Ford Capri Mk1 'Pit Lane Van' ++FINISHED ++

[McColm]

When the European Ford Capri was launched SJMcColm Engineering Ltd Motor Division came up with the idea of converting the car into a lightweight van for the small shops and motorsports as a pit lane support vehicle.
At first glance the boot/trunk and rear seats were removed, the rear suspension tweaked plus the single headlamp lens replaced with a single round one. Extra spotlights plus a high top roof could be ordered as an option. Other options included a canvas roof for the rear with metal hoops or a panel van version this included a tailgate.
 Ford of Europe was shown the tailgate during the period of the Mk1 face-lift but rejected it the idea however would be implemented on the Mk2 model.
 The vans were first panned by the British Press as publicity gimmicks which didn't stop Harrods, Selfridges and the Emergency Services buying them in small numbers.
The rapid response version had the option of the Essex 3L or 2.5L diesel which was a novelty as this engine didn't appear on the any of the current line of Capri engines. SJMcColm Engineering Ltd Motor Division also offered an all electric powered version nicknamed 'the milk float' which in the latter years developed into hybrid used by the GPO and the British Army.
 Years later Ford of Europe would introduce the P100 based on the Cortina and later the Sierra.

The build so far uses a resin 1/24 bodyshell of the European Ford Mk1 Capri although not as sharp as other renderings the shape has been captured. Several raids in the spares boxes have come up with a chassis from one of the racing versions of the V4 turbo kit, parts from other car kits have been cobbled together to represent the interior although at this stage no glue has been used only a saw to remove the boot/trunk and a file for the edges.
On the Mk1 Capri the rear light cluster came from the Mk1 Ford Escorts, having used the Capri parts on my other builds these will be different and so will the wheels.
I'm opting for a pit or paddock car to support a motorsports team as I can use the leftover parts from the Italeri Truck Accessories sets and other spare parts.

[Dizzyfugu]

Uh, I like that idea! 

[PFJN]

Hi,
I'm looking forward to seeing your build 

[McColm]

Hi,
I'm looking forward to seeing your build 

So am I.

[McColm]

Further rummaging has revealed the Fujimi 1/24 Garage and Tools set, I haven't been able to find the springs, vinyl pipes nor the vinyl cord but with a bit of bodging the tool chests, oil cans and spare Jerry cans will be fitted.

The bodyshell will be sprayed white and be detachable a nonstandard windscreen and as it's not road legal but lefthand drive for the European and American market.

Nonstandard round headlamps harking back to the Ford Mustang, boot/trunk cut out.



The underside

[McColm]

Stopped for lunch,  engine crane installed,  toolbox not finished or fixed. The wire wheels do fit.

[McColm]

A little bit of work has been done,  front and rear indicators, PSR and the rear side windows are being filled in.
The resin bodyshell is riddled with air bubbles. A handbrake has also been added but not shown in these photos.

Front


Back

[McColm]

I've found a set of wheels which came from the Matchbox Ford Capri Mk1 Sports model kit, the instructions look as though it's based on the North American import model which was marketed under the Ford Mercury brand.
I've also changed the steering wheel and added a bit of colour, which could be a grey primer sprayed over old English yellow. On both sides where the rear windows used to be although I have filled these in with putty/filler they have a Jerry Can each side. I have used the front windscreen from a die-cast toy car which isn't an ideal fit and painted the interior. This will need detailing later. I have also found a truck/lorry mirror which will be fixed to the dashboard as the side mirrors are deleted on this build and so too are the bumpers. The windscreen wipers are hidden by the bonnet/hood which never made it to be included on the production models.
More garage tools will be fitted on the outside of the vehicle to aid the mechanics along with the tool chests and wrench set.

[McColm]

Door cards fitted not from a Ford Capri but a Ford Mustang, a mirror from the Tamiya Jaguar Mk2 and some bits & pieces, not the correct colours but I'm using up what I have.

Closeup view of the interior with handbrake, I'm trying to lighten the trim.


Mirror looks good.


Fire extinguishers,  steering wheel, toolbox, wrench set and tool storage box undergoing painting.


A few more items added and the interior is brown/ light tan although the beige acrylic paint is closer.

The hacksaw dangling from the dexan rail is on purpose!


The other side


Got some fine masking tape which I can use as the straps.

[McColm]

Needs tidying up and a few decals.
From the front.



Electric cable reel at the rear for charging overnight or providing electricity for power tools.




Yes there's tools in the open trays.

[McColm]

Couldn't get to sleep last night so I've added a few extra touches, seems as though the front end has it's own spoiler under the engine bay.



Closeup view of the rear.

[zenrat]

Nice idea Mac.   

[McColm]

Nice idea Mac.   

Thanks

[McColm]

I've added a side exhaust pipe on the passenger side (right side of the model), I'm going to try and add an aerial. Should be finished sometime this week.

[McColm]

Calling this build finished before I go and spoil it.

Memo to self, paint the small pieces first before gluing them on although on this occasion they're supposed to look bashed and scratched, bodge repairs and weathered. It's a pit lane support vehicle, used and abused. Parts pinched and spare parts added, hence the unconventional appearance.