<ARTICLE>                              5
  <LEGEND>
   This schedule contains summary financial information primarily extracted from
   Capita Preferred Trust's audited consolidated income statement and balance
   sheet as of and for the twelve months ended December 31, 1997 and is
   qualified in its entirety by reference to such audited consolidated
   financial statements.
   </LEGEND>
   <MULTIPLIER>                      1,000
          
                                    
   <PERIOD-TYPE>                      YEAR
   <FISCAL-YEAR-END>           DEC-31-1997
   <PERIOD-END>                DEC-31-1997
   <CASH>                                0
   <SECURITIES>                          0
   <RECEIVABLES>                         0
   <ALLOWANCES>                          0
   <INVENTORY>                           0
   <CURRENT-ASSETS>                      0<F2>
   <PP&E>                                0
   <DEPRECIATION>                        0<F1>
   <TOTAL-ASSETS>                  206,186
   <CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                 0<F2>
   <BONDS>                               0
   <COMMON>                          6,186
   <PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                 0
   <PREFERRED>                     200,000
   <OTHER-SE>                            0
   <TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>    206,186
   <SALES>                               0
   <TOTAL-REVENUES>                 18,680
   <CGS>                                 0
   <TOTAL-COSTS>                         0
   <OTHER-EXPENSES>                      0
   <LOSS-PROVISION>                      0
   <INTEREST-EXPENSE>                    0
   <INCOME-PRETAX>                  18,680
   <INCOME-TAX>                          0
   <INCOME-CONTINUING>              18,680
   <DISCONTINUED>                        0
   <EXTRAORDINARY>                       0
   <CHANGES>                             0
   <NET-INCOME>                     18,680
   <EPS-PRIMARY>                         0
   <EPS-DILUTED>                         0
           
   <FN>
*  In accordance with Regulation S-K item 601(c) 2, inapplicable or immaterial
   financial data is reflected as zero value.

<F1>   - Accumulated depreciation relates to equipment under operating leases.

<F2>   - This item is not applicable since the Company does not prepare a
          classified balance sheet.
</FN>