VIDEO: Motors & Me: Bernard O’Callaghan and his 1976 Ford Capri

Bernard O’Callaghan shows off his 1976 Ford Capri Mk2, 2.0GL

What are you currently driving?

A 1976 Ford Capri Mk2, 2.0GL. The car is totally original and unrestored. It has only covered 9800 miles, despite being almost 40-years-old.

Love at first sight or a means to get from A to B?

Definitely love at first sight. This car came on the market in London in 2004 after the original owner passed away. I had a friend in the UK buy it on my behalf after I saw some photos. I then flew to Bristol, he collected me from the airport and drove me to his home in Somerset. I drove the Capri home that evening catching the Fishguard to Rosslare ferry.

What’s under the bonnet?

The engine is 2000cc, four cylinder , petrol with an overhead camshaft.

Petrol head or Sunday driver?

I have to confess to being a petrol head. I just love cars and the faster the better. I’m a member of the Charleville Vintage, Veteran and Classic Car Club and the recently formed Five Mile Vintage & Classic Car Club. There’s a show or a run on every Sunday during the summer so there’s always an event to take the Capri to.

What was your first car?

Ironically, it was almost a Rosso Red Ford Capri with red carpets and red upholstery which sat in the showrooms of Cavanagh’s in Charleville. I was 18 and my bank manager didn’t share my dream so I ended up with a more sensible Toyota Corolla.

What else do /did you own?

On the classic side, I also own a 1972 Mark1 Ford Capri 1.6XL in Daytona Yellow. Over the years I have also owned, a Mark1 and a few Mark 2 Escorts, a couple of Morris Minors, MGBGT’s, an MG Roadster, a Rover P6, a VW Beetle, a Cortina and a long list of other Capri’s. My current everyday car is a Volvo XC60.

Dream drive in dream location.

The streets of Monte Carlo in a F1 Ferrari, followed closely by Sebastian Vettel. If that didn’t work out, Kenmare in any of the Capris. I have a real affection for the town and its people.

Passenger you’d most like on a long journey?

That would have to be my wife Patricia (just in case she reads this!). She’s my constant companion on all things vintage, even though she has no real interest in the cars she loves the social aspect of the events.

Passenger you’d least like?

I’d be happy to give anyone a spin.

What’s on your playlist?

Henry didn’t include a radio as standard in the Capri so I listen to the roar of the engine. In my daily drive, the list includes everything from Christy Moore to U2 and some chill classical.