This car, built by Ford Australia from 1989 to 1994, has to be one of the best of the many good things that has come out of Broadmeadows!

It is unique on at least two counts: it is the only convertible sporty car produced in volume by an Australian manufacturer; and it is also the only car produced primarily for export from Australia rather than for the domestic market. As if that wasn't enough, its low production volume makes it a collectable rarity.

What makes it so great? Well, it's fun to drive, and it's great for touring because there's plenty of luggage space. To top it off, it's a really good-looking car. And my own experience is that, contrary to popular myth, it doesn't leak even in the worst rainstorm (mine is an SA-II, October 1990 build).

Furthermore, the Capri has all the hallmarks of a classic collectable automobile: concept, styling, functionality and rarity. (Yes, it is rare - less than 70,000 were built, of which only 1 in 8 reached the Australian RHD market.) Its desirability and price must escalate before many years have passed, as has happened with other classics. For example, in the 1960's the "upright" post-WWII MGs - the TC/TD/TF series - were 10-15 years old and were selling for $500-$800. Today any MG-Tn is almost unobtainable for $30,000 or more. The same will happen with the Capri. It's at its nadir now, but it will surely be better recognised before long. So if you have one, hang onto it. And if you don't, get one now while they're still underpriced.

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