We know that for many classic vehicle owners, a restoration project is about far more than just the car itself. Behind every rebuild is a story of passion, patience, hard work and often a lot of personal memories along the way.
As part of our new restoration series, Abbeyfields Insurance client, Mark Misura, kindly shared the journey behind his beautifully restored 1981 Ford Capri in rare Tibetan Gold. From rescuing the car after years left standing unused, to rebuilding it alongside his father, Mark’s story is one that many classic car enthusiasts will relate to.
The Beginning
Restoring this 1981 Ford Capri was always going to be more than just another project. I originally bought the car simply because it was affordable at £400, but what truly captured my interest was its rare and striking colour, Tibetan Gold. Ford only produced this colour for a short period, and it held special meaning for me because my father owned a brand-new Capri in the very same shade back in 1982.
The Capri’s history was equally intriguing. I purchased it from a lady whose uncle had owned the car from new. Due to health issues, the Capri spent much of its life stored away in a garage. In 2007, she took ownership of the car, but sadly, during the winter of 2008, she lost control on black ice and collided heavily with a lamp post. The accident damaged the front panel, lower front panel, bonnet and nearside wing. After the incident, the Capri remained standing on her front garden until 2011.
Bringing the Capri Back to Life
Despite years exposed to the elements, the car still had enormous potential. The wheel arches were remarkably solid, although the sills had deteriorated badly from sitting in damp grass for so long. My father and I decided to take on the restoration together, stripping the Capri back to a bare shell and beginning what would become a true labour of love.
Sourcing Rare Parts, Paintwork and Rebuild
Sourcing parts for a 1981 Capri in 2011 was far from easy, but thanks to a network of good friends and fellow enthusiasts, we managed to track down everything needed. A front panel and lower front panel were discovered hidden away in storage, while replacement wings came from Coventry and Swadlincote. The bonnet came courtesy of a good friend, Simon Gray, and fortunately I already had a set of original lights stored away in my garage.
The bodywork and welding were carried out by the incredibly talented Mel Bennett, an old-school panel beater whose craftsmanship and knowledge were invaluable throughout the project. Once the metalwork was complete, the car was sent to Jason Bickley at Sportsline Autos for paintwork. After meticulous preparation, the Capri was refinished in its original and iconic Tibetan Gold, the same paintwork it proudly wears today.
Back at home, the car underwent a complete nut-and-bolt rebuild. Another close friend, Josh Harris, beautifully retrimmed the seats, completing the interior to an exceptional standard. Aside from a 5-speed gearbox conversion and a leather steering wheel, the Capri remains completely original.
More than Just a Car
What makes the car especially meaningful to me is that my father and I restored it together. It is more than just a classic Ford. It is a lasting reminder of the time we spent building something special side by side.
The Capri was completed in 2013, and driving it for the first time was an unforgettable moment. Like most classic car owners, the project never truly ends, and I still enjoy sourcing genuine old-stock parts to keep improving the car wherever possible.
Recognition on the Classic Car Scene
Since its restoration, the Capri has gained significant recognition within the classic car scene. It has appeared on ITV as part of the Ford Capri’s 50th anniversary celebrations, featured in both Classic Ford and Retro Ford magazines, and even served as a wedding car on three separate occasions. The car has also won several trophies and was proudly displayed on the Meguiar’s stand at the NEC Classic Motor Show.
Today, the Capri remains a cherished part of my life, a car built with passion, patience and unforgettable memories.
Many thanks to our client Mark Misura for sharing this story with us.
Would you like to share your story with us? Email info@abbeyfieldsinsurance.co.uk for the chance to be featured!
