What is a Ford Capri?

Ford Capri: A European Fastback Coupe
The Ford Capri is a fastback coupe that was built by Ford of Europe. It was designed by Philip T. Clark, who was also involved in the design of the Ford Mustang. The Capri was intended to be the European equivalent of the Mustang and used the mechanical components from the Mk2 Ford Cortina. It was a highly successful model for Ford, with nearly 1.9 million units sold throughout its production lifespan.
Features and Engine Options
The Ford Capri offered a wide variety of engines throughout its production. At the top of the range, it featured engines like the Essex and Cologne V6, while lower-specification models used the Kent straight-four and Taunus V4 engines. The Capri was known for its sporty design and affordability, making it a popular choice for many buyers.
Historical Significance
The Ford Capri was introduced in 1969 and quickly gained popularity. It was advertised as “A bit of Americana” in Europe, capitalizing on its inspiration from the Mustang. In the United States, it was marketed as a European exotic. The Capri was sold on five continents and became a cult car in the UK. It was a significant model for Ford, with its success paving the way for future European sports cars.
Successor and Legacy
Although the Capri was not officially replaced, the second-generation Ford Probe was considered its successor after its introduction to the European market in 1994. The Ford Capri remains an iconic and beloved car within the European classic car community. Its design and performance continue to be admired by enthusiasts.
Overall, the Ford Capri was a European fastback coupe that offered a sporty design, a range of engine options, and achieved significant success for Ford during its production years.

Do they still make Ford Capri?

Ford is poised to resurrect the hallowed Capri nameplate for its second electric crossover on Volkswagen’s MEB platform, which has appeared in public for the first time ahead of a launch next year.

Was the Ford Capri fast?

These were followed by Ford’s 2.0-litre Essex V4 (with 93bhp) and the range-topping 138bhp 3.0-litre Essex V6, both of which made the Capri capable of speeds in excess of 100mph. Ford entered the MkI Capri into the European Touring Car Championship in 1974, spawning its final, and fastest, iteration; the RS3100.

Is Ford bring back the Capri?

Once known as a more compact, European alternative to American muscle cars, the modern Capri’s formula is a child of the times. Its evolution to a family SUV is scheduled for 2024, but we’ve tried to stay ahead of the times, giving you a glimpse of what the new Ford could look like with our rendering.

Is Ford launching a new Capri?

Ford is poised to resurrect the hallowed Capri nameplate for its second electric crossover on Volkswagen’s MEB platform, which has appeared in public for the first time ahead of a launch next year.

What is the Ford version of the Capri?

From 1962 to 1964, Ford of Britain introduced a Ford Consul Capri two-door hardtop coupe. For 1966 and 1967, the Capri name was first used by Mercury, denoting the standard trim of the Mercury Comet. For 1968, Ford of Europe developed the Ford Capri two-door coupé as its counterpart to the Mustang.

Who drove a Ford Capri?

The 3.0 S was used extensively in the TV series The Professionals in the early 1980s, with characters Bodie driving a silver 3.0 S and Doyle a gold 3.0 S. On 30 November 1984 production of Capris for the European market ceased, from then on it would only be produced in right-hand drive form for the British market.

Is a Ford Capri a Mustang?

The first generation, Capri I and Capri II (1971–1978), was manufactured by Ford Europe and sold at Mercury dealerships in the US. It has no relation to the Mustang. The second generation Capri (1979–1986) was built in the US and sold as a Mercury and was based on the same Fox-body platform as the Mustang of 1979–1993.

What was the Ford Capri called in America?

“The Capri was restyled as a hatchback for 1975, and the car continued to be sold through 1978 in North America. 1979 Capris were based on the new Fox platform Mustangs, built in the United States and (finally) badged as Mercurys. U.S. Capri production continued through 1986, when Ford decided to kill the car.

What car replaced the Ford Capri?

The Ford Probe
The Ford Probe that arrived in the late 80s is considered the Capri’s replacement by many, but we think you’ll agree that its design isn’t quite a match for that of the legendary Capri. For this reason and ouite a few others, the Ford Capri still holds iconic status.

Are Ford bringing the Capri back?

Ford is poised to resurrect the hallowed Capri nameplate for its second electric crossover on Volkswagen’s MEB platform, which has appeared in public for the first time ahead of a launch next year.