Classic Love Story: My 56-Year-Old Ford Capri Lives on as Family Treasure

A guy who bought a Ford Capri back in 1974 admits that his emotional connection to the car is so strong, he considers it as "one of the family."

Mr. Doyle from Pyne, located near Exeter, initially purchased the 1969 Capri as a used car for £625 and has subsequently invested over £40,000 into its restoration, bringing it to a state that surpasses original factory quality.

He thought about selling the car in 2012 because of its bad shape, but he owes his decision to hold onto and refurbish it entirely to his late spouse Kath and her “remarkable foresight” which convinced him otherwise.

He affectionately referred to her as Bessie, mentioning that the car stirs up "very strong recollections for many individuals" whenever he brings it to vintage automobile exhibitions.

In 1974 Mr Doyle owned a two-seater Austin Healey Sprite but he needed "something bigger" as his wife Kath was expecting their first child.

"Of course, children, babies, two seater sports cars, they don't go well together," he said.

I have always liked the Capri, but the issue is that I now need to accommodate a stroller in the rear of this vehicle.

Thanks to removing the wheels, he successfully squeezed the pram in with an inch to spare.

He mentioned that the top of the stroller was placed on the rear seat without a seat belt in those times, and the baby would move around.

That might be why my daughter has a sore neck.

Having originally come from London, he cherishes his recollections of driving through the tunnels near Heathrow Airport.

"Back in 1974 I would say to my then wife, 'I'm popping out for half an hour', 'I know where you're going she would say'," said Mr Doyle.

He used to cruise through the tunnels with the windows rolled down just to enjoy the sound of the engine.

He mentioned that if you wanted to increase speed, you might swing the rear out, but those times were different.

I refrain from doing it right away; instead, I show her the highest level of respect since she's an elderly woman.

The vehicle was used every day from 1974 to 1991 until it malfunctioned and needed to be retrieved.

It remained out of use until 2012 when Mr. Doyle thought about discarding it.

He mentioned that it was his late wife, Kath, who persuaded him not to get rid of the car.

"I'm forever indebted to her amazing vision."

The car was "taken back to a shell" and fully restored over two years.

He mentioned that she’s likely in better shape now than when she exited the factory back in 1969.

Mr. Doyle mentioned that his vehicle allows him to interact more with others.

"He mentioned, 'When you attend a showcase, you often hear these former workers approach and share, "I used to manufacture the components at this facility."'”

Suddenly, boom, memories ignite and share countless tales with you.

These vintage automobiles possess an ability to evoke strong memories for individuals, and I find that amazing.

He added: "I know it's an inanimate object but it's part of the family."

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