Ford Capri

The Ford Capri is a car model of the car manufacturer Ford This is a sports coupe that was also produced from November 1968 to December 1986 of Ford Germany and Ford of Britain until 1976.

The term Capri had already been used in the Ford company before; once at the U.S. Lincoln Capri in the early 1950s and from 1962 to 1964 the Ford Consul Capri, a coupe version of the British Ford Consul Classic.

  • 2.1 Model history
  • 2.2 Equipment lines
  • 2.3 facelift
  • 3.1 Model history
  • 3.2 Special models
  • 6.1 Capri tuning (turbo) models ( for use on public roads )
  • 7.1 rival BMW
  • 7.2 4 × 4 Capris for Rallycross

Capri '69 ( 1968-1973 )

Ford Capri (1968-1972)

The first Capri ( Capri internally '69 ) was officially presented in January 1969 at the Brussels Motor Show, the sales began in February. With the Ford Capri was the success that the company had achieved with the Ford Mustang in the U.S., repeat in Europe and offer a kind of European "Pony Car". The chassis was taken over by the British Ford Cortina, the motors in part by the German Ford Taunus. It was produced in the United Kingdom works Dagenham and Halewood, in Genk, Belgium and the German Ford factories Saarlouis and Cologne. The development of the Capri name was Colt; because the name was but legally protected from Mitsubishi, Ford could not use him for his series model.

Ford wanted the Capri cover a broad spectrum, so he was offered with a variety of engines. Ford Germany and Ford put England in the early years of a respective different engines; while the 1.3 in England - and 1.6 -liter inline four- cylinder of the Kent family were used Ford Germany attacked on its own V-engines with 1300, 1500 and 1700 cm ³ back; the top engine was initially a two-liter V6.

Until the end of 1969 were still more powerful engines added: in Germany the 108 -hp 2300 GT with 2.3 liter twin carburettor V6, 125 -hp 2600 GT with 2.6-liter V6 twin carburettor and in the UK the Ford Essex three- liter V6 with 138 hp.

Special models

  • In December 1970, appeared in Capri RS 2600, a new 2.6 -liter version of the Cologne V6 with ball Fischer- injection and 150 hp. This model had twin headlights, front turn signals in the skirt until the summer of 1972 but no bumpers. He had additional air intakes in front, a suspension with Bilstein gas pressure shock absorbers, coil springs and shortened struts front and Einblattfedern with spacers rear, giving the body was lowered by about 50 mm, which brought an excellent roadholding with it. The engine of the RS based on the 125 -hp V6, but had a long stroke crankshaft with 69 mm instead of 66 mm stroke, whereby the engine capacity was increased to 2600 cc. In addition, he received a " sharper " camshaft, a stronger oil pump, HD valve springs, intake manifold with a mechanical ball Fischer- injection system and a powerful exhaust system with manifold and two separate oval tailpipes. The interior was with sports seats ( first without head restraints) and fitted a one-piece rear seat. The steering with Lenkeinschlagbegrenzer was operated via a tiefgeschüsseltes leather steering wheel. This model served as the basis for several racing models.
  • For civilian use in Capri 2600 GT easily hubraumverkleinerte the 2.6 - liter engine of the Capri RS 2600 was equipped with a Solex twin carburettors.

Facelift

From September 1972, the car was offered as a '73 Capri in revised form with rectangular or double headlights, turn signals in the bumpers and enlarged rear lights, revised seats and a comfortable designed chassis. The V4 engines were 1.3 - replaced and 1.6 -liter inline four- cylinder from the Taunus and the British 3.0 V6 was available for the German Capri models.

In 1973, with 233,000 copies sold the most successful year for the series. In August 1973, the one millionth Capri left the production line.

The Capri RS 2600 was launched again in this version. Recognizable he was at the split bumpers.

Until the end of 1973 originated from the first series (including the Capri '73 ) in Germany about 784,000 pieces. Of these, 244,000 copies were sold domestically.

Rear view

Interior

Dashboard

Capri II '74 / '76 ( 1974-1977 )

Ford Capri II '74 ( 1974-1976 )

Model history

After the sales of the '73 Capri declined steadily, a revision was urgently needed. The development was done under the name "Diana" and included as the biggest change, the introduction of a tailgate. Another major change in the glass surfaces were enlarged. This has also responded to the criticism of the poor visibility in Capri '69.

To save development costs, the floor assembly and the technique of Capri '73 were essentially taken. This is also the reason that many components are identical under the Capri series, such as Sill, A- pillar, or the windshield. Wheelbase and front track width were identical to the previous model, the rear track has been widened by 56 mm. Due to the necessary reinforcements in the rear area and the larger glass areas, however, the weight increase. All outer panels of Capri have been smoothed out and the spring rates were softer set to make the vehicle even less of a sports-loving target audience tasty.

The interiors corresponded to the B-pillar, the Capri '73. The rear seats were now ( at the high-order models also available separately ) foldable and made in connection with the large tailgate release a huge sports car proportions bed.

The engines were based in Germany as the Capri '73 with the exception of the 1.3-liter engine. Here was a technical step backwards by was downgraded by the OHC design back to Kent bumper engine.

The sale of the Capri II was launched in February 1974, during the first oil crisis. This was also the reason why in Germany only 188 Capri '74 were sold with the 3.0 -liter engine in the first year.

Equipment lines

The Capri II was available in four trim levels, the base model was the Capri L. Something luxurious, it went to at the XL version, while the GT version should rather appeal to the sporty buyers. A new addition was the Capri Ghia, which replaced the old GXL version. As usual with Ford, the engine versions were available only after ascending trim levels. So no six-cylinder could be ordered for the L and XL versions. The small four-cylinder, however, were not available in Ghia and GT.

Facelift

In May 1976, the pilot program was reorganized. In place of the previous trim levels L, XL and GT were the outfits L, S and Ghia. As of October 1976, the entire Capri - production on the Saarlouis plant was concentrated.

End of 1977, the Capri was taken after 513 500 copies sold there by the U.S. market.

Ford Capri II '76 ( 1976-1977 )

Capri II '78 ( 1978-1986 )

Ford Capri II '78 ( 1978-1986 )

Model history

The presented in March 1978 Capri II '78 was a heavily revised version of the Capri II '74 and heard internally on the name "Project Carla ". She presented a thorough facelift of the second generation dar.

Externally, the unofficially like a Capri III designated vehicle was evident from an over the twin headlamps molded cowl and a modified grill grille surrounds and bumpers. Integrated in the front also has a small "spoiler " integrated. These changes improved the aerodynamics, not least also zugutekam the fuel consumption.

The rear axle has also been designed as a leaf-sprung live axle.

Initially, the engine-transmission combinations of the original Capri '74 was unchanged from stock, with the 3.0 S was considered a top model. Better than the "S" but sold the comfortable 3.0 Ghia with automatic transmission.

From the spring of 1981 accounted for the 2.0-liter and 3.0 -liter V6 engines, during his debut at the Geneva show the more modern 2.8 injection.

As of November 1984, the Capri was built only as a right-hand drive and sold in the UK.

When the Capri - production finally ceased in December 1986, a total of 1,886,647 copies had been made ​​.

Special models

  • When 2.8 injection there was a sports version with mechanical K- Jetronic fuel injection system. The 2.8 -liter V6 made ​​160 hp and reached a top speed of 210 km / h, but was initially equipped only with a four-speed transmission. With this " injection Capri " Ford revived the series, which then remained in production longer than originally planned.
  • The Capri Turbo was introduced in the summer of 1981. The 188 hp from its V6 engine with a Garrett T04 turbocharger B50 based on the 2.8 - liter petrol engine. These were to a widened '78 Capri 7.5 x13 inch Ronal wheels and 235/60x13 tires. He also had a large front spoiler, a rear wing and - as the 2.8injection - a sportier suspension with gas pressure shock absorbers, 25 mm lowering and reinforced stabilizers. The vehicle accelerated in 8 seconds from 0 to 100 km / h, the maximum speed to 215 km / h was limited. The equipment was similar to that of a Ghia with sport seats, a large center console, leather steering wheel and RS- specific interior trim. The price was about 33,000 DM

The production of the Capri 2.8 Turbo, however, was limited to 200 copies, which is why it has already been completed by mid- 1982.

Type names

The Ford Capri was available in two main series who experienced various modifications over time. Common practice, however, the division into three series. The chief designer responsible for all series was Uwe Bahnsen. Below is a list of commonly used and the official series descriptions:

Capri (1968 to 1973)

Capri ( 1974-1977 )

Capri ( 1978-1986 )

By way of derogation also model names such as Capri MK1, MK2 and MK3 were common in other European countries such as Great Britain.

Outside Europe

In April 1970, Ford began selling the Capri in North America, South Africa and Australia.

  • USA: The U.S. versions that were built exclusively in the Cologne plant, received twin headlights, revised bumpers and wore no badge; marketed they were officially called " Capri imported by Lincoln - Mercury " - the sale occurred, as well as the De Tomaso Pantera, on Mercury dealer. The Capri was the VW Beetle at times the best-selling import model in the United States. In 1970, he was driven by a British Kent engine with 1600 cc and only 64 hp, from 1971 by a two-liter inline four- cylinder with 101 hp. From 1972 was offered with the 120 hp here payable 2.6-liter V6 in the U.S. in addition to the Capri 2600 GT. Exports to the United States continued until 1977.
  • South Africa: South Africa Ford imported from April 1970 also the Capri, preferably as 3.0 GT. Several of these Capris were fitted by a local specialist Basil Green Racing with the five-liter V8 from Ford USA; these so-called Perana Capris came with some success in the South African Touring Car Championship and won the title of the 1970 season, before being ruled by the organizers. Also from the Capri II and II'78 reached some copies to South Africa.
  • Australia: Ford Australia assembled the Capri from 1969 to 1972 in the work of Sydney supplied parts kits. Originally offered in 1600 in base and GT version with the UK 1.6-liter inline four- cylinder. In early 1970 came a version with the Essex - three-liter V6 and GT equipment to do so. Due to lack of demand the assembly in November 1972 was discontinued after about 15,000 copies. Neither the Capri '73 nor the '78 Capri II and II were assembled in Australia, in 1973, but 50 copies of the Capri RS 3100 imported. From 1989 to 1994, based on the Mazda 323, two-seater roadster was produced under the name Ford Capri and exported as Mercury Capri in the U.S. in Australia.

Special models

Special models were offered from the factory, among others, the British subsidiary of Ford:

  • Capri Cabaret ( I and II; 1.6 and 2.0)
  • Capri Calypso (I and II; 1.6)
  • Capri Cameo ( 1.3 and 1.6)
  • Capri GT4 ( 1.6 and 2.0)
  • Capri pace ( 1.3 and 1.6)

Besides the standard models developed also special models like the Tickford, Convertibles from German and from Halewood. Even Aston -Martin- Capris were built. The designer Ing Gerd Knözinger paid under the company name MAKO Capris with V8 engines (33 and 17 Capri II Capri II '78 ). Its built with 4.9 liter displacement and in different capacities vehicles were equipped with the drive train and the braking system of the Ford Mustang. The distribution of fast MAKO vehicles, however, ended in the early 1980s. Not all Makos received the V8 engine, some were "only" comes with the 3-liter Essex engine. In Switzerland, a tuner also examined a conversion on a Ford V8 engine, although only in the 90s, so some time after the cessation of production, the tuner R. Bosshard it would be to build with this opinion freely on other Capri V8, it remained so far in a single piece, a Capri II, which is still in his possession.

In 1981, the Ford Capri Turbo today the most sought out in limited numbers. The vehicles produced 200 were only available on the RS- dealer network and could be distinguished from the normal Capri by various RS- typical features. The by Zakowski converted in the Eifel vehicles have a marking on the transmission tunnel. Were used as base models with the 2.8 - liter injection engine, the rear axle was equipped with a limited slip differential. The engine was a series 2 0.8 -liter V6 with a carburetor, the air collector bore the inscription Ford Turbocharger came from Garret and the charge pressure should not exceed 0.4 bar. The mechanical 4 -speed transmission came out of the engl. Production at Dagenham and was a series part ( from Granada and Capri 2.6 and 3.0 liters). For appearance among fender flares made ​​of GRP, a front and a double rear spoiler and 235/60R13-Reifen on wide steel rims or on request with 7.5 -inch Ronal alloy wheels and a different exhaust system. The interior was fitted with sports seats in gray velor and a 4 -spoke RS steering wheel. There is now also a factory Turbo Forum in Switzerland, where all vehicles are listed, and still known drivers of such vehicles can exchange. Other tuners like Suhe, Wolf Motorsport or Gerstmann offered to both optical and technical accessories for the sports coupe.

Capri tuning (turbo) models ( for use on public roads )

In 1970 there was a Capri I with a May- turbocharger. This Capri, the standard possessed with the 2.3 - liter engine has 108 hp, developed at a boost pressure of 0.5 bar 180 hp. The same investment in a 2.6-liter with 125 hp to 207 hp let this grow strong. Was made ​​possible because the series engines had a compression ratio of 9.0:1 only. Only the head gaskets needed to be strengthened in order to allow the engine of this performance potential.

In the Capri II, only the 2.3 -liter engine was boosted 1974-1978. The performance corresponded with 180 hp of the Capri I with 2.3 -liter turbo.

The Capri II '78 (or " Capri III ," as he was called in the vernacular ) is factory charged a 2.8 - liter petrol engine with 135 hp to 188 hp. The factory he was additionally equipped with a nitrided crankshaft and an oil pump with more capacity. Who would want to have more horsepower, settled tune the 2.8-liter injection with a turbocharger to about 215 hp. From Ford involve tuning 2.3-liter V6 and 2.6-liter V6 engines were offered 2.6 -liter RSV. But basically had the crankshaft, camshaft, oil pump, exhaust manifold / facility and various small parts of the engine to be replaced to an increase in power to 140 hp ( is an understatement ) to reach.

Motorsport

As a " cult car " applies primarily to the Ford Capri RS 2600. It was built by the fall of 1970 until the end of the series in December 1973. This vehicle was equipped with a mechanical ball Fischer- injection system, the spread at this time in motor sports, but was tii also used for fast production cars like the BMW 2002. For the 2.6 -liter engine 150 hp were specified. This statement was an understatement. Most vehicles had 160-170 hp, bringing the outstanding for its time performance figures are explained (0-100 in about 7.7 to 8.0 seconds at a top speed of 200 km / h). This vehicle was the basis for the factory racing Capris.

The Capri 2.6 RS was developed on the initiative of the then head of the Ford RS Department Jochen Neerpasch and served for the homologation. In this context, a competition version for private driver from work on the motor sports department was offered. The so-called lightweight Capri had fiberglass doors with plastic windows and a fiberglass trunk lid. Inside, the car was equipped with full bucket seats, for reasons of weight without any insulation. This light version had a carburetor instead of the ball Fischer- injection system.

For the competitive version, there was also a revised engine, which was sold through the motorsport network. By drilling of 90 mm ​​to 93 mm, the engine capacity of this engine increased to 2.8 liters. For this purpose, you could choose between different carburetors or carburetor systems, sharper camshafts, larger valves, exhaust systems, a huge range of wheels and chassis parts, spoilers etc.. This vehicle was offered from 1970 to 1971 with a power to weight ratio of only 6 kg / hp.

For the maiden voyage of Capri in motorsport came in March 1969, two plant -2300 - GT- V6 on the classic rally Stuttgart- Lyon- Charbonnières. A team was staffed with driver Jean -Francois Piot and Jean Todt, the future Ferrari team boss in Formula 1 in the second Capri Dieter Glemser and Klaus Kaiser went to the start, which finished fourth in the overall standings, while Piot and Todt rank seven reached.

The Ford Motorsport department sent 1970, equipped with six-cylinder naturally aspirated two-door at three fronts into the race: In the European Touring Car Championship started up to three cars in versions 2.3 GT and 2.4 GT, through many failures due but with little success. Even with the big rallies, there was the Capri RS 2.3 and the GT version is not brilliant triumphs. In the Hill Climb Championship debuted with the first RS 2.6 as a new addition to the driver Jochen Mass and reached in his debut year of the runner-up. " The Capri RS was a sensational race car for the former touring car stand ," said Measure. " The driving pleasure with the racing version was something special. However, it took a lot of power for the steering work. Depending on the race track there was some bubble ", the Ford works driver, who was with the RS 1971 German circuit racing champion and 1972 European Touring Car Champion remembered.

In the next generation Capri which was now 280 bhp in the 2.9 - liter variant, the year 1971 was a season of records. Dieter Glemser won the European Touring Car Championship in the class above 2,000 cc, Jochen Mass dominated the German Circuit Championship with victories in all eight races this season. With a team of ten working pilots who overcame Capri a stint of 32 races around the world and won, among others, at the traditional touring car race in Macao and the Springbok racing series in South Africa. The time between each race has at times been so scarce that the mechanics were still working on the cars during transport.

In the 1971 season Hans Stuck changed as a pilot for the Ford team to go the following year with the now 300 hp RS with three liters into the race. At only 21 years stucco secured in the inaugural German Racing Championship ( DRM) sovereign the title and had to give up the top spot in only one of ten races of the season. The naturally aspirated engine powered with Capri made ​​in new blue-white appearance but also in the European Touring Car Championship sensation. Jochen Mass won the title, fellow Dieter Glemser was runner-up. At the 24 -hour race in Spa, the pilots of the three used factory Capri reached the top three places. When long-distance race in Le Mans, two of the three used Capri, whose top speed was 270 km / h won a double victory in separately evaluated Touring Car standings.

Rival BMW

Between BMW and Ford reigned 1973 fierce competition. The works drivers Hans Stuck and Harald Menzel went to BMW in Munich. Jochen Neerpasch and chief engineer Martin Braungart were already changed to the Bavarian camp during the preseason. Neerpaschs former assistant Michael cranes foot and the newly hired chief technology officer Thomas Ammerschläger competed with her team to defend their title against the strengthened BMW troupe. Bayern made ​​their debut mid-season in 1973 with the BMW CSL Coupe. The car brought it to 400 hp and was clearly superior to the 3.0-liter engine of Capri, which was met with 325 hp at its performance limit. There were at Ford while plans for a 3.4-liter Cosworth engine with 400 hp, but could not yet be implemented from homologation. The title in the European Touring Car Championship had to give this season to the competition from Bayern Ford.

In 1974, Ford lead against the BMW Capri RS with Cosworth engine into the field. With a new four-valve technology and over 415 hp among others, Formula 1 driver Niki Lauda, ​​young talent Klaus Ludwig, Hans Heyer and Dieter Glemser went to the start. The Ford team achieved in the European Touring Car Championship title in the drivers ' and constructors' title. Hans Heyer was European champion. Newcomer Klaus Ludwig took in his inaugural season as factory driver immediately took third place in the DRM.

Then there was silence for two years at the Capri because Ford had focused on the model escort during this time. The Capri celebrated its racing comeback on 29 July 1978, the Hockenheimring. Hans Heyer was at the wheel of the Ford Zakspeed Capri Turbo 1.4. " The Capri Turbo was the car over par in touring car racing ," raved factory driver Heyer. "When we first left the car as part of the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Germany off the leash, they were all only times flabbergasted. The pole position in front of a full house at the first commencement in the DRM was something special. The long wheelbase, good aerodynamics and the power of the turbo engine offered unprecedented opportunities. From the cockpit by hand wheel, the boost pressure to 1.6 bar could be increased to temporarily mobilize up to 600 hp. In this case, however, the engine was on the verge of explosion. "

The ultra-flat touring car with aluminum tubular frame was built at the Ford Zakspeed partner and had visually with the classic racing Capri nothing in common. The car was to recapture the 1977 won by BMW title in the two-liter Division of DRM. In the last race of the season Heyer came with the four-cylinder, which it at just 1425 cc ( 1.4 × turbo factor = 1995 cm ³) brings to nearly 400 horsepower, the first victory over BMW. Next year, it handed the Capri - drivers Hans Heyer and Harald Ertl not win the title, the Klaus Ludwig secured in the Kremer - Porsche 935.

Ludwig returned in 1980 by Porsche back to Ford. The Le Mans winner of the previous year should compete in the 300 km / h super Capri in the DRM Division over 2000 cc against Porsche. " The 1.8 - liter turbocharged version was the uncompromising successor of the little 1.4-liter Zakspeed Turbo Capri from the years 78 and 79 ," said the touring car star. "The car could, depending on boost pressure to release more than 650 hp and was only something for real artists. Order compared to the 700 hp Porsche to be fast, you had to touch the super - Capri with kid gloves. " Ludwig won six victories during the season. Due to a large rear wing, a native of Bonn, however, were subsequently saw two race results that were missing him to win the title.

It was not until the next season was for Ford Capri back to a year. At the wheel of the 560 -hp turbo Capri Klaus Ludwig grabbed again around 200 hp more powerful, but also heavier Porsche 935 Turbo on. He took the loss in the previous titles in the German Racing Championship. Ludwig started in all 13 rounds of the season from pole and won in ten races.

Then the Capri turbo era was drawing to a close. Because participants loss in 1982 also sports cars were registered in the DRM, against the Capri terms of performance had no chance. Car and drivers were only granted minor successes. Five and a half years after its premiere, the turbo Capri was therefore no longer used at the factory to the German race tracks.

4 × 4 Capris for Rallycross

When still young Autosport named Rallycross continued the work in Britain between early 1969 and late 1971, even two Capri 3000GT 4WD ( with Zodiac V6 engines ) and also supported and the Semi- taking rally factory driver Roger Clark and his brother Stan Clark factory car from Rod Chapman. The end good 250 hp 4 × 4 Capris (with 3 -liter engines, CanAm gasoline injection, ZF transmission and Ferguson - wheel drive equipped ) fell initially through many " teething " on, proved in the course of but time as superior to such an extent that they (4WD penalty - depending on the race track ) until five or ten seconds were allowed to start behind their opponents and yet were often victorious.

Stock in Germany

Credited the stock of Ford Capri is in Germany on 1 January (until 2000: July 1 ) of selected years, according to the Federal Motor Vehicle Office. Before 1 March 2007, the fleet except the number of vehicles registered also contained the number of temporary closures. Since 1 March 2007, the vehicle population contains only the " flow of traffic " including the season mark.

After the final report of the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control 22 Ford Capri were scrapped in favor of the scrapping premium between 27 January 2009 and 31 July 2010.

Swell

  • Werner Oswald: German cars from 1945 to 1975. Engine book publishing house, Stuttgart 1976.
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