"The Car You Always Promised Yourself"
This is a lens about Ford Capri.
The Ford Capri was a coupé car produced by Ford of Europe from 1962-86, and in Australia from 1969-94 (with gaps). Across these markets, three fundamentally different Ford models bearing the name Capri were built, and these in various versions. There had previously been a Capri from the Lincoln division of Ford USA in 1952, though this was never badged as a Ford Capri.
Consul Capri (335) 1961-64
The first use of the name Capri by Ford of Great Britain was as a 2 door coupé version of the Ford Classic saloon. The Ford Consul Capri was introduced in 1961 with 1340 cc engine and from 8/62 with 1500cc engine and discontinued in July 1964. Along with the Ford Classic it had many then unusual features, such as twin headlights, variable speed wipers, disc brakes, dimming dashboard lights, and a cigar lighter. It was proclaimed as "The First Personal car from Ford of Great Britain"[citation needed] and its style was inspired by late 1950s United States car designs with rear fins. It had sweeping lines, a large boot space and a pillarless coupé roof. Initially available with an 1340cc engine (model 109E), this was increased in 1962 to 1500cc (model 116E). The first 200 Capri were hand-made left-hand-drive cars for continental Europe. In Germany at the 1961 Frankfurt Auto Show, Ford sold 88 Capri. From 1961 to 1964 only 500 Capri were sold. The oldest of these handmade Capris from 1961 are in Germany. The Consul Capri 335 is one of the rarest cars from Ford.In 1963 a GT version (also 116E; the same engine as in the Cortina GT) was introduced but the car was very expensive to produce and running alongside the very popular Ford Cortina, sales were disappointing and the Consul Capri was removed from sale after just two and a half years.
Capri Mark 1 (1969-74)
The first "Ford Capri" to bear that precise name was introduced in January 1969 at the Brussels Motor Show, with sales starting the following month. The intention was to reproduce in Europe the success Ford had had with the North American Ford Mustang; to produce a European pony car. It was mechanically based on the Cortina and built in Europe at the Dagenham and Halewood plants in the United Kingdom, the Genk plant in Belgium, and the Saarlouis and Cologne plants in Germany. The car was named Colt during development stage, but Ford were unable to use the name, as it was trademarked by Mitsubishi.Although a fastback coupé, Ford wanted the Capri Mark 1 to be affordable for a broad spectrum of potential buyers. To help achieve that, it was available with a variety of engines. The British and German factories produced different line-ups. The continental model used the Ford Taunus V4 engine in 1.3, 1.5 and 1.7 L displacement, while the British versions were powered by the Ford Kent straight-4 in 1.3 and 1.6 L form. The Cologne V6 2.0 L served as initial range-topper. Until the end of the year, new sports versions were added: the 2300 GT in Germany, using a double-barrel carburettor and 125 PS (92 kW), and the 3000 GT in the UK, with the Essex V6, capable of 138 hp (103 kW).
In April 1970, Ford began selling the Capri outside Europe, in the North-American, South African and Australian markets. These versions were powered solely by the underpowered Kent 1.6 engine, but a Pinto straight-4 2.0 L replaced it in 1971. The North American version featured new headlights and bumpers, and carried no brand badge.
A new 2637 cc version of the Cologne V6 appeared in September 1971, powering the Capri RS2600. This model used Kugelfischer fuel injection to raise power to 150 PS (110 kW), and was the basis for the Group 2 RS2600 used in the European Touring Car Championship. The RS2600 also received modified suspensions, a close ratio gearbox, lightened bodywork panels, ventilated disc brakes and aluminium wheels. The 2.6 L engine was detuned in September for the deluxe version 2600 GT, with 2550 cc and a double-barrel Solex carburettor.
Mark 1 Facelift
In December, Ford replaced the RS2600 with the RS3100, with the Essex V6's displacement increased to 3098 cc. Unlike its predecessor, it used a double-barrel Weber carburettor, and reached the same 150 PS (110 kW). However, the car was still competitive in touring car racing, and Ford Motorsport produced a 100-model limited edition with this new engine. The Group 4 RS3100's engine was tuned by Cosworth into the GAA, with 3412 cc, fuel injection, DOHC, four valves per cylinder and 435 hp in racing trim. The car also featured improved aerodynamics. Besides the racing RS3100, the GAA was also used in Formula 5000.
Capri Mark 2 (1974-77)
In February 1974, the Capri Mark 2 was introduced. After 1.2 million cars sold, and with the 1973 oil crisis, Ford chose to make the new car more suited to everyday driving, with a shorter bonnet, larger cabin and the adoption of a hatchback rear door.Although it was mechanically similar to the Mark 1, the Capri 2 had a revised larger body and a more modern dashboard. The 2.0 L version of the Pinto was introduced in the European model, and was placed below the 2.8L V6, although it was more powerful. The Capri still maintained the large square headlights, which became the easiest way to distinguish between a Mark 2 and a Mark 3. Larger disc brakes and a standard alternator finished the list of modifications.
In order to keep the sporty appeal of the car, Ford introduced the John Player Special limited edition in March 1975, but in May 1976, and with sales decreasing, the intermediate 3.0 GT models disappeared to give way for the upscale 3.0 S and Ghia designations. In October 1976, production was limited to the Saarlouis factory only, and the following year the Capri left the American market, after 513,500 models sold.
Capri Mark 3 (1977-86)
The Capri Mark 3 was referred to internally as "Project Carla", and although little more than a substantial update of the Mark 2, it was often referred to as the Mark 3. Ford only formally adopted the designation after the model ceased production.[citation needed] The first cars were available in March 1978, but failed to halt a terminal decline in sales. The concept of a heavily facelifted Capri 2 was shown at the 1976 Geneva show: a Capri 2 with a front very similar to the Escort RS2000 (with four headlamps and black slatted grille), and with a rear spoiler, essentially previewed the model some time before launch. The Mark 3 featured improved aerodynamics, leading to improved performance and economy over the Mark 2 and the trademark quad headlamps were introduced.At launch the existing engine and transmission combinations of the Capri 2 were carried over, with the 3.0 S model regarded as the most desirable model although in truth the softer, Ghia derivative with automatic rather than manual transmission the bigger seller of the two V6 engined models. The 3.0 S was used extensively in the TV series The Professionals, which was credited with maintaining interest in the car in the UK.
Ford began to focus their attention on the UK Capri market as sales declined, realizing the car had something of a cult following there. Unlike sales of the contemporary 4 door Cortina, Capri sales in Britain were to private rather than fleet buyers who would demand less discounts, allowing higher margins with the coupé. Ford tried to maintain interest in 1979 with "X Pack" options from the performance oriented Rallye Sport parts range. Although expensive and slow selling these proved that the press would enthusiastically cover more developed Capris with higher performance.
In 1981, the 2.0 and 3.0 V6 powerplants were dropped from the line-up, while a new sporty version debuted in the Geneva Motor Show, called the 2.8i. The new model was the first regular model since the RS2600 to use fuel injection. Power rose to 160 PS (118 kW) and a top speed of 131mph, but the car still had a standard 4-speed gearbox. The Capri Injection breathed new life into the range and kept the car in production 2-3 years longer than Ford had planned. The four speed gearbox was replaced with a five speed unit early on - at the same time Ford swapped the dated looking chequered seats for more luxurious looking velour trim.
Mark 3 (continuation)
Although the Capri no longer had a racing career, Ford of Germany developed a limited edition, left hand drive only, turbocharged model with 188 hp (140 kW), which could propel the car to 220 km/h (137 mph) in April 1982. A few months later, Tickford upped the deal with a 205 hp (153 kw) version, which also featured a luxury interior with optional full leather retrim and Wilton carpeting and headlining, large rear spoiler, colour coded front grille, deeper bumpers and 'one off' bodykit designed by Simon Saunders, later of KAT Designs and now designer of the Ariel Atom. Turbo Technics then released a 200 hp (149 kW) version, and a new 230 hp (171 kW) evolution which came supplied with a specially built gearbox. Rear disc brakes were standard on the Tickford and optional on the Turbo Technics as part of their braking package. This model was essentially rebuilt by hand by Tickford at approximately 200 hours per car, several of those dedicated to reshaping the leading edge of the bonnet to mate with the redesigned grille and body kit. It's still regarded as one of the most collectible Capri models today although at the time it struggled to sell even 100 units, despite extensive research and development costs. One problem was the relative price difference. To put this in perspective, if Ford and Tickford decided to make a 'Tickford Cougar' today, then based on the Tickford Capri cost in 1982, this would retail at around £80,000 with all options fitted.
From November 1984 onwards, the Capri was sold only in Britain, and only right hand drive cars were made from this date. The entire range of 1.6 L and 2.0 L variants were replaced by the "Laser" which featured a fully populated instrument pod, leather gearknob & gaiter, leather steering wheel and an electric aerial along with colour coded grille and mirrors.
Mark 3 (continuation II)
When the last Capri was made on December 19, 1986, 1,886,647 cars had rolled off the production line. Production had ended at Halewood, UK in 1976 and the Capri was made exclusively in Germany from 1976 to 1986. Most of those (more than a million) were the Mk1, mostly because the Mark 1 sold well in North America and Australia, while the Mark 2 and Mark 3 were only exported outside Europe (to Asia and New Zealand) in limited numbers.
The Capri is remembered for the classic advertising slogan "The car you always promised yourself". A North American advertising campaign featured a shorter line: "Capri: The Sexy European".
USA
Originally, the Cologne-built Capri 1600 was fitted with a British 1.6 L Kent engine. Initial output was just 64 hp (48 kw). The 1971 Capri 2000 featured the Cologne-built 2.0 L OHC engine for much-improved performance from 101 hp (75 kW). A Capri 2600 GT was offered in 1972 with a 2.6 L Cologne V6 which produced a substantial 120 hp (89 kW).
After 1977, Ford quit importing the Capri from Europe and in 1979 began selling a new Mercury Capri which was essentially a re-badged Ford Mustang. It was initially available with a 88 hp 2.3 L 4 cylinder. Later, an optional 302 (5.0 L) V8 became available. In 1984, the Capri was available with a 175 hp turbo charged 2.3 L 4 cylinder engine as well as a 165 hp 302 V8. While lighter than the V8 model, the Capri Turbo lacked the torque of the V8 and suffered from turbo lag, making it slower. Next year, the V8 was rated at 180 hp and the turbo model was dropped. This generation of Mercury Capri should not be confused with the Europe based Capri and it never became nearly as popular as the Ford Mustang, although it was essentially identical, save for cosmetic details. After 1986, the Mercury Capri was dropped.
In 1991, a new Mercury Capri was introduced. This time, it was a convertible 2-seater, with FWD and a 100 hp 4 cylinder 1.6 L engine. It as also available with a 132 hp 1.6 turbo engine. Both versions were dropped after 1994.
South Africa
Australia
Sales of the car began very well but began to dwindle as a result of local and imported competitor vehicles in the small to mid sized sports sedan segments. In November of 1972, production of the Capri ended in Australia, with a total of about 15,000 vehicles having been made. Neither the Mark 1 facelift Capri nor subsequent UK models were ever produced in Australia.
In 1973, Ford Australia imported fifty RS3100 Capris.
Many of the surviving cars are well preserved or are used in competitive motorsport, mainly sprint car and drag racing
The Ford Capri name was revived in Australia in 1989. The Australian Capri, codenamed the SA30, was a convertible designed to rival the Mazda MX-5. Ironically, it used Mazda 323 engines and mechanicals which Ford Australia had adopted as the basis of the Laser. It had a bodyshell designed by Ghia and an interior by ItalDesign. However, by comparison with the MX-5, it was dated by the time of its release - some two years after its originally scheduled date.
Two models were originally offered: a standard 1.6 L model, and a turbocharged variant, with 136 PS (100 kW).
The Australian-built Capri was intended primarily for export to the US. Exports began in 1991, as the Mercury Capri, but it fared poorly and was dropped in 1994. The car was plagued by quality problems and recalls, although it eventually had success in the early 1990s with models modified by Tickford. Production ended in 1994.
An interesting point was that the retail price of a US specification Capri in the US was less than the retail price of an Australian specification Capri in Australia. Approximately 90% of production was exported to the US and the increased shipping costs were offset by the reduced cost of manufacturing the "mainstream" left hand drive model compared with the small volume right hand drive model for the Australian market.
The 1989-94 Capri was assessed in the Used Car Safety Ratings 2006 as providing "worse than average" protection for its occupants in the event of a crash.
Possible Future Capris
The British magazine Auto Express and German magazine Stern have shown computer drawings of a proposed Focus-based Capri, with Auto Express advancing a 2005 release date in their July 2002 issue. In September 2003, Ford presented the Visos concept-car, a hatchback coupé, in the Frankfurt Auto Show. Capris in Popular Culture
In Only Fools and Horses, the later episodes show Del being the proud owner of a lime green (with black vinyl roof) 1978 Ford Capri Mk3 Ghia, in addition to his existing Reliant Regal Supervan III 3-wheeler.
Capris were utilized extensively in The Professionals. This was especially so from 1980 onward when both Bodie and Doyle used Mk3s.
The classic TV series Minder featured Terry McCann, played by Dennis Waterman behind the wheel of various Capris during it's run.
The John Wayne movie Brannigan features an extended car chase with The Duke behind the wheel of a Capri, which he used to jump a semi-drawing Tower Bridge
Capris Stuff
Ford Zakspeed Capri Model Car by Tamiya
1/24 Scale. Skill level 2. All Tamiya Model Kits a more...0 points
Haynes Ford Mustang and Mercury Capri (79 - 93) Manual
Ford Mustang Ghia and Cobra (79 - 93) Mercury Capr more...0 points
Ford Mustang 79-93 capri
Manuals for the Do-it-yourselfer. All Haynes manua more...0 points
Chilton Ford Mustang/Capri (79 - 88) Manual
Covers all models of Ford Mustang and Mercury Capr more...0 points
Ford en Competition by Michael Morelli
If the first Ford built in 1903 were a car of comp more...0 points
Ford au Mans GT40 Cobra Mustang Capri Mirage and C100 by Francois Hurel
Ford has participated at Le Mans just six times an more...0 points
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- stanchfi stanchfi Oct 29, 2009 @ 8:39 pm
- If your interested in any of the Capri's from England that were imported into North America check out http://www.enfostuff.com - A site for North American English and European Ford Owners
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- QuantumTraveler QuantumTraveler May 6, 2008 @ 3:17 pm
- Thanks for your interesting info about the Ford Capri. I had no idea that it was produced by Ford of Europe at one time. Great job.
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- cassie_string cassie_string Mar 19, 2008 @ 4:56 pm
- Cars are one of my great passions, and so are slip covers!
http://www.allaboutslipcovers.com
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- Karendelac Karendelac Jul 11, 2007 @ 12:07 am
- This lens is so informative. 5 stars! Please visit me soon.
All the Best, Karen at Karen's Kinkade Art Store
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- KimGiancaterino KimGiancaterino Jul 2, 2007 @ 4:51 pm
- Very nice... 5 Stars! I've added this to Touring Car Racing Association.
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