1970 GT Capri Identification Query

1970GTCapri · 07-07-2023, 08:26 AM

Hello All, I recently purchased a 1970 Capri V6 and am working my way thru sorting out a list of issues for RWC but have recently been wondering about its history and about the way of verifying if she is what she appears to be (an original GT).

I am not a purist by any means, I have loved Capri's since my teens and only recently been is a position to purchase one.

She has been repainted and restored inside and out and came with a copy of a letter from Ford Mo Co (picture attached) to provide further context.

The VIN on the document matches the VIN stamped on the radiator support (there is no compliance plate). Also, there is another number stamped on the strut tower (picture attached), I'm not sure what that number references.

Another question I have is about the reference to items in the letter stating the word "Delete". Does this mean the original owner did not want these options?

Any advice on the above or of the history of the vehicle would be greatly appreaciated.

Col

**russellw** · 07-07-2023, 09:55 AM

You are correct in terms of the delete options meaning there was an option to delete 'standard' fittings, in this case the bonnet pins, black bonnet and Super Roo decal.

cosworthfreak · 07-07-2023, 09:51 PM

That J number on the strut tower appears to be ‘JF’?

cosworthfreak · 07-07-2023, 10:30 PM

That J number on the strut tower appears to be ‘JF’ but I think it’s actually JE. The original compliance plate would have had the J number stamped on it as well. Either JE or JF points to a GT V6, as does the CK17 beginning to the chassis number. If it was JF it would be originally an auto car, but as there were no autos made in June 1970 (weren’t built at all until August 1970), I’m thinking it is JE which matches with the letter from Ford.

The ‘69 and most ‘70 cars had a dual numbering system like the Falcons had. The CK number is the body number, and the J number is the engine number (although also stamped on the driver’s side shock tower).

I don’t have your car in my records but I have some before and after your CK body number. The JE number on yours is between them, so seems to align (although without the compliance plate I can’t be definitive).

cosworthfreak · 07-07-2023, 10:32 PM

By the number’s it’s a GT, but would have to inspect the car to be certain.

cosworthfreak · 07-07-2023, 11:09 PM

That J number on the strut tower appears to be ‘JF’ but I think it’s actually JE. The original compliance plate would have had the J number stamped on it as well. Either JE or JF points to a GT V6, as does the CK17 beginning to the chassis number. If it was JF it would be originally an auto car, but as there were no autos made in June 1970 (weren’t built at all until August 1970), I’m thinking it is JE which matches with the letter from Ford.

The ‘69 and most ‘70 cars had a dual numbering system like the Falcons had. The CK number is the body number, and the J number is the engine number (although also stamped on the driver’s side shock tower).

I don’t have your car in my records but I have some before and after your CK body number. The JE number on yours is between them, so seems to align (although without the compliance plate I can’t be definitive).

1970GTCapri · 08-07-2023, 07:26 AM

Thanks for your input everyone, its much appreaciated.
I had another look last night, even took a magnifying glass and wire brush, it looks like JE to me.

Regardless of the positive ID its a terrific car and an absolute delight to drive. Its got a 5spd steel case celica gear box with new syncro’s gears ect
new clutch, all new suspension with adjustable Bilsteins shock inserts, new strut tops lower control arms rack bushes ect rear K-max sway bar, new exhaust & 2.8i vented disc’s.

The interior is all new and all guages work perfectly.

I'm wrapped to own a small piece of Australian motoring history.

Capriman · 08-07-2023, 08:45 PM

It definitely left the factory as a GT V6, 3-litre, manual. The code JE1572 means that it's a V6, Manual, serial 1572, this is the engine number. Can be confirmed by checking the flat section at the back of the block on the drivers side. The delete items mean that the car wasn't fitted with those additional items when it left the factory.. PM me if you want a complete breakdown of the 11 character Chassis number, VINs weren't introduced until 1981 and are a 17 character code, but that's another story. Cheers, Terry

1970GTCapri · 09-07-2023, 07:30 AM

Thanks for the verification Capriman, I checked last night and the number on the engine block matches so she must be genuine.

Thanks for the offer of the breakdown of the chassis number as well, I will PM you soon.

A bit of background on me, I'm based in Ballarat and when I was 17 found a mint condition Capri that I wanted to buy as my first car. My father got involved and found out how much it was going to cost for insurance and pulled the handbrake on the deal, much to my disappointment.

Then life happened, marriage, kids, career - you know the drill. I chanced upon this vehicle a few months ago and could not resist, call it a fufillment of a dream I guess.

I plan to hold onto her and keep the maintenance up, a Ballarat winter is not ideal for nice drives so shes tucked away undercover. Bring on spring and then I will get to enjoy it a bit more.

Capriman · 10-07-2023, 09:34 AM

Col, there's a few members of the Capri Car Club, based in Melbourne, around Ballarat, I'd suggest you join to learn more about these wonderful little Ford vehicles. Checkout out the website at www.capricarclub.org.au Cheers, Terry

1970GTCapri · 10-07-2023, 05:25 PM

Thanks Terry, your input has been invaluable. I will reach out to the Capri Club tonight. Cheers Col

FERG_51 · 10-07-2023, 11:03 PM

By the way that is a beautiful looking car 1970.

1970GTCapri · 11-07-2023, 09:06 AM

Thanks FERG_51, she's certainly not concourse but is a very nice street car, here is a few more snaps.
Apologies that the names of the files dont match the pics....

AlanM · 28-02-2024, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1970GTCapri

Thanks FERG_51, she's certainly not concourse but is a very nice street car, here is a few more snaps.
Apologies that the names of the files dont match the pics....

Wow, beautiful!
I had a 3000GT way back in the 1980's. Yep, insurance was pretty brutal! IIRC it cost $600 a year to insure for $3000.

Mine actually got stolen too, but recovered pretty much unharmed. Throttle cable snapped on Castlereagh Rd, so I guess it was too public a location to torch it or strip it.

I don't imagine the Throttle cable snapped because they were nursing it though...

Being a youngster at the time, mine ended up fairly heavily modified. I got a lot of group C racing bits from guys like Alan Can't, John Craft and even Barry Seton. They often had near new bits that they couldn't use due to rule changes.

Even got a billet cam. That gave a serious kick in ghe pants at about 3000 rpm. Would pull strongly till the end of the tachometer at 7000.

Eventually I moved on. Wish I still had that car...

Anyway, yours is gorgeous. So original looking. And the RS is wheels look great on Capris.

From what I recall, yeah the chassis number started with CK17. I think the CK meant the cars were imported CKD - Completely knocked down and assembled here at the Homebush plant. But I could easily be wrong about that.

Also I think the V6 had some bracing around the strut top and the firewall that the 1600 didn't have.

1970GTCapri · 11-03-2024, 04:23 PM

Thanks Alan, and sorry for the late reply. I work in bushfire managment and its been a busy few weeks.

Thank you for the nice comments and the reflections on your old car, she sounds like she was a ripper :-)

I plan on leaving my Capri just the way she is, with one small exception, its booked on for a creamic paint treatment in the next few weeks.

Its a fun cruiser and gets plenty of attention when I take her out for an infrequent run.