This 1971 Ford Capri 3000GT XLR represents the American Pony Car tradition as interpreted by the British and Germans. This restored, first generation Essex-powered example was positioned near the top of the Capri range when new, with effectively only the RS2600 and RS3100 cars above it and a startling array of smaller sixes and fours below. Find it here on eBay in Matlock, Derbyshire, England for 16,250 GBP (~$25,000 USD today) OBO.

Finished in a handsome light blue over factory alloys, this recently restored example is said to have excellent panel gaps throughout. European Capris featured handsome flush headlights not seen on US market cars, and the power-bulge hood seen here was reserved only for higher trim cars across the pond (though the XLR option package made this equipment available on smaller engined cars as well). From photos, finish appears very nice, though a small amount of panel/trim misalignment is evident on the trunk.

This car appears largely stock inside, though the differences with the US market Capri keep appearing. The instrument cluster is much more steeply raked than the US market car, and the three spoke steering wheel is radically different to the padded US unit. Seats, door cards and dash all seem nicely finished with no seam splitting or obvious cracks evident. Some minor wear on the driver’s floor mat reassures us that this restored car may not be a garage queen.

At the time of its restoration this car had its 3.0 liter Essex V6 rebuilt. Though the air cleaner is non-standard (the correct item can be seen in this period Autocar road test), this 136 horsepower mill should provide sufficient motivation for what is a relatively light car. The underhood area is tidy with wiring routed neatly and all metal surfaces nicely finished. When this car was new more than ten engines from three families were available, depending on market.

These mini-Mustangs followed that car’s formula almost to a tee, but sized it correctly for European tastes and tax brackets. While some Capris were sold stateside, they were never as venerated as the model was overseas, so finding a good one these days often means looking further afield.