Corgi: 1/43 Ford Capri Mk1 1600GT XLR, Fern Green Metallic

The XLR modelled was registered new to Ford Motor Company, Dagenham on 6th October 1969 for publicity work. It was then sold for £973, a ‘discounted price’, on 20th November 1969 to Mr C Gillott of Dartford; a fact recorded on paperwork headed ‘Receivables Accounting Room, Dagenham, Essex’. He covered over 60,000 miles and kept it until April 1998 when it was sold to Ian Bell of Cumbernauld, who worked on it but rarely used it. In 2009 new owner Mitch Hughes from Oban, re-commissioned it and used it regularly. Since mid 2015 it's been owned and partially restored by Ford enthusiasts Petrina and Peter Westaway, from Devon, as part of their small collection.

The Capri was launched in 1969 under the tag line ‘The car you always promised yourself’ and, with endorsement from F1 World Champion Jackie Stewart, was an immediate sales hit. Ford's option pack policy meant each Capri could be tailored to their customer's own specification, for a price. The XL pack offered a more luxurious interior, while the R indicated sporting matt-black enhancements to the sills, rear centre panel and bonnet. Available with engines ranging from 1300cc to 3000cc the Capri was a marketing and sales revolution which changed the way cars would be specified and marketed in Europe. FEV 278H appeared in the Glasgow-based gangster film ‘Neds’, which was set in the early 1970s and directed by Peter Mullan.

Engine: 1599cc 4IL OHV
Power: 82bhp@5400rpm
Torque: 92lb.ft@3600rpm
0–60mph: 13.4 seconds
Maximum speed: 98mph
Unladen weight: 2,030lbs

Scale 1:43
Limited Edition Yes
Limited Edition Size 1,400
Length 98mm
Age Suitability 14+

Corgi's famous model vehicles captured the imagination of millions of baby boomers and, what were once simply toys for boys, are highly sought-after in the expanding collectables market.