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Topic starter
13/01/2022 3:56 am
In the late 1960's, Ford Motor Company wanted to reproduce in Europe the success they had had with the North American Ford Mustang. They decided to build a European Pony Car. It was mechanically based on the Ford Cortina Mk II. Production began in November 1968 at the Halewood plant in the United Kingdom and at the Cologne plant in West Germany the following month. It was unveiled in January 1969 at the Brussels Motor Show, with sales starting the following month. Ford called this car Capri.
Welly 1969 Ford of Europe Capri Sunset Red
Welly 1969 Ford of Europe Capri Ermine White
With its success in Europe and the desire for a subcompact car for the U.S. Lincoln-Mercury Division, the Capri was imported to the States in 1970 for the 1971 model year. Although it had no Mercury badging, it was sold as a Mercury Capri and was marketed as The Sexy European. Standard engine was a 1.6L overhead valve inline 4, with the 2.0L overhead cam inline 4 as an option. A 4-speed manual transmission was standard with an optional 3-speed automatic.
Welly 1972 Mercury Capri Import Tawney Brown (Modified '69 Euro to resemble my first new car)
I thought it was cool how the 71-72 Capri door panels mimicked the 65-66 Mustang's.
In early 1972 the 2.6L V6 was added to the option list. I dug thru some old Motor Trend Magazines and found an article on the V6 Capri in their February 1972 issue, comparing it to the 1965 and 1972 Mustangs. Below are some tidbits from the article.
Capri was imported thru 1978. In 1979 it shared the Fox platform with the new Mustang.
13/01/2022 9:14 am
Pete: I have never seen this diecast model. I have looked for it a number of times as I would like to add this to my collection. Always loved this car. Always wanted to own one.
13/01/2022 9:41 am
That looks like a nice model. I've not seen one before.
John Merritt
South Lyon, Michigan - USA
Pete Rovero and Pete Rovero reacted
13/01/2022 9:47 am
The V-6 Capri was a lively, dependable and very attractive car that sold quite well here in western Canada.
Pete Rovero and Pete Rovero reacted
13/01/2022 10:58 am
I really enjoyed this post Pete. A friend owned the V6 Capri and I enjoyed many trips in it. At the time, I much preferred it to the Mustang, which did not handle any where near as well.
Pete Rovero and Pete Rovero reacted
13/01/2022 2:36 pm
I owned a 1979 Capri with 2.0 litre V6.
I loved it.
Capris came with 1.3 litre to 3.0 litre engines.
But if you wanted reliable brute power, you would get the 2.8 litre, which was German-built.
It was better than the English-built 3.0 litre.
Pete Rovero and Pete Rovero reacted
Topic starter
13/01/2022 3:10 pm
I had a '72 with the 2.0L four and a couple of years later I bought a new '74 with the 2.8L V6. I kept the '74 for ten years and really liked the increased power and smoothness of the V6. However, the power was offset by the increased smog requirements and the heavier 5 mile/hour bumpers required in the States. I removed the smog pump and put headers on it and low restriction mufflers, lowered it a bit with Mulholland struts and shocks. It was a blast to drive, but my only gripe was the heavy steering. Power steering wasn't available on the first gen Capris.
Topic starter
13/01/2022 3:23 pm
John, you should be able to get one on eBay for around $20-$25. Unfortunately, the shipping is about the same amount. A friend of mine found one unboxed at the local CVS or Rite Aid for $10! Boxed, they look like this:
Topic starter
13/01/2022 3:27 pm
Thanks David. I know what you mean, I had a '76 Mustang II for a brief period with the 2.3L and a 4spd!
Topic starter
13/01/2022 3:58 pm
I thought I'd post a couple more Capri models I have in race livery.
These are actually 1/32 scale slot cars. At a $40 and up price point the detail is very good and worthy of collecting, IMO. Plus, if you have a local track in your area, you can have some fun with them too!
David Green and David Green reacted
13/01/2022 4:12 pm
I really enjoyed this post Pete. A friend owned the V6 Capri and I enjoyed many trips in it. At the time, I much preferred it to the Mustang, which did not handle any where near as well.
I agree totally about the handling vs. Mustang.
David Green and David Green reacted
13/01/2022 4:14 pm
I owned a 1979 Capri with 2.0 litre V6.
I loved it.
Capris came with 1.3 litre to 3.0 litre engines.
But if you wanted reliable brute power, you would get the 2.8 litre, which was German-built.
It was better than the English-built 3.0 litre.
We had the 2.8 here in Canada and it was IMO the perfect engine for that size car. Very peppy, sporty and nimble.
Pete Rovero and Pete Rovero reacted
13/01/2022 4:17 pm
Thanks David. I know what you mean, I had a '76 Mustang II for a brief period with the 2.3L and a 4spd!
Pete;
I had a '74 Pinto with the 2.3 engine and a 4 speed....it actually went pretty darn good and it was trouble free. I was never rear-ended thankfully.
Pete Rovero and Pete Rovero reacted