Striking new exhibit takes visitors back to Swingin’ Sixties

Ford Consul Capri in glorious red outside the museum

For fans of cult Americana, the latest donation to the Lakeland Motor Museum’s ever-growing collection is sure to stir up some special memories of the Swingin’ Sixties.

A striking 1962 Ford Consul Capri has been kindly donated and put on display at the Cumbrian attraction, after previously being kept by the same owner for more than 55 years.

In its heyday, the pillar-box red, two-door coupé could reach a top speed of 79mph and was once reported to have “cornered like a racing car” by driving legend Raymond Mays.

Now increasingly-rare, the Consul Capri aimed to emulate American models and styling, and was designed with luxury and glamour in mind.

Close up of the Consul Capri in front of the museum

The Motor Museum’s newest addition was first registered in Lancashire, but was donated by a gentleman who later lived in Grange-over-Sands and then Manchester. With its huge boot, the vehicle brought a touch of glamour to his regular camping trips.

Manager at the Lakeland Motor Museum, Chris Lowe, says, “With its sweeping lines and a pillarless coupé roof, this eye-catching car is a great addition to the Museum. It even arrived with the owner’s large collection of cassette tapes, which helps to conjure up some great images of days out with the windows down and the radio cranked up!”

The 1962 Ford Consul Capri has now taken pride of place alongside other iconic vehicles from a similar era, including the 1962 Triumph Vitesse, the 1963 Singer Vogue and the 1966 Amphicar – otherwise known as ‘the car which swims’.

The legendary sweeping roofline of the Ford Consul Capri