Aston Martin Tickford Capri

Overview

In the early 1980s, Tickford — the engineering and coachbuilding arm of Aston Martin Lagonda — operated as a commercial vehicle conversion and engineering consultancy. When Ford sought to extract a high-performance variant from the aging Capri platform, Tickford was engaged to apply its expertise. The result was a dramatically enhanced version of the Ford Capri 2.8i, transformed via a Garrett T3 turbocharger fitted to the Cologne 2.8-litre V6, a comprehensive interior re-trim to luxury standards, wider bodywork, upgraded suspension, ventilated disc brakes all round, and a unique body kit.

Approximately 250 cars were built between 1983 and 1987, all right-hand drive and sold exclusively in the United Kingdom. The conversion price was considerable — roughly doubling the cost of the base Capri — placing the Tickford in a rarefied segment alongside genuine sports cars of the era. Each car was individually converted at Tickford’s Newport Pagnell workshops, lending a hand-built quality entirely absent from a standard Ford production line.

For collectors today, the Tickford Capri occupies a fascinating niche: it carries genuine Aston Martin Lagonda corporate heritage via the Tickford subsidiary, yet is mechanically rooted in a mass-produced Ford. Surviving examples in good condition are increasingly sought after as period performance icons of 1980s Britain. For a buyer in Azerbaijan, this represents an investment-grade collector’s piece rather than a regular-use sports car.

Tickford Capri in Pictures

Front Quarter

Side Profile

Rear View

Bespoke Interior

Turbocharged V6

Bodywork Detail

Key Specifications

• Engine: 2.8-litre Ford Cologne V6 with Garrett T3 turbocharger and intercooler.
• Power output: 205 hp at 5,500 rpm — nearly double the naturally aspirated 2.8i.
• Torque: 289 Nm available from a relatively low 3,000 rpm thanks to turbo boost.
• Transmission: 5-speed manual gearbox, rear-wheel drive.
• Suspension: Modified front MacPherson struts and rear axle with uprated springs and dampers.
• Brakes: Ventilated disc brakes on all four corners — a significant upgrade over the standard car.
• Body: Wider front and rear arches, deep front spoiler, subtle rear spoiler, unique Tickford badging.
• Interior: Full Connolly leather re-trim, Tickford-specific instrument pack, upgraded audio system.
• Kerb weight: Approximately 1,130 kg — relatively light for a turbocharged 200 hp car.
• Production: ~250 units, all built at Newport Pagnell, all UK market right-hand drive.

Variant Comparison

What Makes It Stand Out

• Aston Martin corporate heritage: Built under the Aston Martin Lagonda group umbrella via Tickford — a genuine provenance link.
• Newport Pagnell craftsmanship: Each car individually hand-trimmed at the famous Aston Martin factory site.
• Power-to-weight ratio: With 205 hp in a 1,130 kg body, performance rivals 1980s sports cars costing far more.
• Rarity: Only ~250 built, all UK market — surviving examples in good order are genuinely scarce.
• Investment potential: Values have appreciated steadily as the 1980s performance car market gains collector attention.
• Unique position: Neither a standard Ford nor a true Aston Martin — the Tickford Capri is sui generis.

Maintenance & Ownership in Azerbaijan

• Ford mechanicals: The Cologne V6 block and running gear are shared with Ford — basic mechanical parts remain available globally.
• Turbocharger: The Garrett T3 is a widely used unit; rebuilds and replacements can be sourced through specialist turbo suppliers.
• Tickford-specific parts: Body kit panels, interior trim, and Tickford-branded components are scarce; source from UK specialists before importing.
• Fuel quality: The turbocharged engine requires 95-octane minimum; use premium unleaded consistently.
• Cooling system: Turbo-era cooling systems require regular inspection; overheating causes serious engine damage on these cars.
• Rust inspection: UK-origin cars can have significant corrosion; a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection of sills, floors, and inner wings is essential.
• Documentation: Obtain Tickford build records and UK registration history; provenance documentation is critical for value.

Tickford Capri vs. Key Competitors

Ownership Cost Calculator (Azerbaijan)

• Estimated fuel used: 960 litres/year
• Estimated annual fuel cost: $720
• Total annual ownership estimate: $5420
• Average monthly ownership estimate: $452

Used Tickford Capri Buying Checklist

• Tickford build record: Verify the car appears in Tickford’s production records — forgeries exist given the values involved.
• Bodywork & rust: Inspect all sills, floor pan, inner wings, and boot floor — UK-market cars are prone to corrosion.
• Turbocharger condition: Check for shaft play, oil contamination in the intercooler pipework, and boost pressure consistency.
• Interior originality: Verify the Tickford leather trim, instruments, and fittings are original — replacements devalue the car significantly.
• Bodykit integrity: Tickford-specific front and rear bodywork should be crack-free and correctly fitted.
• Gearbox: Check for smooth, precise shifts — the 5-speed box can develop worn synchromesh at high mileages.
• Import documentation: Ensure full customs clearance and correct declaration of the car’s collector/classic status.

FAQ

Should You Buy a Tickford Capri?

The Tickford Capri is not a car for daily use in Azerbaijan — it is a collector’s piece with genuine scarcity, a unique provenance link to the Aston Martin Lagonda group, and the kind of period character that cannot be replicated. Buyers should approach it as an investment in automotive history rather than a practical performance car.

For those who want a running, driveable classic with a compelling story, the Tickford Capri delivers exactly that: a turbocharged 1980s British icon built by the same hands that assembled Aston Martins at Newport Pagnell. Secure provenance documentation, commission a thorough pre-purchase inspection, and source spares before completing any import.