Ford

The Ford Capri was launched in January 1969 at the Brussels Motor Show. Designed by Philip T. Clark, who had also worked on the Mustang, the Capri aimed to bring American-style coupé flair to a European audience. During development, the project was known as “Colt,” but the name had to be dropped due to Mitsubishi holding the rights. Underneath the sleek fastback body, the Capri was based mechanically on the Ford Cortina. Smaller models used British-built four-cylinder units, while the German-built cars received V4 engines from the Ford Taunus. A performance version followed in September 1970, when the Capri RS 2600 was introduced, featuring a fuel-injected 2,637 cc V6 and lightweight body panels. It was succeeded in late 1973 by the more powerful RS 3100.

The Ford Capri II was introduced in February 1974. While it retained the rear-wheel-drive layout and overall proportions, it featured a smoother, more modern styling. Its enlarged rear hatch made it far more practical than its predecessor. Interior comfort and equipment were improved, aligning the Capri more closely with the growing demand for practical, family-friendly coupés. Though never intended as a pure sports car, the Mk2 maintained a strong following among drivers who appreciated its mix of style, space, and performance.

The Mk3 was introduced in 1978, featuring a redesigned front end with quad headlights and a sleeker, more aerodynamic profile that gave the car a sharper look. It continued to offer a broad range of engines, from economical four-cylinder units to the well-regarded 2,994 cc V6 in the high-performance versions. Production ended in 1986, marking the end of the Capri line after nearly two decades.