1987 Dave Garland Capri 280 Restoration – with Mercedes V8

Bought in May 2014 from Capri Club International as a shell and pile of bits with the intention of having the bodywork done by a professional this time (all previous cars have been restored, built or modified by myself).

Turns out the car is a TV car having been on an 80’s/90’s sit com called French Fields for all of about 10 seconds.

The body, doors, bonnet and tailgate were sent to a company down on the south east coast for a few bits of repair and paint. Several new panels had been fitted by previous owner.

After five months was told to collect car as money paid had ran out, car not finished in fact was in a worse state than sent. Turns out the front of the car had had the inner wings replaced previously and they were fitted 15 degrees off centre. More damage was done by trying to straighten them, badly.

Took them to court, won my case against them, got my money back, car sat in the garage for a long time as lost heart with it.

After a while of the car sat in the garage a plan was formulated and parts acquired to build the car my way, how I want it. I will be hated by most as it’s not going to be restored back to original but is going to be a restomod with some big changes. It’s my car I build it how I want it.

Plan:
Replace the front end with straight panels.
Replace the sills with new ones that fit.
Repair any other areas that need work(not many) and stitch weld all seams.
Fit Fibre sports X pack.
Fit Mercedes 5.0 V8 and six speed manual box.
Once all mods and repairs are done remove everything for painting in the original Brooklands green.
Once back from paint, reassemble with uprated everything.
Interior will stay standard, seats will need to be restored.

Then enjoy it and pass it on to my daughter when I am too old to drive.