This 2.5 Challenge Capri was in poor condition when it was first observed in a Massachusetts barn in 1990. The red shell was dull and dented, there was no engine, electrics, interior, very little suspension, and an inadequate roll cage for modern racing safety standards. It had the 1973-4 tail light units instead of the 1970/72 version, and bondo galore. The red Capri's appearance looked like it had last competed in IMSA's Champion Spark Plug Challenge during the mid 1970's-having later been picked over and discarded.
Ira and his teammates spent the better part of two years restoring this very special and unique race Capri. From all accounts, it is the only European Capri to have raced in the SCCA's 2.5 Trans Am Challenge. Taking components from Ira's other street Capri's and parts from his personal 20 year inventory, the work was lovingly completed in 1992.
At the end of the 1997 season, Pterodactyl Racing determined that further work was necessary to fully prepare this winning Capri to the highest racing standards, and Mark began to rebuild the car. Over the next three years, many components were replaced, changed and modified, keeping within the rules and spirit of vintage racing, but making the Capri more reliable, safe, and competitive. This process of improvement continues today.