Ford Capri Mk3 (1978–1986)

De Ford Capri Mk3 (1978-1986) was the nine-year finale of Europe's most successful affordable sports coupe, with approximately 320.000 examples built. From the 3,0-liter Essex V6 to the 160 hp Cologne V6 with Bosch K-Jetronic injection in the 2.8 Injection Special, and rounded off with 1.038 examples of the Brooklands Green Capri 280, the Mk3 proved that good design with the right refinement lasts for decades.

1981 Ford Capri Mk3

History and background

The Ford Capri Mk3 — internally dubbed “Project Carla” — was essentially a radically updated Mk2, but was positioned by Ford as an entirely new model. The first examples became available in March 1978, following a concept presentation at the 1976 Geneva Motor Show that already foreshadowed the new direction.

The Mk3 could not reverse the steady decline in sales — but it did manage to slow it down. The distinctive four headlights, the black “Aeroflow” grille, and the improved aerodynamics gave the Capri a fresh look that kept the design relevant for nearly nine more years. The same design, with the same modernized Cortina floorpan that had debuted in 1968, remained a car buyers wanted in 1986.

In 1981, the introduction of the 2.8 Injection breathed new life into the range. The 2.8i was the first regular Capri with fuel injection since the RS2600 and extended production by two to three years longer than Ford had planned. From November 1984, the Capri was built exclusively for the British market, with only right-hand drive models available from that date.

On December 19, 1986, the last Capri rolled off the production line in Cologne. At that time, a total of 1.886.647 Capris had been built across all generations.

Interior of a 1985 Ford Capri Mk3

Design and interior

The Mk3 introduced distinctive four headlights as standard on all models, a black “Aeroflow” grille that was also used on the Fiesta Mk1, and sawtooth taillight lenses that reflected the new Ford design language of chief stylist Uwe Bahnsen.

Those same styling features were subsequently carried over to the 1979 Cortina 80, the 1980 Escort Mk3, and the 1981 Granada Mk IIb. Inside, the Capri Mk3 was initially recognizable from the Mk2. As the range evolved, velvetier seat upholstery, colour-coded bumpers, and more luxurious finishes were added. The 1984 2.8 Injection Special offered half-leather upholstery as standard, while the final Capri 280 featured full leather Recaro seats.

Model variants

Capri 1.3 / 1.6 / 2.0 (1978–1986) — the volume range:

The base models at launch, continued from the Mk2. Renamed “Laser” from November 1984 — complete with a full instrument pod, leather gear lever, leather steering wheel, and an electric antenna.

Capri 3000S (1978–1981) — the V6 entry-level model:

The 3,0-liter Essex V6 in single-carburetor version. The most sought-after model at the launch of the Mk3, although the smoother Ghia variant with automatic transmission sold better. In 1981, the 3,0-liter V6 disappeared from the range.

Capri 3000S X-Pack (1978–1981) — the triple-Weber version:

The X-Pack added three Weber carburetors and sporty modifications to the 3,0-liter V6. The most powerful carburetor model in the Capri Mk3 — livelier but less refined than the later fuel-injected version.

Capri 2.8 Injection (1981–1984) — the game changer:

Introduced at the 1981 Geneva Motor Show. The 2,8-liter Cologne V6 with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection delivered 160 hp — more than the 3,0-liter Essex, but also significantly more refined and cleaner. Initially equipped with a four-speed gearbox, replaced by a five-speed in January 1983, and simultaneously velvet seats replaced the checkered upholstery.

Capri 2.8 Injection Special (1984–1986) — the ultimate model:

From September 1984, the 2.8i evolved into the Injection Special. Half-leather upholstery, limited-slip differential, five-speed gearbox, and 13-inch seven-spoke RS alloy wheels without the usual RS logo. Colour-coded grille and headlights. The most complete Capri Ford had ever built.

Capri 280 “Brooklands” (1986) — the last one:

Ford originally intended to build 500 turbocharged Capris via Turbo Technics and name the car the Capri 500, but changed plans led to the Capri 280 — simply the final examples from the production line. A total of 1.038 units were built in “Brooklands Green” metallic with full leather Recaro upholstery and 15-inch versions of the seven-spoke RS wheels. The name “Brooklands” referred solely to the paint color, not to the famous circuit.

Ford Capri Mk3 Brooklands green 280

Werks-Turbo / Zakspeed (1981–1982) — rare special edition:

From July 1981 to September 1982, German RS dealers sold a limited edition based on the 3,0-liter S, featuring a turbocharged 2,8-liter V6 producing 190 hp and a top speed of 220 km/h. Exclusively left-hand drive. Approximately 155–200 examples were built.

Tickford Capri (1983–1984) — the most expensive Capri ever:

A turbocharged 2,8 Injection engine developed by Tickford delivered 205 hp and a 0-100 km/h sprint in approximately 6,7 seconds. Fewer than 100 units were built. The cost was twice that of the standard Capri Injection, causing sales to stagnate.

Ford Capri Mk3 Tickford Turbo

The Ford Capri Mk3 was introduced in March 1978 and the last one left the Cologne factory on December 19, 1986 — nearly nine years, approximately 320.000–340.000 units, and the worthy conclusion of the most successful European sports coupe of its generation. From the 3000S X-Pack that gave the Essex V6 its swan song to the 160 hp 2.8 Injection Special that delivered the Capri its final and strongest years, and the 1.038 Brooklands Green Capri 280s that brought the era to a fitting close — the Mk3 proved that a good design lasts for decades if refined with discretion. The fact that a total of 1.886.647 Capris rolled off the production line and that the model never received a direct successor speaks volumes about how unique its position is in European automotive history.

Ford originally wanted to build 500 turbocharged Capris via Turbo Technics and name the car the Capri 500 — but changed plans led to the Capri 280. The name 280 therefore did not refer to the engine or the power output, but was simply the result of production plans that turned out differently than anticipated.

Competitors

The Capri Mk3 competed in a shrinking European coupé segment — most direct competitors had by then disappeared or had not been replaced. Remaining competitors were:

• Opel Manta B (disappeared in 1988 also without a successor)
• Volkswagen Scirocco Mk2
• Alfa Romeo GTV (more expensive segment)
• Renault Fuego (disappeared in 1986)

Successor model

The Capri had no official successor. Ford later launched the Probe as a spiritual successor, but it could never match the Capri's popularity. In Great Britain, the Capri became one of the most stolen cars in the second half of the 1980s and early 1990s — classified as “high risk” in a Home Office report. A perhaps dubious tribute, but nonetheless a sign of the model’s enduring popularity.