Two ’70s coupes both powered by the same brawny V6 engine but very different in character. We try to choose between Reliant and Ford.
It’s the late seventies, the British economy is in an inflationary mess and millions of us are avoiding the doom and gloom of the daily news by watching the Persuaders on TV each week. Taking escapism to the next level, as youngsters we all wanted to emulate the antics of stars Bodie and Doyle in their Capri 3 litre.
Ford’s Capri had been a runaway sales success since its launch in 1968 and ten years later was out in Mk3 guise, arguably much improved by the intervening decade’s development. Powered by the Dagenham-built Essex V6, the top Capris offered effortless performance and crowd-pulling style which kept the showrooms busy; it had become the natural company car choice for rising young executives.
Meanwhile there was a rival, another 2+2 sports tourer offering the promise of ready performance and stylish long distance touring capability. Built in very low volumes compared to the Capri, Reliant’s Scimitar GTE used the same Ford 3 litre powerplant, installed in a separate backbone chassis and clothed in a glass fibre body. Both cars were defined by the Essex engine’s beefy performance and purring exhaust note but in most other respects, the challenger from Tamworth was quite a different animal.
As classic choices today, both the Capri and the Scimitar are well worthy of consideration. The appeal of the Essex engine’s easy torque and reliability means it still delivers performance and pleasure for many a classic enthusiast. While Capri values have headed skywards, Scimitar prices have remained in the classic doldrums. Which is the best way to get behind an Essex V6 and which is most deserving of space in your garage?
FORD CAPRI Mk3 3.0 GHIA
Denne historien er fra October 2017-utgaven av Classic Car Mart.
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Denne historien er fra October 2017-utgaven av Classic Car Mart.
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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3D Technology To Preserve Classics?
Traditionally, the unavailability of a critical component has had major repercussions for owners of historic vehicles, putting the brakes on a restoration project or even forcing a historic vehicle off the road.
UPCYCLING
Two British-made modern classics which made credible sporting saloons despite their unlikely origins.
NICHE WORK
A crossover model before the term had even been invented, the original Range Rover could well be the perfect multi-purpose classic.
CLASSIC REVIVAL
Fancy an MGB without the welding and SUs? The much modernised RV8 should fit the bill.
1980s FLEET FAVOURITES
We profile a line-up of popular mid-sized '80s company cars ranging from the ubiquitous Sierra and Cavalier repmobiles through to the king of the company car park, the BMW 3-Series.
Solid State
Although a well-preserved Volvo 120 Series ‘Amazon’ makes a good choice as an occasional everyday classic driver, the range can be confusing. We play the numbers game and reveal some of the Amazon’s main foibles.
Round-Up - 1990s Jaguars
Following Ford’s acquisition of an independent Jaguar in 1989, the Coventry-based luxury car maker underwent a transformation that led to the introduction of a range of capable models that today are reasonably affordable as well as being fun to own and drive.
Myth And Rumour
The Stag may have suffered a poor reputation when new, but in the 21st century it’s one of Britain’s most popular classics – and justifiably so. We take a look at the pros and cons of investing in Triumph’s sporting flagship.
The Full English
An English-built Citroën meets English wine as we enter a slightly bizarre parallel universe.
Tailgate Revolving Doors
Paul Guinness looks back at his experiences from 35 years ago, when he helped to arrange a club stand at the first-ever Classic Motor Show at Birmingham’s NEC
