During the latter months of 2000 we were contacted by a gentleman with a rather special Capri - One of the Series - X 3.0 litre models. This particular car was originally a Ford Motor Co. Demonstration car, used for press photographs and test car. At the end of Ford,s usage it was sold with two similar Capri's to Brands Hatch Circuit, to be used as an official Pace Car for the Touring Car Series of the period. Brands Hatch sold these on at the end of the series,and Terry (the current owner) purchased this particular Capri. He has owned this for the last 18 years and it is believed to be one of only two to survive (One apparently being written off in a road accident!). He has put the car back on the road after ten years of dry storage, and joined our club as a member. This special Capri has been on show at several of our events so far this year, and was shown much interest when it appearred at CCI Winter Convention in March 2001 on the club stand. Look out for it at our various show events during the year!

We have always wanted to be able to display at least one of each model of Capri - Mk I, Mk I facelift, Mk II and Mk III. We did manage this at one show in the distant past, but not on a regular basis unfortunately. Well thanks to a recent development we now have all of these models within the membership! Unfortunately it may be a little while before we will be able to display them all as the Mk I models are undergoing restoration at this time! Still we look forward to the time we can show them.

CAPRI MODELS.

SERIES - X  OFFICIAL PACE CAR

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2001 News

2002 NEWS

NEW (OLD?) CRAZE We appear to have started a revival of another old hobby to run in conjunction with our enjoyment of our classic cars! Following our purchase of an in car and portable handset CB radios at an autojumble earlier in the year. The intention was for keeping in contact at shows and whilst in convoy on the way to and from events. John Wallis still had a carset and also a portable unit and so they started to have a revived usage. The result has been a resurgence of interest in the 70's craze within the membership and now all members are on-line! Some have retrieved their old units from the attic, garden shed or garage and dusted them down. Others have purchased either new or used items from autojumbles etc. So Get your ears on good buddy!

2003 NEWS

2003 is expected to be an exciting year for the Club with this being Ford's 100th anniversary celebration year! Many event organisers are gearing up to this and several new Ford based events have been announced. I anticipate this will make for a thrilling show season as it is also the 20th anniversary of the Capri Club.

FORD ENTHUSIASTS SHOW We attended this event on Sunday April 6th at Donington Park Exhibition Centre. We had an indoor display stand and the show theme was '100 Years of Ford'. We were fortunate to obtain the Model T belonging to Mr Eddie Pearson of Lichfield, to assist our display. Member Simon Jaggs 2.8 i Special provided our display car. Prior to the event our members constructed a time line displayed on four boards listing world events and Ford relevant landmarks. These were segregated in decades and a picture of a relevant Ford car from the period supported each period. we were pleased to win a trophy and substantial prize money cheque in recognition of our efforts at the end of show presentation. Well done all members involved in production of display material, obtaining these, and all setting up on the day. Special thanks to Eddie for the loan of the model T. This display should be in evidence at several show events throughout the year!

RAGLEY HALL SUCCESS

Our Club stand at this event was once again based on the '100 Years of Ford' theme. We ended up with only six cars on show for this event with some members having to work and others suffering from a spate ofhead gasket failures! Unbelievably we had three cars suffer with blown head gaskets within days of one another! Two Pinto engined and one Cologne engined Capri being affected. Despite this we presented a selection of Mk III models a 1.6 LS, 1.6 Laser, 2 2.0 Lasers a 2.8 Injection and a 280. We were pleased to win the Best Club Stand award at the end of this Transtar Promotions Event.

SANDON SURPRISE

Our next outing following Ragley was another Transtar event at Sandon Hall Staffordshire two weeks later. Due to various problems both mechanical and other we did not manage to display the twelve Capri's that were pre-booked into the event! We ended with seven car's on show (tw ofwhich belonged to new members who had not booked in!). We ended up with a 1.6 LS, 2 1.6 Laser's, 2 2.0 Laser's, a 2.8 Injection and a 280 on our stand. The weather did not smile on us and we experienced a period of heavy rain during the day (The forecast had prevented one or two members car's appearing that day!). However we had a pleasant day for all that. Capri's were well represented amongst the club display's with five Capri clubs including ours. At the end of show presentation we were amazed but well pleased to discover that we had once again won the Best Club stand trophy. This is our third best year to date with three awards so far this year - I hope we may add one or two more before years end!

BEAUMANOR MAKES IT THREE ON THE TROT Following our success at Sandon we attended the Transtar Promotions show at Beaumanor Hall near Loughborough, Leics. We had quite a turn out on the day managing to display nine cars! In order to continue our 100 Years of Ford theme we had as a central feature two 1977 Mk II Capri's. A roman bronze 1600 GL and royal blue 3.0 Ghia. We placed these either side of a 1978 Mk II gold Escort ghia. The remaining members Capri's (1.6LS, 1.6 and 2.0 Laser's, 2.8 Injection and 280) were placed either side of the central feature. We had an excellent day with a bright dry day weatherwise, and much interest in the cars and display. We were well pleased to discover at the end of show trophy presentation that we had once again won Best Club display award. Our third successive win with Transtar this year!

2003 CHAMPIONS Once again our annual end of year awards ceremony and Christmas meal was well attended with 14 members in attendance in 8 Capri's. Following an excellent meal the presentation of awards took place to the successful top three members in the Clubman of the Year awards. The winner was youngest member Richard Hoult, who won after defending his previous top spot in 2002. It was much closer this year though with ony a 3 point lead from 2nd placed John Wallis. Third place was awarded to founder member Jeannette Hoult, keeping her record of a top three placing each year since the club formed in 1996! This despite her efforts to allow someone else to step on the podium! The Capri of the Year championship resulted with a win for a Mk II Capri. The 1977 1600 GL model in Roman bronze won from the 2002 winning 280 model. In third place was     a 1986 1.6 Laser in Mercury Grey. We were particularly pleased to see the Mk II win this year as the former owner (and club member) Jim Clamp, sadly passed away during 2003. The Outstanding Contribution by a Club Member award was presented to John Wallis for his continued devotion to the Club.

2004 NEWS

2004 will be another special year for our club! In addition to it being our ninth year of activities it is a double celebration for Capri Owners! This year heralds the 35th anniversary of the introduction of the Mk I Capri in 1969 and also the 30th anniversary of the Mk II variant in 1974. To promote these twin anniversaries our club will construct special display material which is relevant to the event!

CCI NATIONAL The Club attended the CCI National event at Badgers Hill, in the Vale of Evesham on May 23rd. The National event is mainly  given to concours competition. There are several categories, Concours, Condition, Modified and Personalised. Each has awards for Mk I, II and III models. The Club Chairman entered his Roman Bronze 1.6 GL Mk II in the concours class and was pleased to be awarded a trophy for Second place at the event trophy presentation!

35th ANNIVERSARY SHOW We ran the event as part of the annual Cars in the Park event organised by Lichfield Rotary club at Beacon Park Lichfield, Staffordshire. The show took place on the weekend of 3rd/4th July after several months of preparations! As usual several of the promised exhibits and traders cried off in the days preceding the show! However we proceeded and despite saturday being showery and windy we were fortunate to have a bright sunny day on the sunday. As a result of the bad weather we ran the Branch Challege competition on the sunday alongside the other entertainments. Several branches were in attendance along with a number of Mk II models from the Mk II Register who were celebrating their 30th Anniversary. We held a parts identification competition, Quiz, Iron man, Tug of war, Wheel changing and Spark plug change competition. The winning branch were to receive a trophy. Branches taking part were Cheshire Capri Club, Coastal Capri Club, Capri Nuts, Telford Capri Club and Burton Capri Club. A Concours competition was also run on the sunday, along with a Charity Capri parts auction - all proceeds to go to the Rotary Club Charities. Parts were donated by the following to whom we extend our gratitude:- Capri Club International, LMC Hadrian Car Panels, GMS Capri Spares, MWR Capri Spares, Chris Leigh of Gray's truck centre (Parts Division), and club members Tony Sewell and Richard Hoult. The trophies were presented by the lady Mayoress of Lichfield to the following recipients:- Concours car of the show - 2.8I Special - D 240 VRG - Mick Cousins, Leicester Best Club Stand - Capri Nuts Branch Challenge - Burton Capri Club Charity Auction raised £ 220 for the Rotary Club Charities! We were surprised and very pleased to win the Best Club stand award from the Rotary Club to round off an excellent if busy day! Many thanks to all who attended and for bidding so genorously in the Charity auction!

V.O.E.C.C. BUMPKIN SHOW We attended this show for the first time this year and found it to be a very pleasant weekend show. For once we actually camped overnight and enjoyed the evening entertainment including a tremendous firework display! Sunday was Concours judging day and we entered two cars in the competition. Alison Eyre entered her self restored Mk I facelift 3.0 GXL in the Condition class, whilst our Club chairman entered his Roman Bronze Mk II in the Concours class. At the end of show presentations where many trophies were presented in assorted categories, Alison was pleased to receive her first trophy with the car in winning the Condition class. Mick's Mk I I once again came second in the Concours! At show's end there was a final award presented for Car of the Show chosen by the show's venue host Mr Pugh senior. This was his personal choice as the trophy supplier. We hoped Alison's striking Sebring Red Mk I (Currently leading our own Capri of the Year championship by some margin) would be successful once more. The trophy was presented to URY 560 S - The Chairman's Mk II! An excellent ending to a superb weekend event - one we will certainly attend again in the future!

NEW MEETING VENUE

From the 1st of October we have changed our monthly meeting  venue to The Horseshoe Inn, Main Street, Tatenhill, Burton-on-Trent. Due to the rapidly expanding membership of the club we needed a venue with a larger car park and facilities to accomodate our number. Meeting nights remain as before on the first and third Wednesday evening each month commencing at 8.00pm. Visitors wishing to bring children can be easily catered for!

2004 CHAMPIONS Our ninth annual Christmas lunch and Championship trophy presentation was attended by 17 members and nine various Capri's (Mk I, II and III models present!). Following the meal we adjourned to the bar downstairs for coffee and to present the awards as follows. CLUBMAN OF THE YEAR This went to the wire this year with the winner being new member Craig Jenkins who clinched the title by just three points at the final event of the year! Second place went to founder member Jeannette Hoult who has been in the top three every year so far - scoring 3 each win, second and third placings. Third place was awarded to previous year's winner Richard Hoult who has also been in the top three for the past six years. CAPRI OF THE YEAR A very interesting result in this years competition following a heated contest throughout the year. Final result saw the apt result of a 1st placed Mk I, followed by a Mk II and Mk III in second and third placings. Winning car was a Mk I facelift 3.0 GXL 1973 model owned by Alison Eyre of Birmingham in her first year with our club. The result was close however as the Capri which had scored consistently and opened up a fair lead did not turn out after the show season ended. This allowed the 2003 winning Mk II to close to within 5 points! The 1.6 GL 1977 car was therefore awarded the runners up trophy. Third place went to longstanding member John Wallis of Lichfield whose 1985 2.0Laser has been a regular show exhibit on club displays. OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION This award in the past has usually gone to a member of the club - however on this occasion it was presented to a non member. In gratitude for all of the assistance provided throughout 2004 which took many forms the award was presented to Dave Cooper.

2005 NEWS

Following our previous high activity years we plan a slightly less active year with regard to events attended. Some new events will be attended and I personally intend to proceed with my sadly neglected Capri II retoration project! All major events both CCI and premier shows will be supported however. More info available in Roadshow page.

CAPRI NATIONAL We attended this the first CCI event of the year, held once again at Badger's Hill, Evesham. This event is mainly devoted to a Concours competition with categories Concours, Condition, Modified and personalised. Three entries were fielded from our own branch members cars. Once again the Roman bronze Mk II (having recently undergone a lot of work including bonnet respray and many new parts fitted) secured a trophy in this competition. Second place in the Concours class (always the bridesmaid?) in a much more supported category this year. Sadly this was the only award in this years contest for our club. It was interesting that for once there were more Mk II models in attendance than the more popular Mk I models.

CARRY ON CAPRI CAMPING We visited this long running event for the first time this year. Hosted by Milton Keynes branch of Capri Club International the venue changed this year from the usual Billing Aquadrome. This year the event was held at Marston Moretaine social club's grounds. In addition to our own branch there were Vale of Evesham, Wolverhampton & Bridgnorth, East London, Dorset and Northampton branches in attendance. We missed the branch challenge competitions held on the saturday as we only attended on the sunday. Sunday was Concours competition day and a couple of our members cars entered into the competition. Further success for the Roman Bronze Mk II with an outright win at last in Mk II Concours class - Two trophies in two efforts this year!

CAPRI BUMPKIN SHOW We visited this event once again only for the sunday sadly due to the terrible weather that prevailed on the Saturday. Once again the Roman Bronze Mk II 1600 GL was entered in the Mk II Concours Competition. The car improved on last years result with a win in this category!

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2005 CHAMPIONS CLUBMAN OF THE YEAR This award was won  by founder member Jeannette Hoult at the death following Rob Booton letting it slip from his grasp towards the end of the season. This is Jeannettes fourth win in this championship. Rob Booton finished in second place with Richard Hoult taking third place. CAPRI OF THE YEAR For the first time since we started this competition this championship was won by a Capri that had won the title before. The Roman Bronze Mk II 1.6 GL proved to be the most popular amongst our displayed cars at meetings and shows taking the title previously won in 2003. Second place went to the Club Chairmans 280 model with third place going to the whie 2.8 Injection special belonging to Rob Booton. OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION AWARD Club member Rob Booton was the deserving winner of this award for his efforts in supplying material and labour to produce a trailer for use transporting Club props to shows etc.

2006 NEWS

CAPRI NATIONAL                    Our first major event of the year was once again the Capri Club International event at Badger's Hill in the Vale of Evesham. The forecast was not good so only 3 brave souls set off in Capri's for this show. We had a 280, 1.6 Laser and the Mk II on display. Halfway there the heavens opened and that was it for rest of day - we did not even set up a display in sodden field! Two cars were entered for Concours the 280 and Mk II but judging was hit and miss in the conditions as judges did not want to spend too much time on inspections! The Mk II however once again picked up a trophy - this time in 3rd place (worst result so far!) and typically at the presentation as the awards were over it stopped raining and sun came out! Despite the conditions there were more Capri's at this show than I had seen at a National for several years! Hardy souls most Capri owners!

CARRY ON CAMPING The tenth year for this event once more at Marston Moretaine. A solo effort from the club for this one as I went in the Mk II on the Sunday. Weather was much better for this one and there was a decent level of support for this event with a new group displaying - The Capri Laser Page regulars having formed a 'club' and had a fair number of cars on display. The Mk II was entered in the Concours and successfully defended the previous years win!

CAPRI BUMPKIN SHOW Third visit to this event which is held in the lenches close to CCI Headquarters. Held over the August bank holiday weekend this year rather than the usual September date. Puggy had hoped for better weather for this years 3 day event but someone had better ideas with a wet friday and saturday keeping many visitors away. I set off on Sunday morning in dry conditions but it was overcast and threatening! I arrived early enough to prepare the car for the days Concours event and duly enteredthe Mk II - due to a rule change it was also entered for Condition class. There was a newly restored Mk II 2.0 Ghia amongst the competition and as it looked like it had just come off the assembly line unsurprisingly was the winner! I was however pleased to come away with two trophies this year for 2nd place in both Concours and Condition classes. Some work needs to be done this winter to further improve the Mk II condition as all year round outdoor parking is taking it's toll on the bodywork!