TBT: This Sports Coupe Became Mustang’s European Cousin in 1969

By: Paul Kampe

The phenomenon that followed the introduction of the Ford Mustang in the mid-1960s had a much wider impact than in just North America as the company looked to spread Mustang fever to other parts of the world. The result was the Ford Capri – billed as “the car you always promised yourself” upon its release in 1969, five years after Mustang, which evoked the same sense of freedom and performance the Pony car had created for Americans.

The car’s body style reflected a sleek, European look and an aerodynamic shape comprised the driver’s car with surprisingly compact dimensions. The appearance is also said to have given Capri a reputation as “the car that’s doing 60 standing still.” Codeveloped by British and German engineers, Capri was produced at Ford’s plants in Halewood (U.K.) and Cologne, Germany, though production at the former ended in 1976. 

The Capri name has been one of the most popular in company history as it has also been utilized by Lincoln and Mercury in North America. The first generation of the European sports coupe was introduced at the Brussels Motor Show in Belgium after a prototype had been shown across Europe three years prior. The car was a smashing success with 400,000 sold in its first two years.

Capri also found success on the track, as the Capri RS2600 won the European Touring Car Championship in 1971 and 1972, while the production model brought the use of fuel injection to European Fords. The car also served as the basis for the Capri RS3100 racer. The Zakspeed Ford Capri, known for having a fire-spitting turbocharged engine, won the DRM title in 1981 and inspired a Capri RS Turbo.  

The second generation in 1974 included a hatchback-style tailgate and a Capri Special in 1975 with distinctive gold pinstripes on the body, gold-colored wheels, and special seat trim with gold-colored inserts. Like Mustang, personalization was important to Capri’s appeal, as well. Series X kits introduced in 1977 offered customers Rally Sport features, such as engines, suspension, and wheels to customize their cars. 

A sleeker, more aggressive Capri in 1978 included the car’s famous four round headlamps connected by a horizontal grille. Modern fuel injection was introduced in a then-new 2.8-liter engine of that era. The Capri 280, which featured all-leather trim, marked the last of the car’s numerous special editions. Just over 1,000 examples were produced – all of which were in Brooklands Green.

Capri Makes a Comeback

Capri production ended in 1986 with more than 1.8 million having been built. Automotive journalists hailed the car as a classic upon its retirement. Today, the Capri name lives on with a new, all-electric Capri for the European market. The Capri EV is said to represent the evolution of the iconic sports coupe had production continued between 1986 and today.

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