"Ford Capri" - the legendary car from the 70's

From 1969 to 1986 in the light produced such a stunning car, as "Ford Capri". The developer of this project was Philip Clark, one of the most important people in the whole concern. The fact that it belonged to him the idea of creating such a car, became known only in 2010.

About the model

Ford Capri has become an incredibly popular and successful car. During the entire production (and this is 17 years), about 1,900,000 copies were produced. The car was so in demand due to its exquisite appearance, build quality, comfort, and also due to the fact that it was offered with different engines. The buyers had a great choice.

It is interesting that the project itself was approved in 1956. That is, 13 years before the moment when the car was released into the series. Design, by the way, was engaged in the division of Ford Britain. Their main task was the creation of such a machine, which with all its features would show that it is a car of a new decade. Well, it is worth to talk in more detail about the other nuances concerning the model Ford Capri. Overview, reviews, specifications - all this is really interesting.

Predecessor

The first thing I would like to tell about the design of the car, which appeared earlier than the "Ford Capri" classic. It was a model of the Consul. Initially, it was produced for export. It was called - Ford Capri Consul. True, she did not become popular. All due to the fact that the body of the model was too expensive and difficult to manufacture. Because the car lasted only two years. In 1963, he was removed from production.

But the exterior was very interesting. Attention attracted the front 4-optics optics, windshield wipers, equipped with variable speed, disc brakes on the front wheels. And the interior was attractive. The dashboard designers equipped with a cigarette lighter and dimming the backlight.

Under the hood of this car was a 1340-cc power unit, driven by a 4-speed transmission. This car in the 60's became interested in a magazine called The Motor. The editors decided to conduct their own personal test drive for the article. It turned out that the maximum speed of the model is 127.1 km / h, and acceleration to "hundreds" takes 22.6 seconds. The expense, by the way, was economical - only 7.7 liters per 100 km in mixed mode.

First models

Even the very first Ford Capri characteristics were impressive. American models were offered with engines of 1.3, 1.5 and 1.7 liters. And those cars that were produced for European buyers, were equipped with in-line "quads". There were two such units - 1.3 and 1.6 liters. However, in addition to them, a model with 2-liter V4 and V6 engines was also offered.

Moreover, at the end of 1969 there were still sports cars "Ford Capri". They were equipped with carburetor 2-chamber engines, the power of which was 125 and 138 horsepower. For the late sixties it really was a breakthrough. Moreover, cars already in those days could boast a front suspension "McPherson". Behind stood the leading bridge on the springs.

Further production

Subsequently, another 3-liter unit was added to the engines. The car quickly gained popularity - the model even began to ship for export to Japan. True, there the "Ford" was only available with engines of 1.6 and 2.0 liters capacity.

In 1971 there was a car with a 2.6-liter engine, the power of which was 150 horsepower. Moreover, this unit was equipped with a Kugelfischer injection. The car appeared improved suspension, gearbox, body panels became lighter, and the wheels began to install ventilated disc brakes. The machine really became more powerful. Now its acceleration to "hundred" took only 7.7 seconds.

At the end of 1971, a special (as they say, top-level version) came out. In total, 1,200 copies were produced. These exclusive cars were easy to recognize by the unique color of vista orange. Also, the model had a spoiler, slats on the rear window and heating, pushbutton radio, inertia belts, and also a vinyl roof of black color.

The second generation

The following models began to appear since 1974. Then the release of the second generation of Ford Capri started. The developers decided to make the novelty more convenient and practical, so that it would be suitable for daily driving around the city. The hood was shortened, the interior was added with spaces, and the volume of the trunk was also increased. It was 630 liters. In Germany, this model was offered with engines for 1,3, 1,6 and 2,0 liters of volume (55, 72 and 99 hp, respectively). There was also a special version with a 2.3-liter V6 producing 108 "horses". The versions were offered as with a 4-step "mechanics", and with a 3-band "automatic".

Has anything changed in the salon? Yes, "Ford Capri" tuning has undergone and in this regard. The steering wheel became more compact, the dashboard was replaced by a modern one.

In 1975, began the release of a special series, which became known as John Player Special. These machines were available exclusively in black and white. The main "highlight" of cars were the gold-plated wheels and the luxurious interior for those times of beige fabric.

Latest models

From 1978 to 1986, cars of the third generation "Ford Capri" came out. Changed appearance. There was a rear spoiler, a black radiator grille, and the rear lights acquired an interesting shape. Since sales of the second generation were significantly less than those of the very first models, the concern decided to try to return the car to its former popularity. To some extent, it even succeeded. Models of the third generation in the UK have become the most stolen throughout the state. They have remained so since the early 80's and up to the 90's.

In recent years, cars with only a right-hand drive were produced, especially for the British market. In 1986, the production of the Capri model was completed.