BETTER PARTS40 years Ford Capri II & III Mustang made in Germany
Mustang made in Germany
Infinitely long and infinitely masculine was his bonnet. The Ford Capri was the European interpretation of the Mustang. A sensationally successful sports coupe, which in fresh form celebrated its second spring 40 years ago, and so Ford catapulted from the valley of the oil crisis
It was a disastrous year for the automotive industry. The oil crisis had in the winter of 1973/74 can plunge into the abyss, the sales figures and the Cologne Ford plant as almost all companies brought the red. How do the people back like on the car? With emotional forms, Ford said, and sent the sports coupe Capri into a second spring. The first generation of Capri had but five years earlier already scored a surprise coup and fashion made according to the pattern of the American Mustang. Goods large European series coupe until then usually no more than two-door sedans with smaller and shorter roof structure, Ford presented the Capri the first athlete in the family style of American muscle cars.
Infinitely long hood for potentially much horsepower, to a short, high-speed tail-all at an affordable cost. A concept that made the Capri for Ford goldmine and for the industry as a model of all four-seater coupe family. More than one million Ford Capri was able to sell until 1974 - a result which had exceeded the most optimistic forecasts and allowed to regrow competitors such as the Opel Manta and the VW Scirocco. Make good things even better so had a big task for the small Ponycar thanks to the practical tailgate but enough new Capri Cowboys won 40 years ago, the Capri II. Moreover, in 13 years of production the coupe scored a still not faded cult status.
© FordMit 2.3-liter and 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine (photo) and classy Ghia fully equipped knocked the Ford at the door of the coupe exclusive league of BMW or Mercedes Critics have called him like Cologne's largest snout. Finally, the Capri II was built after the period of British manufacturing since 1975 exclusively in Cologne, but mainly worked under the long snout of the bestseller not only powerful 3.0-liter V6, but as a first base even underpowered 1.3-liter four-cylinder with 40 kW/54 hp just once. Only seemingly the perfect engine for the months of the oil crisis with government-mandated highway Vmax of 100 km / h For the 1010 kg with comparatively heavy weight and at least 4.29 meters measured Coupe (only 15 centimeters less than the Mustang II) had already sprinting every small cars can be drawn from it. A Blender, however the new Beau de Cologne was only in this basis, for the beginning everything had to be paid extra. Even self-evident as steel radial tire, brake booster and heated rear window - is once again breaking following the example of the Ford Mustang. One trick that pushed the Capri Price List at the 10,000 - mark-mark.
Thus beat the drawn in the style of a trendy combi coupe Capri also the equally new VW Scirocco and the 1970 Opel Manta introduced. European mid-size coupe of Fiat 124 and Alfa Bertone, however, cost at least 50 percent, were in favor, however, already a good engine and equipped in the base. Not even the first samurai fighters like Mazda 616 Coupe and Toyota Celica could beat the Capri in the price competition. This also decreed at the upper end of its range over a further unique selling position. With 2.3-liter and 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine and classy Ghia fully equipped Ford knocked at the door of the coupe exclusive league of BMW or Mercedes. Points was the Capri against these premium competitors is not, but he won so enough prestige for an almost unparalleled cult status in the middle class. In particular, the 1.6-liter and 2.0 - liter versions were downright hot cakes, especially since their buyers turned a blind eye being generous about the antiquated suspension technology with rear live axle. Also, the test reports often criticized trampling the rear axle and the restless directional stability at fast motorway passages disturbed little Capri buyers seriously.
Especially since Ford 's sporty star indulged regular fine-tuning and provided for new attractions. This especially after in August 1974, Bob Lutz boss at the German subsidiary of Ford was. Although a decline in production at Ford of nearly 40 percent over the previous year was also the new Capri not prevent, but in July it went with the company steeply up and made sure not last one initiated by Lutz marketing strategy. Fight the price increases was the slogan. In fact, it was in spite of the crisis-induced slump in sales and mass layoffs in almost all car manufacturers also in 1974, at least two, sometimes even four price increases. Quite the contrary, ie from the current normal price wars.
Ford then chose a new path. Price reductions decreed Cologne, only the first, but they granted the first German manufacturer to extend the guarantee period of six to twelve months and included on the model of importers all essential standard equipment details. So also with the Capri, who took from the spring of 1975 with a much shorter options list. About 70 per cent growth in deliveries Ford was able to report in the first five months of 1975, to 17.5 percent in May 1975 considerable market share and thus the second largest German manufacturer Volkswagen, and by the position before Opel.
© FordDer Ford Capri was the European interpretation of the Mustang Have been developed was the Capri II under the code name Diana, after all, he should make the same name as the goddess of hunting. However, it was the second generation of the Cologne sports coupe is not as easy as the original Capri to rush all competitors. Finally, the all-new VW Scirocco drove up with fresh front-wheel drive layout and modern cross Motors and the Opel Manta was shown in autumn 1975 in a renewed design. Accordingly, intense, Ford sought to regular polish for its sports model. These included facelifts and the Capri S with front spoiler and firmer suspension tuning, as well as the already launched in February 1978 Capri '78 ( fans call him Capri III) as a result of the development program Karla. Plenty of cosmetics now donated to the cult coupe a new front fascia with aggressive-looking twin headlamps and a hint of front spoiler. There were grooved tail lights and technical modifications such as a stabilizer for the front axle.
On the engine side accounted for the weak 1.3-liter engine, but there was in 1981, two new performers. Firstly, the 118 kW/160 hp Capri 2.8 Injection replaced the 3.0-liter Capri, shortly thereafter debuted the Capri Turbo 2.8 - liter petrol six-cylinder engine and 138 kW/188 hp than 215 km / h faster flyer. In just eight seconds this fastest Capri sprinted from zero to 100, so he was already moving at the level of a Porsche 944 In fact, the Capri enjoyed in his later years, the reputation of a true power cars for men. An image that motorsport successes like winning the German Racing Championship as well promoted as the lead role in the British TV series " The Professionals". There, the CI5 agents Bodie and Doyle gave her silver and gold metallic painted coupe so much rubber that crooks and terrorists had less chance than if they had been chased by James Bond.
In Britain, the Capri was the early 1980s among young people than ever coolest coupe, which also begat his dubious reputation as the most-stolen vehicle. In fact, the Cologne Macho survived therefore right-hand drive until the 1987 model year, while the last intended for Germany Capri in 1985 rolled off the assembly.
Chronicle:
1969: End of January celebrates the Ford Capri in its first generation launch 1974: Presentation and launch of the Capri II Evolution of Capri I, but now as a combi coupe hatchback 1975: facelift, this steel-belted tire, brake booster and heated rear window for Capri L, XL headrests from Capri and Capri GT with automatic safety belts. In December, discontinuation of production in the plant in Halewood. Henceforth all come designed for Britain Capri from German production 1976: In March, laminated glass windscreen was series, just a month before automatic seat belts. In May, small facelift and new version Capri S. Optical to recognize, among other things on the black side sills and decorative elements. For Capri S also front spoiler and firmer suspension tuning. New to the range is the 2.0-liter V6 1977 Capri end of the year is taken after 513 500 copies sold there by the U.S. market 1978: In March, made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show a thoroughly modified Capri, including with new front design, revised rear and a motor program that starts only the 1.6-liter gasoline engine. On the eve of Formula 1 Grand Prix of Germany the Capri Turbo celebrates his return as a race touring car. The four-cylinder turbocharged 1.4 - liter engine made 380 hp won ten out of eleven races in the German Racing Championship a year later. 1979: Revised engine program with an additional 2.0 - liter four-cylinder (kick-off in November in the special edition Capri GT 4) and changes in 2,0 - and 2,3-liter six-cylinder and 1.6-liter 1980: Elimination Capri 1.6 with 68 hp. On the racetrack, Klaus Ludwig comes with a 580 hp payable Capri Turbo against the 200 hp more powerful Porsche 935. Despite its many successes, not Ludwig wins the title, because the rear wing of the Capri was assessed as non-compliant 1981: In February of Capri 2.8 Injection replaces the 3.0-liter Capri. In July, the 2.0-liter V6 is set. In the same month, the Capri Turbo 2.8 - liter petrol six-cylinder and 188 hp new top model. Klaus Ludwig wins with a 510 bhp turbo - Capri the title of the German Racing Championship 1983: As of April, all Capri with 5-speed transmission as well as other minor facelift details. In August, new parent program Capri GT (101 PS), Capri S ( 114 hp) and Capri 2.8i (160 hp) 1984: As of April only Capri Super GT ( 101 PS) and Capri Super Injection ( 160 hp ) with extended standard equipment 1985: In April, the Capri is taken from the German market. Capri is further built right-hand drive 1987: In the UK, the Capri is taken from the program. A total of 1,886,647 units were built from all Capri - generations
Technical data of important types:
Ford Capri 1300 (1974-1978), with 1.3-liter (40 kW/55 hp or 40 kW/54 hp) four-cylinder gasoline engine Ford Capri 1600 (1974-1979), with 1.6-liter (50 kW/68 hp or 53 kW/72 hp or 65 kW/88 hp) four-cylinder gasoline engine Ford Capri 1.6 ( 1974-1976 ), with 1.6-liter (65 kW/88 hp) four-cylinder gasoline engine Ford Capri 1.6 ( 1980-1983), with 1.6-liter (51 kW/70 hp or 54 kW/73 hp) four-cylinder gasoline engine Ford Capri 2.0 ( 1976-1979 ), with 2.0-liter (66 kW/90 hp) V6 petrol engine Ford Capri 2.0 ( 1979-1983 ), with 2.0-liter (74 kW/101 hp) four-cylinder gasoline engine Ford Capri 2.0 ( 1979-1981 ), with 2.0-liter (66 kW/90 hp) V6 petrol engine Ford Capri 2.3 ( 1974-1979 ), with 2.3-liter (79 kW/108 hp) V6 petrol engine Ford Capri 2.3 ( 1979-1983 ), with 2.3-liter (84 kW/114 hp) V6 petrol engine Ford Capri 3.0 ( 1974-1981 ), with 3.0-liter (101 kW/138 hp) V6 petrol engine Ford Capri 2.8i (1981-1983 ), with 2.8-liter (118 kW/160 hp) V6 injection petrol engine Ford Capri 2.8 Turbo ( 1981-1982 ), with 2.8-liter (138 kW/188 hp) V6 petrol engine Ford Capri GT / Super GT (1983-1984), with 2.0-liter (74 kW/101 hp) four-cylinder gasoline engine Ford Capri S / Super GT (1983-1984), with 2.3-liter (84 kW/114 hp) V6 petrol engine Ford Capri 2.8i / Super Injection ( 1983-1984), with 2.8-liter (118 kW/160 hp) V6 injection petrol engine.
prices:
Ford Capri 1300 L (1974 ) from 9,855 Mark Ford Capri 1600 XL (1974 ) from 11,030 Mark Ford Capri 2.3 V6 Ghia (1974 ) from 15,070 Mark Ford Capri 3.0 V6 Ghia (1974 ) from 15,950 Mark Ford Capri 1.3 L (1977 ) from 11,700 Mark Ford Capri 1.6 GL (1977 ) from 13,550 Mark Ford Capri 2.0 V6 S (1977 ) from 15,300 Mark Ford Capri 2.3 V6 Ghia (1977 ) from 18,860 Mark Ford Capri 3.0 V6 Ghia (1977 ) from 20,000 Mark Ford Capri 1.6 L (1978 ) from 12,600 Mark Ford Capri 2.0 V6 S (1978 ) from 16,400 Mark Ford Capri 2.3 V6 Ghia (1978 ) from 19,170 Mark Ford Capri 3.0 V6 Ghia (1978 ) from 20,120 Mark Ford Capri 1.6 L (1981 ) from 14,600 Mark Ford Capri 2.0 V6 S (1981 ) from 18,940 Mark Ford Capri 2.3 V6 Ghia (1981 ) from 21,950 Mark Ford Capri 2.8i V6 Injection ( 1981) from 27,000 Mark Ford Capri 2.8 V6 Turbo ( 1981) from 33,330 Mark Ford Capri 2.0 Super GT (1984 ) from 17,000 Mark Ford Capri 2.3 V6 Super GT (1984 ) from 20,000 Mark Ford Capri 2.8i V6 Super Injection ( 1984) from 29,050 Mark