Well, another year another trip to Silverstone. The weather was superb, if a bit too hot but no moans, (well only one, but that involved adjusting my sun-glasses whilst holding an open bottle of mineral water, anyway the sun dried my shirt and trousers, ah hem......)

So what happened then? Well, there were thousands of Ford freaks everywhere, and what a place to buy or sell a cracking Ford Classic. The standard of car at Ford Fair is phenomenal. There did seem to be less folk around this time, now that may have been due to the hols or Robbie Williams at Knebworth (prefer Cosworth myself) or may not even have been the case, it just seemed that way. Last year I recall many people pestering me for details about my 280, this year everyone agreed the car was spotless and faultless so there were few questions to ask - strange but true.

One advantage of having a rare and fairly pricey 280 is that it immediately eliminates dreamers, racers and tyre-kickers which has a downside as you only get to speak to people who either have a 280 already or are not in the market to buy just yet, hey ho, we'll wait and see.

Marc Stretton from Classic Ford came and interviewed me again and they took some more pics for the mag centre-fold, OK maybe not centre-fold as I don't want staples anywhere near my Brookie panels! I've even promised a link from my website to Classic Ford if they publish my car. Mine was the 280 under the huge gazebo. Now that was a laugh........

Got to Silverstone nice and early, got my Pass nice and early, got in the queue, nice and early only to be sat with hundreds of cars all trying to get into Silverstone through what can only be a sheep dip of a tunnel. Slap on the wrist to whoever thought that one up. Next year for pity sake open 2 or three gates!!

Anyway the gazebo - well the picture on the box was fine and all the bits were in there, but have you ever tried to put up a 4m x 3m gazebo from memory when there's loads of people watching you? No?, well don't try it. Firstly, it's as well to remember that you should have equal tubes on each side not 5 one side and 3 the other - so that's why it didn't look right! And all this from someone who prides himself on being able to strip a Brookie and put it back together better than new!

Still, it was worth it ha ha, when the noon day sun beat down on all those dainty lads and lasses outside guess who had loads of shade for Brookie and himself. Poser, wot me? Practicalities my boy, practicalities.

So did I sell the 280? Dunno, loads of data sheets handed out and a few hints at follow up calls, but I'm not too bothered. We had a great day out, good cruise up to Silverstone, nice cruise back, great weather and a few good chats with folk from all over the place inc. Portugal if you please. Now, why do I want to sell this baby??

There were some other 280's at the fair, but all were in club stands. Couldn't see another for sale anywhere. They are getting rarer that's a fact. But I love 'em and will Keep the Legend Alive for as long as I can ("you're not having another Brooklands" she says - "correct dear" I say...............)

Is the Capri alive and well? I think so, but each year there are less around. The ones that hold their prices are still in excellent condition. As an investment you can still recover your money as long as you know what you're buying and don't mind lavishing lot's of TLC and keeping it under wraps as much as poss. I met a nice couple of the West Country who have 2 Brooklands and won't even sell one of them for £12,000 - so you see there's still some spanking machinery out there if you know where to look - which in my case is no problem.

All for now - and a few pics for you (my car, of course!) Happy motoring.

(* pics are '3 pass progressive', so may take a few secs to fully load)

© 2006 Capri - The Legend Lives Ltd. Home | Articles & News | For sale | History | Gallery | Your 280  | Links | Wanted | Events | Build calculator | Contact us