eBay RESTORATION LIVE is returning to the Silverstone Classic this year and Fergus Walkinshaw and his team will be restoring a classic 1984 Ford Capri over the three days, using parts and accessories from eBay UK.
A team of expert mechanics led by racing driver and car restorer Fergus will bring a 33-year-old, 2.8 Injection Capri back to life live in front of festival-goers over the last weekend in July (28-30th). Starting on Friday, they will race against the clock and – if all goes to plan – show off the Capri as part of Mike Brewer’s Car Clinic on Sunday.
“Last year’s Silverstone Classic crowds got to see what a team at the very top of their game can achieve when the pressure is on. We’re delighted to welcome Fergus and the guys back to eBay RESTORATION LIVE in 2017 and I can’t wait to see what they do with this automotive icon of the ‘80s. Whether you love the Capri, restorations or you’re just a car enthusiast, RESTORATION LIVE will have something for you – just like eBay itself.”
– Murray Lambell, eBay’s director of trading
The finished car will then be auctioned on eBay, with all proceeds going to the event’s official charity Prostate Cancer UK.
The Capri is completely original with no aftermarket modifications and has had just one owner from new. But with 85,000 miles on the clock – and barely any time on the road in the last decade – it needs a complete overhaul.
The mechanics’ to-do list includes a full engine service, repairs to the suspension, drivetrain and braking system, repairs to rust and dents on the bodywork.
This year, Fergus’ team of five mechanics will also include a mechanic from Mission Motorsport, a charity which aids the recovery and rehabilitation of those affected by military operations by providing opportunities through motorsport.
Once the 130mph Capri is mechanically sound again, Fergus plans to bring it up to near concours condition, using a mixture of refurbished elements from the car and parts sourced from online marketplace eBay.
The challenge is a completely different one to that faced by the team last year, when they renovated an iconic first-generation Range Rover to its original condition – a breakneck restoration described as “a miracle” by Mike Brewer when it roared onto the eBay stage.
“Restoring the Range Rover in just three days was a tremendous achievement last year, of which we’re extremely proud. We know what to expect and to bring even more specialist knowledge to the 2017 Capri project. Preparation is key, so we’re going to be busy sourcing all of the parts and accessories we’ll need in the run up to the Silverstone Classic. It’s going to be a great experience and we can’t wait to get started.”
– Fergus Walkinshaw, Founder of FW Motorsport
eBay do remarkably well with initiatives like RESTORATION LIVE. It’s a way to showcase eBay Motors parts and accessories to tens of thousands over a single weekend. Attendees of the Silverstone Classic are absolutely interested in classic cars and most will have a loved motor sitting in their garage or as a daily runner. The is to demonstrate eBay Motors can supply just about any part for any car, whether it be new or old, and position themselves as the number one place to start your search.
eBay know that this will drive high engagement with motoring fans – they’re not daft and it’s the second year in a row that they’ve run RESTORATION LIVE. If it hadn’t worked and driven sales in the motor parts and accessories categories last year then they wouldn’t be doing it again and with Fergus heading the restoration and then Mike Brewer to present the completed project to festival goes interest will be high.
On a side note, Mike Brewer is a huge eBay fan – if you ever watch ‘Wheeler Dealers’ and he mentions finding a car “On an internet auction site”, he means eBay. He’s just not allowed to say it’s eBay in the program but all car enthusiasts know it’s eBay he’s referring to.
Mike’s huge fan base along with Fergus and his team and the proven concept from the 2016 RESTORATION LIVE mean that eBay Motors are on to a winner here. If you are a parts and accessories trader on eBay and you notice the team buying a part from you, get some free advertising (don’t tell eBay I suggested this… they probably won’t approve!) by booking a ticket for the Silverstone Classic and go take your photo in front of the eBay workshop area.
