This was purchased more by chance than design, as whilst learning to drive I was on the lookout for something cheapish, with a mind to buying a Mk2 Escort. These were by this time past the new car stage and were becoming affordable (to me) on the second hand market. After a lot of fruitless searching, I called in at a local garage on the off chance and lurking in a back corner was SLR. Having only just come in, and no 'For Sale' signs being visible, I asked the question. How much? £1,750 later I was now part of the Capri scene, although in truth I had no idea there was a 'Capri Club' of any sort, and just enjoyed driving the car. This lack of knowledge of a club, and not knowing any other Capri owners back then, was partly why this car was traded in some six years later (due to the dreaded tin worn spreading here and there), and in its place I bought a Mk3 Escort (C622 LVW).

This car was reliable, did the job it was designed for (and it was nice having four doors, so I could just chuck stuff in the back seat without folding the drivers seat forward), but was completely bland. It just didn't put that grin on my boat race! This motor lasted less than a year, when I noticed two Capri's on another local garage forecourt. I just had to check them out. Both were 2.0 Laser's, one in black, and the other in Rosso red. The latter had some of it's 'Laser' striping missing, which rang alarm bells to me,

so it was that I became the proud owner of a black 2.0 Laser.

This car I still have, and the only panel I have since had to replace is the bonnet (leading edge rot finishing off the original one). Other work done has included new springs all round (2.8 single leafs at the back) and a tint top windscreen. I have also fitted a shark grey interior, and a RS front spoiler, which I think is set off nicely with a Mk2 front grille. These last alterations are all easy swaps, which means I can revert the car to near original Laser spec at any time.

Next came a Brooklands 280. This was my first venture into the world of 2.8 injection Capri's. It was a nicely restored example, but with a high mileage on the clock. It already had a number of replacement panels, and reproduction wheels. I replaced the entire suspension on this car, which included AVO adjustable shocks. The original front Bilsteins had expired, and being unable to secure brand new replacements, I felt using second hand would be tempting fate.

Since then I have had a 2.8 injection special on a 'C' plate, which was bought very cheap, and in need of considerable bodywork repairs. This was duly done, at not inconsiderable expense, in addition to having the interior repaired and cleaned, the lower dash, exhaust sections, fuel pump and numerous injection parts replaced, not forgetting a new windscreen and a complete re spray!

This was replaced by an older (A reg), but much cleaner 1.6LS. All I really needed to do to this, was to replace the braking system. New disks, pads and callipers, and it was fine. Felt strange not having a centre console arm rest though!

Next to arrive was this 2.0S. After stripping the interior out, the full extent of the corrosion became apparent, and having done the restoration thing with the 2.8, I couldn't afford to restore this one. If I'd advertised it for sale; especially in cases like this, it most likely would not have moved off my drive, so I decided rather than give it away I would strip it and keep the major parts as spares for my Laser. This proved to be a worthwhile decision.

What next if money were no object?

There are a number of other old Fords I would like to have if money were no object. From a nostalgic point, an Anglia 105e, as I have vivid memories of riding in both my dad's and grandad's cars, but these seem to be rising in value faster than ever, so this will have to wait.

I also always liked the Mk4 Zodiac, although the very similar Zepher didn't hold much interest for me! Corsairs and Mk1 Cortinas had their likeable quirky bits, the former its pointed front and the latter its circular rear lights always stand out in my memory. But perhaps top of my wish list, would be a Mustang. A Mk1 V6, or a Fastback GT390, now there's a quandary!