Shopping on line can be easy, simple and save you lots of money. It can also take a lot of your time, frustrate you, and result in unwanted purchases. Now the same can be said for regular high street shopping, but with the vast opportunity presented by the Internet it will pay you to spend a few minutes reading this and understanding how to better optimize your Ford Capri shopping experience:

1. Compare - without doubt the biggest advantage that the Ford Capri offers shoppers today is the ability to compare thousands of Ford Capri at a time. This is a great thing, but not necessarily all the time! Too much can be daunting at times so take advantage of the great comparison sites and where possible let them do the hard work for you.

2. Research - if it has been said it will be on the internet. Ignorance is no longer a justifiable reason for buying the wrong thing. Take the time to research in detail everything that you could possible want to know about

3. Testimonials - don't know anybody that has bought a Ford Capri? Wrong! If the Ford Capri is good the internet will let you know. Use the Internet as a friend and get testimonials before you buy.

4. Questions - Got a question about Ford Capri then search the Forums, FAQ's, Blogs etc. Don't be afraid to ask .....

5. Reputation - Never heard of the company selling Ford Capri? Don't worry, no reason why you should know every company in the world, but you know someone that does! Use the internet to find out what people are saying about Ford Capri and build up a picture of their reputation for sales, returns, customer service, delivery etc.

6. Returns - still worried that even after all of the above your Ford Capri wont be what you want? Check out the returns policy. There is so much competition now that someone, somewhere is bound to offer the terms that you are comfortable with.

7. Feedback - happy with your Ford Capri then let people know, after all you are depending on others people input in your buying decision, so why not give a little back.

8. Security - check for the yellow padlock on the Ford Capri site before you buy, and the s after http:/ /i.e. https:// = a secure site

9. Contact - got a question about Ford Capri, or want to leave a comment then check out the sites contact page. Reputable companies have them and respond.

10. Payment - ready to pay for your Ford Capri, then use your credit card or PayPal! Be aware of companies that don't accept them, there may be genuine reasons but given the huge amount of choice you have when buying online there is no reason at all not to buy via credit card or PayPal.

The Ford Capri was a coupé automobile produced by Ford Motor Company 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 (automobile) division of Ford Motor Company 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 sedan (car). 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 automotive lighting, 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" 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 Capris. From 1961 to 1964 only 500 Capris 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) image:1974.ford.capri.arp.750pix.jpgThe 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 Ford 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 Motors.

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 Ford Cologne engine 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 horsepower#PS (92 kW), and the 3000 GT in the UK, with the Ford Essex V6 engine, 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 Ford Pinto engine 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 engine assembled by Weslake 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 ChampionshipFitted with the Weslake engine featuring their special all alloy cylinder heads. 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 The Capri proved highly successful, with 400,000 cars sold until 1970, and Ford revised it in 1972, to become what is known by enthusiasts as the Capri "Bis" or, in the UK, the "Mark 1 facelift" Capri. The car received a new and more comfortable suspension, rectangular headlights, enlarged taillights and new seats. The Kent engines were replaced by the Ford Pinto engine, and the previously UK-only 3000 GT joined the German lineup. In the UK the 2 litre V4 remained in use. The following year, 1973, saw the highest sales total the Capri ever attained, at 233,000 vehicles, and the 1,000,000th Capri sold in August.

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 Magneti-Marelli 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. By the standards of the day the mk2 was a very well evolved vehicle with very few reliability issues.

Although it was mechanically similar to the Mark 1, the Capri 2 had a revised larger body and a more modern dashboard including a smaller stearing wheel. The 2.0 L version of the Pinto was introduced in the European model, and was placed below the 3.0L 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) image:ford_capri_mk3_inj.jpgThe 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. 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 (TV Series), with characters Bodie driving a silver 3.0 S and Doyle a gold 3.0 S, 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 3.0 V6 powerplant was dropped from the line-up, while a new sporty version debuted at the Geneva Motor Show, called the 2.8 Injection. The new model was the first regular model since the RS2600 to use fuel injection. Power rose to 160 PS (118 kW) giving a top speed of 131mph, but the car still had a standard four-speed gearbox. The Capri 2.8 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. A more substantial upgrade was introduced in 1984 with the Capri Injection Special. This development used half leather seating and included a limited slip differential. Externally the car could be easily distinguished by seven spoke RS wheels (without the customary "RS" logo since this was not an RS vehicle) and color coded grille and headlamp surrounds. At the same time the 2-litre Capri was rationalized to one model the 2.0 S, which simultaneously adopted a mildly modified suspension from the Capri Injection. The 1.6 model was also reduced to one model, the 1.6 LS.

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. This wild looking derivative featured widened bodywork and "RS" badging of the engine and wheels. Although rare and collectible it was not regarded as a car of equal stature to the later Tickford - the other Ford "official" turbo Capri.

The Tickford Capri used the 2.8 Injection (rather than the RS model which strangely used the Granada carburettor engine) and developed 205 hp (153 kw) this version also featured a luxury interior with optional full leather retrim and Wilton carpeting and headlining, large rear spoiler, color coded front grille, deeper bumpers and 'one off' bodykit designed by Simon Saunders, later of KAT Designs and now designer of the Ariel Atom.

The independent tuner, Turbo Technics also released a 200 hp (149 kW) version, and a new 230 hp (171 kW) evolution which came supplied with a specially built gearbox. The Tickford Capri pricing issues (covered later) meant that Ford also sanctioned the Turbo Technics conversion as semi-official, although only the German RS and British Tickford ever appeared in Ford literature as official Ford products.

Rear disc brakes were standard on the Tickford which featured numerous other suspension modifications. 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 the standard Capri Injection. To put this in perspective, the cost of the basic car doubled which would translate to a €30,000 coupé, such as a BMW 3 Series, being sold at €60,000 — or BMW M3 money.

From November 1984 onwards, the Capri was sold only in Britain, with only right hand drive cars were made from this date. The 1.6 and 2.0 variants were rebranded with a new trim level – "Laser" – which featured a fully populated instrument pod, leather gear lever, leather steering wheel and an electric aerial along with colour-coded grille and mirrors. The last run limited edition "Brooklands" Green, 280 model, featuring a limited slip differential, full leather Recaro interior and 15 inch versions of the seven spoke 13 inch wheels fitted to the superseded Capri Injection Special. Ford originally intended to make 500 turbo charged vehicles (by Turbo Technics) complete with gold alloy wheels and name it the Capri 500 but a change of production planning meant a name change to Capri 280 as the cars were simply the last models ran down the production line. A total of 1,038 Capri 280s were built. Contrary to some reports these cars were not called "Capri 280 Brooklands", the latter name of the famous Surrey race track only being applied to the paint colour rather than the car itself.

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 Mark 1, 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".

United States of America From 1970 to 1977, the Capri was sold in North America through Ford's Lincoln (automobile)/Mercury (automobile) Division. These cars carried no brand identification, only the "Capri" name. They were known however as the "Mercury Capri".

Originally, the Cologne-built Capri 1600 was fitted with a British 1.6 L Ford Kent engine engine. Initial output was just 64 hp (48 kw). The 1971 Capri 2000 featured the Cologne-built 2.0 L Ford Pinto engine#2.0 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 was also available with a 132 hp 1.6 turbo engine. Both versions were dropped after 1994.

South Africa Ford of South Africa assembled the Capri in 1970, 1971, 1972 with a similar model range to the UK. No facelift models or RS variants were marketed in South Africa. About 500 Capris were converted by specialist Basil Green Motors to run the 302 Ford Windsor engine. These models were known as the Capri Perana and were very successful in local touring car events, winning the 1970 South African championship and, in a different format, the 1971 championship as well. No Mark 2 and Mark 3 Capris were exported to, or built in South Africa. Most of the Capris that survive in South Africa are 1.6 or 3.0 models. Fewer 1.3 and 2.0 models survive.

Australia (1969-72) The Ford Motor Company of Australia manufactured the European designed Mark 1 Capri at its plant in the suburb of Homebush in Sydney, from 1969 until 1972. The Capri was offered to the Australian market in April / May of 1969 in a "Deluxe" or "GT" package using the 1600cc Ford Kent OHV engine. In early 1970, a vehicle equipped with the 3000cc Ford Essex V6 engine (UK) was offered in a "GT" package.

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 Mark 2 and Mark 3 models were ever produced in Australia.

In 1973, Ford Australia imported fifty Capri RS3100.

Many of the surviving cars are well preserved or are used in competitive motorsport, mainly sprint car and drag racing.

Australia (1989-94)

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 Ford 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, and sales briefly exceeded those of the MX-5, bu then dropped rapidly, so production ceased 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.

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. It was also highly criticized as commonly having leaking roof problems, even after multiple replacements from Ford Dealerships. This was eventually resolved by a new roof sealing system, and 100% testing in the factory.

Possible future Capris The British magazine Auto Express and German magazine Stern (magazine) have shown computer drawings of a proposed Ford Focus-based Capri, with Auto Express advancing a 2005 release date in their July 2002 issue. In September 2003, Ford presented the Ford Visos, a hatchback coupé, in the Frankfurt Auto Show.

See also

Sources

External links

The Ford Capri was a coupé automobile produced by Ford Motor Company 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 (automobile) division of Ford Motor Company 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 sedan (car). 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 automotive lighting, 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" 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 Capris. From 1961 to 1964 only 500 Capris 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) image:1974.ford.capri.arp.750pix.jpgThe 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 Ford 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 Motors.

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 Ford Cologne engine 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 horsepower#PS (92 kW), and the 3000 GT in the UK, with the Ford Essex V6 engine, 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 Ford Pinto engine 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 engine assembled by Weslake 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 ChampionshipFitted with the Weslake engine featuring their special all alloy cylinder heads. 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 The Capri proved highly successful, with 400,000 cars sold until 1970, and Ford revised it in 1972, to become what is known by enthusiasts as the Capri "Bis" or, in the UK, the "Mark 1 facelift" Capri. The car received a new and more comfortable suspension, rectangular headlights, enlarged taillights and new seats. The Kent engines were replaced by the Ford Pinto engine, and the previously UK-only 3000 GT joined the German lineup. In the UK the 2 litre V4 remained in use. The following year, 1973, saw the highest sales total the Capri ever attained, at 233,000 vehicles, and the 1,000,000th Capri sold in August.

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 Magneti-Marelli 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. By the standards of the day the mk2 was a very well evolved vehicle with very few reliability issues.

Although it was mechanically similar to the Mark 1, the Capri 2 had a revised larger body and a more modern dashboard including a smaller stearing wheel. The 2.0 L version of the Pinto was introduced in the European model, and was placed below the 3.0L 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) image:ford_capri_mk3_inj.jpgThe 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. 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 (TV Series), with characters Bodie driving a silver 3.0 S and Doyle a gold 3.0 S, 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 3.0 V6 powerplant was dropped from the line-up, while a new sporty version debuted at the Geneva Motor Show, called the 2.8 Injection. The new model was the first regular model since the RS2600 to use fuel injection. Power rose to 160 PS (118 kW) giving a top speed of 131mph, but the car still had a standard four-speed gearbox. The Capri 2.8 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. A more substantial upgrade was introduced in 1984 with the Capri Injection Special. This development used half leather seating and included a limited slip differential. Externally the car could be easily distinguished by seven spoke RS wheels (without the customary "RS" logo since this was not an RS vehicle) and color coded grille and headlamp surrounds. At the same time the 2-litre Capri was rationalized to one model the 2.0 S, which simultaneously adopted a mildly modified suspension from the Capri Injection. The 1.6 model was also reduced to one model, the 1.6 LS.

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. This wild looking derivative featured widened bodywork and "RS" badging of the engine and wheels. Although rare and collectible it was not regarded as a car of equal stature to the later Tickford - the other Ford "official" turbo Capri.

The Tickford Capri used the 2.8 Injection (rather than the RS model which strangely used the Granada carburettor engine) and developed 205 hp (153 kw) this version also featured a luxury interior with optional full leather retrim and Wilton carpeting and headlining, large rear spoiler, color coded front grille, deeper bumpers and 'one off' bodykit designed by Simon Saunders, later of KAT Designs and now designer of the Ariel Atom.

The independent tuner, Turbo Technics also released a 200 hp (149 kW) version, and a new 230 hp (171 kW) evolution which came supplied with a specially built gearbox. The Tickford Capri pricing issues (covered later) meant that Ford also sanctioned the Turbo Technics conversion as semi-official, although only the German RS and British Tickford ever appeared in Ford literature as official Ford products.

Rear disc brakes were standard on the Tickford which featured numerous other suspension modifications. 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 the standard Capri Injection. To put this in perspective, the cost of the basic car doubled which would translate to a €30,000 coupé, such as a BMW 3 Series, being sold at €60,000 — or BMW M3 money.

From November 1984 onwards, the Capri was sold only in Britain, with only right hand drive cars were made from this date. The 1.6 and 2.0 variants were rebranded with a new trim level – "Laser" – which featured a fully populated instrument pod, leather gear lever, leather steering wheel and an electric aerial along with colour-coded grille and mirrors. The last run limited edition "Brooklands" Green, 280 model, featuring a limited slip differential, full leather Recaro interior and 15 inch versions of the seven spoke 13 inch wheels fitted to the superseded Capri Injection Special. Ford originally intended to make 500 turbo charged vehicles (by Turbo Technics) complete with gold alloy wheels and name it the Capri 500 but a change of production planning meant a name change to Capri 280 as the cars were simply the last models ran down the production line. A total of 1,038 Capri 280s were built. Contrary to some reports these cars were not called "Capri 280 Brooklands", the latter name of the famous Surrey race track only being applied to the paint colour rather than the car itself.

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 Mark 1, 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".

United States of America From 1970 to 1977, the Capri was sold in North America through Ford's Lincoln (automobile)/Mercury (automobile) Division. These cars carried no brand identification, only the "Capri" name. They were known however as the "Mercury Capri".

Originally, the Cologne-built Capri 1600 was fitted with a British 1.6 L Ford Kent engine engine. Initial output was just 64 hp (48 kw). The 1971 Capri 2000 featured the Cologne-built 2.0 L Ford Pinto engine#2.0 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 was also available with a 132 hp 1.6 turbo engine. Both versions were dropped after 1994.

South Africa Ford of South Africa assembled the Capri in 1970, 1971, 1972 with a similar model range to the UK. No facelift models or RS variants were marketed in South Africa. About 500 Capris were converted by specialist Basil Green Motors to run the 302 Ford Windsor engine. These models were known as the Capri Perana and were very successful in local touring car events, winning the 1970 South African championship and, in a different format, the 1971 championship as well. No Mark 2 and Mark 3 Capris were exported to, or built in South Africa. Most of the Capris that survive in South Africa are 1.6 or 3.0 models. Fewer 1.3 and 2.0 models survive.

Australia (1969-72) The Ford Motor Company of Australia manufactured the European designed Mark 1 Capri at its plant in the suburb of Homebush in Sydney, from 1969 until 1972. The Capri was offered to the Australian market in April / May of 1969 in a "Deluxe" or "GT" package using the 1600cc Ford Kent OHV engine. In early 1970, a vehicle equipped with the 3000cc Ford Essex V6 engine (UK) was offered in a "GT" package.

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 Mark 2 and Mark 3 models were ever produced in Australia.

In 1973, Ford Australia imported fifty Capri RS3100.

Many of the surviving cars are well preserved or are used in competitive motorsport, mainly sprint car and drag racing.

Australia (1989-94)

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 Ford 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, and sales briefly exceeded those of the MX-5, bu then dropped rapidly, so production ceased 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.

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. It was also highly criticized as commonly having leaking roof problems, even after multiple replacements from Ford Dealerships. This was eventually resolved by a new roof sealing system, and 100% testing in the factory.

Possible future Capris The British magazine Auto Express and German magazine Stern (magazine) have shown computer drawings of a proposed Ford Focus-based Capri, with Auto Express advancing a 2005 release date in their July 2002 issue. In September 2003, Ford presented the Ford Visos, a hatchback coupé, in the Frankfurt Auto Show.

See also

Sources

External links



 

Ford Capri



 
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