British Cool or American Muscle?

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It may seem obvious now but the Ford Capri was indeed designed to be the European Mustang and was designed by Mustang designer Phillip T Clark. Like the famous American Pony car, it was a big success, but it didn’t last as long as the Mustang which is still made today. Both models have their fans and both of these cars are being auctioned at Turners Christchurch. Would you choose the retro car favoured by seventies UK cop shows or the muscle of this Roush edition US Mustang? Read on...

The last time the Capri name was used it adorned an Aussie made, Mazda based, front wheel drive roadster, designed to compete with Mazda’s MX5 – I know, it’s confusing. It was an ignominious end to a once great name. Over 17 years Ford built 1.9 million proper Capris and they are all prized classics today. Prices are high but not as high as Escort prices. This example from 1973 is the classic mk1 with the 1600 engine found in loads of British Fords of the time. It looks to be a great survivor and is sensibly guided at $20,000-$30,000.

But if American muscle of a more modern persuasion is your thing, then look no further than this Roush version of the 6^th Gen Mustang. Now, the Mustang may have outlived the Capri but it had some stinkers along the way. However, from the 5^th generation on, the Mustang found its mojo again, and this 6^th Gen example will really dial up your excitement levels...and your fuel bills.

The Roush Mustang is a special edition by the Roush performance company, the company started by ex-Ford employee, Jack Roush. Roush have been tuning Mustangs for years and this is a stage 2, manual example pumping out 435hp. As the man himself said “between a road car and a race car is a Roush car...”

These were built in limited numbers and will surely be very collectible in the future. At a guide of $60,000 - $70,000, and with just 10,000kms on the clock, it seems like good buying.

These two cars are being auctioned at Turners Christchurch on December 18^th. More details here and here.