evolution, including a five-speed gearbox, limited-slip differential, seven-spoke RS alloy wheels, half-leather Recaro seats and colour-coded bodywork.

This example was first registered by Cleales of Saffron Walden and has led a well-documented life ever since. Its history file includes the original service book, old MOT certificates and detailed restoration records. A total body and interior rebuild was completed in 2000, followed by a sale at auction the following year.

Restored and ready to drive

Ford Capri 280 Brooklands

Since then, the Ford has seen periods of light use interspersed with further improvement. Around five years ago, it was professionally resprayed in the correct Brooklands Green, and treated to a restored Raven leather interior. The only blemish noted is a small hole in the rear seat.

The Capri benefits from a stainless-steel exhaust, new fuel tank and injectors, a replacement injection system, polybushed suspension and underbody corrosion protection.

Its factory-fit RS wheels and the original Philips radio remain in place, as do the signature Cibie lamps that defined the Capri’s front end.

The next-best classic Capri

Ford Capri 280 Brooklands

A fresh service was completed in June 2025 and the car comes with a new MOT valid until November 2026.

With its blend of rarity, provenance and usability, this Brooklands offers an authentic fast Ford experience without the museum-mileage premium of the example sold last weekend.

Iconic Auctioneers’ online sale of this 1987 Ford Capri 280 Brooklands closes on 13 November. For those who missed the NEC headline act, this might be the next best thing. Expect to pay between £16,000 and £20,000, according to the auction estimate.

ALSO READ:

1987 Ford Capri 280 ‘Brooklands’ review: Retro Road Test

1986 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth review: Retro Road Test

Rallye Sport: the Ford RS story

 

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