Ford Capri's 40th anniversary

Launched in January 1969 and marketed as "the car you always promised yourself", the Ford Capri was unashamedly aimed at a style-conscious generation. In just 18 years the European answer to the Ford Mustang sold nearly two million units and achieved iconic status with its target audience.

From the outset the Capri was about choice, with a range boasting 26 derivatives. A mixture of engines ‚ 1.3, 1.6 and 2.0-litre four-cylinder units and a 3-litre V6 catered for all tastes, while optional custom packs allowed a degree of personal customising that broke new ground in the industry. For the serious drivers there was the Cologne built RS2600 and the short lived Halewood built 124mph RS3100.

A global oil crisis failed to slow the Capri's progress and in 1974 the Mk II was launched. Smoother design lines and simplified option packs ensured the Capri appealed to a wider market. Star status was assured with regular Capri appearances in TV shows such as Minder and The Professionals.

From 1978, the Mk III saw a tidying up of the Capri body and several special editions such as the Calypso and Laser. In 1981 Dunton's newly formed Special Vehicle Engineering department unveiled their first project, the 160bhp Capri 2.8 injection. The limited edition Capri 280, also known as the Brooklands Capri, signaled the end of the Capri era and the last car left the line in December 1986. While the Capri is not the biggest seller in Ford history it is certainly one of the most fondly remembered.

Source: JUST CARS, July 2009, Collectors Issue #161