The long-running Capri was a best-seller in its day, appealing to buyers who craved a sporting coupe that was affordable, uncomplicated and fun to drive. But with values of the most desirable versions having soared, is the Capri still a good buy all these years later?
Influenced by the success of theMustang ‘pony car’ in the USA, Ford decided to follow suit in Europe by announcing the stylish new Capri in January 1969, with the first UK deliveries taking place the following month. This sporty newcomer was exactly what the market demanded, combining an uncomplicated spec with sensational low-slung styling, decent trim levels and highly competitive pricing. Ford insisted that the Capri was “the car you always promised yourself” – and for many enthusiasts, that’s still the case all these years later.
The Capri was cost-effective for Ford, employing well-proven components from elsewhere within the company’s European line-up. The floorpan was derived from that of the MkII Cortina, while the MacPherson strut front end and live rear axle was all familiar stuff for Ford fans. Then there were the engines, with the entry-level 1298cc unit coming straight from the MkI Escort, the 1599cc lump from the Cortina and the 2.0-litre from the Corsair, with power transferred via an ex-Cortina gearbox in each case.
It might have been mechanically unadventurous, but the Capri caused a sensation when it made its debut at the Brussels Motor Show; and the response was particularly strong here in the UK, which would go on to become the world’s longest-served Capri market. Much of the newcomer’s success was down to the sheer variety of different versions that were available, although it was when the 3.0-litre V6-engined Capri hit the market that Ford of Britain finally had its own ‘muscle coupe’ on offer – with an impressive 128bhp at its disposal.
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Denne historien er fra February 7, 2018-utgaven av Classic Car Buyer.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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