Endless bonnet, rapid back: With American muscle car attributes of the Capri temporarily put the classic family coach on the sidelines. As a European Mustang the cheap Ponycar drove to pole position. But even on race tracks scored the Ford, even against Porsche.
Family vehicles are reasonable and practical. Wrong thought: family cars must be seductively shaped above all. Today, this is demonstrated by bulky Sports Utility Vehicles, which sell better than compact cars. Before 50 years, a small sports coupe for the great family happiness was enough as the Ford Capri demonstrated. Four seats and a spacious luggage compartment at reasonable prices, the whole packed in a dramatic design - finished was the dream car for fathers, the Opel GT and VW-Porsche were too small or expensive and classic coupes like Opel Rekord or Ford 15 M seemed too good.
"Germany's sportiest family," as Ford Marketing called the dynamically drawn coupes, celebrated at 24. January 1969 premiered under the Brussels Atomium and catapulted rocket-like into the stratosphere of sales statistics. Where the air is thin, but the gain thick, the Capri let the cash register for Ford Europe ring for almost 20 years, much as the Ford Mustang had preexercised in America. Already in the first year the Capri increased the market share of Ford Germany to well 16 percent and 1970 was already almost every second Ford from Cologne a Capri. In three generations, the cult coupe inflamed nearly two million buyers' hearts, but above all the Capri ignited the hype of family-friendly athletes from Alfasud Sprint to VW Scirocco.
It was the genes of the Mustang launched in 1964 that made the Capri a gold artery for Ford Europe. Long muscle car bonnet, crisp and short rear like an expensive dream athlete and technically either down-to-earth like a Volkswagen Beetle or spirited like a hot-blooded Porsche 911, the Ford Capri fit perfectly into the spirit of optimism of the fast-paced late 1960s. The era that celebrated top technical achievements such as the moon landing and supersonic flights, but at the same time began to outlaw show-off and pomp in Europe. This was particularly true for strike-shaken Great Britain under Harold Wilson's Labor government and the Federal Republic of Germany with Willy Brandt as chancellor of the first social-liberal coalition. It was therefore no surprise that the Ford Capri celebrated its greatest successes in these two countries: an emotional athlete who sparked an aura of exclusivity through motorsport victories and top versions that went well over 200 km / h, but with a phlegmatic 37 kW / 50 hp base -Motorization remained affordable and jealousy for everyone. No rival of the first European pony car, not even the Opel Manta launched in 1970, reached this extreme range from lame horse to hot-blooded wild catch.
As a Mustang made in Europe, the Capri should actually be called Colt, like the young, impetuous stallions. At the last moment, however, CEO Henry Ford II intervened, because he favored the name of the Italian sunny island. An American road cruiser called Capri had brought success to the Ford premium brand Lincoln in the early 1950s. The 4,30-meter-long Fastback Capri, constructed in cooperation between Ford England and Ford Cologne, not only had to cause a sensation in Europe, but also support Ford's American Mercury division in the fight against imported compact cars. In fact, Mercury sold over 31.000 Capri on the US market in its first year, even setting a first-year record for imported cars. The advertising explained this as follows: “Capri - The first sexy European under $ 2.400.” At that time, the Capri effect was felt not only by the Opel GT, which already shone as a mini Corvette in Buick showrooms, but also by sporty Volvo and even the VW Beetle.
Capri versus beetle? In fact, Ford presented the Capri as an unrivaled price hit in the coupé segment. The cool Fastback was already available for 6.993 marks, making the Ford even cheaper than the Beetle in the Karmann Ghia dress or the Bonsai Coupé Honda S800. As a price breaker, Ford's exciting pony car not only delighted families, but above all young buyers of new cars. Hard to imagine today: two thirds of the Capri cowboys came from the age group between 18 and 29 years. However, those who wanted to hurry away from the Opel GT and its legendary advertising slogan “Only flying is more beautiful” had to dig deeper into their pockets and order a six-cylinder: the 10.560 kW / 92 PS Capri 125 GT was then available for 2600 marks. Even hotter was the 110 kW / 150 PS Capri RS, which became the intimate enemy of all Porsche 911T drivers and won the European Touring Car Championship in 1972 as a racing version.
1973, the last year of the first Capri generation, still had a special milestone, because in August the millionth Capri ran off the line. Anyone who wanted to order the coupe now with representative 3,0-liter V6. With this engine, Ford made the rivals from Rüsselsheim once again clear who drove in the sports show anticipated, there was the Manta but only with 1,9-liter four-cylinder. Also against the then just leaving the Opel GT, the Capri landed one last trick by a spectacular cooperation with Lufthansa: "Flying and driving. Make long trips shorter and expensive trips cheaper ", was the cheap Ford Capri car hire offer for passengers.
Drawn in the style of a trendy coupé coupe, the Ford Capri 1974 drove off to the next round, once again proving its talents as a shooting star. He was fired in the economic crisis year after the first oil crisis, of all things. Lush standard equipment and the practical tailgate were sufficient, despite the now antiquated suspension technology for a new bestseller role of the coupe, which gave Ford center 1975 second place in the German manufacturer ranking - directly behind VW and even before Opel. However, the Cologne sports coupe fell now no longer as easy as the original Capri to rush all competitors. Accordingly regularly launched Ford facelifts and motor upgrades for his sports model, which also 1978 in the final generation, a front end with aggressive-looking twin headlights and indicated front spoiler received.
Three years later, the cult coupe reached the performance milestone of his career. The 118 kW / 160 PS strong Capri 2.8 Injection and the 138 kW / 188 PS powerful Capri Turbo strengthened the reputation of the three-door car as a power car for men - families have long bought station wagons. Especially the British brought the aging car a grand finale with leading roles in action movies and sold out special editions. Therefore, the Capri survived as right-hand drive until 1987, while the last Capri for Germany already 1984 from the tape ran. A real successor received the coupes with big muzzle and flap never. Nevertheless, there is a new cult coupe from Ford: Since 2015 the Mustang is officially sold in Europe.
Author: Wolfram Nickel / SP-X
Technical data
Timeline:
1961: In the UK, the Ford Consul Capri debuts as a sporty coupe of the Ford Consul Classic. This Capri is built up to 1964. Previously, 1952-1959 also had the American Lincoln Capri in three generations
1964: Dearborn in the UK at the end of the year, started the development of the Colt project, an 2 + 2-seated coupe
1966: The project Colt goes into the finalization and is designed as a family-friendly coupe. In March design fixing. The exterior for the prototypes was drawn by John Falls, John Hitchman was overall development manager. Germany is involved late in the decision-making process
1968: Starting production in November of the Capri in Cologne and England (Halewood)
1969: On 21. January, the Ford Capri celebrates in the Bonn Beethovenhalle its press premiere as Capri 1300 (V4, 50 PS), 1500 (V4, 60 PS), 1700 GT / R (V4, 75 PS), 2000 (V6, 85 PS), 2000 R (V6, 90 PS) and 2300 GT / R (V6, 108 PS). Public debut at the Brussels Salon from 24. January. In September, an 125-PS engine for the 2300 GT / R complements the program. Internationally, the Capri is also delivered with other engines, such as in the UK with 1,3-liter, 1,6-liter and 2,0-liter four-cylinder and 3,0 and 3,1-liter six-cylinder. The Kölsch Karossier Deutsch offers until 1972 convertible conversions of the Capri. Thanks to the new Capri, Ford Germany achieves a production increase of 61 percent and 15,6 percent market share. The Capri alone achieves 3,7 percent market share in Germany
1970: Sales of the Ford Capri will begin in April in South Africa (sometimes with 5,0-liter V8) and in North America. In the US, the Capri offered by Mercury is at times the best-selling vehicle behind the VW Beetle. At the Geneva Motor Show, the Ford Capri 2600 RS debuts in March as a motorsport version. In September reorganized program of Capri 1300, 1500 (V4, now with 65 PS), 1700 GT, 2000 GT (V6, 90 PS), 2300 GT and 2600 GT (V6, 125 PS). Based on the 2600 GT, the engineer Michael May developed a turbo version, which is distributed via Ford dealers like the Schwabengarage. In December, the RS 2600 debuts as a street version (V6 injection engine, 150 PS). This year, 169.740 Ford Capri will be built in Germany alone
1971: The Capri production will also start in Saarlouis in March
1972: Facelift and debut as Capri '73 in September, recognizable by larger headlights and taillights etc. as well as a modified type range. Replacement of the V4 engines with in-line four-cylinder OHC and elimination of the 90-hp V6. A 3,0-liter Essex V6 is new for this
1973: 233.000 sold copies this year is the most successful year for the Capri. In August, the one millionth capri will be delivered. In December, the production of the first generation ends. In Germany alone, 784.000 Capri I was built, of which 560.000 units were exported
1974: In February presentation and market launch of the Capri II, a further development of the Capri I, but now as a fashionable estate coupe with tailgate
1975: model maintenance in February, with standard steel belt tires, brake booster and heated rear window for Capri L, headrests from Capri XL and Capri GT with automatic seat belts. In December production ceased at the English plant Halewood after shortly before the production in Saalouis ended. From now on all Capri for the UK come from Cologne production
1976: The Modular Aerodynamics study presented at the Geneva Motor Show anticipates the design modifications of the Capri III launched two years later. From March are laminated glass front disc and automatic safety belts series. In May small facelift and new version Capri S. Optically recognizable, inter alia, on black sills and side decor elements. For Capri S also front spoiler and tighter chassis tuning. New in the program is the 2,0-liter V6 with 66 kW / 90 PS
1977: At the end of the year, the Capri will be taken out of the US market after 513.500 sold there
1978: In March debuts at the Geneva Motor Show a thoroughly modified Capri as Capri 78 or as Capri III. Striking are the new front design, the revised rear end and an engine program that begins only with the 1,6-liter gasoline engine. On the eve of the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Germany, the Capri Turbo is celebrating its return as a racing touring car. The four-cylinder turbo with 1,4-liter displacement achieves 380 PS and wins 1979 ten of eleven rounds of the German Racing Championship.
1979: Revised engine program with additional 2,0-liter four-cylinder (initially in the special edition Capri GT 4) as well as revised 2,0 and 2,3-liter six-cylinder and 1,6-liter four-cylinder
1980: Eliminate Capri 1,6 with 68 PS. In racing, Klaus Ludwig competes with an 580 PS Capri Turbo against the 200 PS stronger Porsche 935. Despite numerous successes Ludwig does not win the title, because the rear wing of the Capri is rated as not foul
1981: In February, the Capri 2.8 Injection replaces the 3,0-liter Capri. In July, the 2,0-liter V6 will be discontinued. In the same month, the Capri Turbo with 2,8-liter carburettor six-cylinder and 188 PS performance is new top model. Klaus Ludwig wins the title of German Racing Championship with a 510 PS performing Turbo Capri
1983: From April all Capri with 5-gearbox and other small model care details. In August reorganized program of Capri GT (101 PS), Capri S (114 PS) and Capri 2.8i (160 PS). Production start of the 225 km / h (from zero to 100 km / h in just over six seconds) fast English Tickford Capri with 153 kW / 208 PS strong 2,8-liter V6 turbo
1984: From April only Capri Super GT (101 PS) and Capri Super Injection (160 PS) with extended standard equipment
1985: In April, the Capri is taken off the German market, after the production of the left-hand drive ended in November 1984. The Capri is still being built in Cologne as a right-hand drive
1986: In December, the production of the Ford Capri ends as a right-hand drive
1987: The Capri is also being phased out in the UK. Delivery of the last tickford capri In total, 1.886.647 units were built by all three Capri generations
1989: In Australia until 1994 a Mazda 323 based roadster called Ford Capri is produced and also exported to Germany
2016: The stamp series "classic German automobiles" is dedicated to a motif of the first generation of the Ford Capri
2017: 30 years after the end of production are all Ford Capri classic cars and candidates for the H-plate
2019: Ford, the club scene and the Capri community celebrate the 50. Anniversary of the sports coupe at exhibitions, fairs and classic rallies
Engine options for the Ford Capri:
Ford Capri 1300 (1969-1974) with 1,3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine (37 kW / 50 PS or 40 kW / 55 PS or 40 kW / 54 PS)
Ford Capri 1500 (1969-1973) with 1,5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine (44 kW / 60 PS or 48 kW / 65 PS)
Ford Capri 1600 (1972-1974) with 1,6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine (50 kW / 68 PS or 53 kW / 72 PS or 65 kW / 88 PS)
Ford Capri 1700 (1969-1972) with 1,7-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine (55 kW / 75 PS)
Ford Capri 2000 (1969-1974) with 2,0-liter V6 gasoline engine (63 kW / 85 PS or 66 kW / 90 PS)
Ford Capri 2300 (1969-1974) with 2,3-liter V6 gasoline engine (79 kW / 108 PS or 92 kW / 125 PS)
Ford Capri 2600 (1970-1974) with 2,6-liter V6 gasoline engine (92 kW / 125 PS or 110 kW / 150 PS)
Ford Capri 3000 (1972-1974) with 3,0-liter V6 gasoline engine (103 kW / 140 PS)
Ford Capri II 1300 (1974-1978) with 1,3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine (40 kW / 55 PS or 40 kW / 54 PS)
Ford Capri II 1600 (1974-1978) with 1,6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine (50 kW / 68 PS or 53 kW / 72 PS or 65 kW / 88 PS)
Ford Capri II 2000 (1974-1978) with 2,0-liter V6 gasoline engine (66 kW / 90 PS)
Ford Capri II 2300 (1974-1978) with 2,3-liter V6 gasoline engine (79 kW / 108 PS)
Ford Capri II 3000 (1974-1978) with 3,0-liter V6 gasoline engine (101 kW / 138 PS)
Ford Capri III 1.6 (1978-1983) with 1,6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine (50 kW / 68 PS or 53 kW / 72 PS or 54 kW / 73 PS)
Ford Capri III 2.0 (1978-1981) with 2,0-liter V6 gasoline engine (66 kW / 90 PS)
Ford Capri III 2.0 (1978-1986) with 2,0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine (74 kW / 101 PS)
Ford Capri III 2.3 (1978-1986) with 2,3-liter V6 gasoline engine (79 kW / 108 PS or 84 kW / 114 PS)
Ford Capri III 2.8i (1981-1986) with 2,8-liter V6 gasoline engine (118 kW / 160 PS)
Ford Capri III 2.8 Turbo (1981-1982) with 2,8-liter V6 gasoline engine (138 kW / 188 PS)
Ford Capri III 3.0 (1978-1981) with 3,0-liter V6 gasoline engine (101 kW / 138 PS)
