Ford Capri Mk1 (1969–1974)

De Ford Capri Mk1 (1969-1974) With approximately 1.170.000 units built, the European Mustang was available in no fewer than 39 variants at launch. With engines ranging from the 57 hp Kent four-cylinder to the 138 hp Essex V6, the fastback coupe body, and the slogan “The Car You Always Promised Yourself,” the Capri Mk1 sold 400.000 times in its first two years alone — the fastest-selling new European sports car of its time. Ford Motor Company had introduced the Mustang to the American market in 1964; this became a huge success, and Ford Europe wanted to repeat the same “trick” in Europe. It was to become a new type of car: the family coupe.

1970 Ford Capri coupe Mk1

History and background

The design of the Capri began in 1965 as a joint project of Ford's British and German divisions. The car was originally intended to bear the name Colt — as a nod to its big brother and source of inspiration, the Mustang. However, Ford lost a lawsuit against Mitsubishi over the use of that name, after which the car was renamed Capri for its official debut at the Brussels Motor Show in January 1969.

The advertising slogan “The Car You Always Promised Yourself” was so apt that it was remembered for decades. The Capri was designed by Philip T. Clark, who had also been involved in the design of the Ford Mustang, and was intended as its European equivalent: an affordable, stylish coupe for the young European motorist.

The Capri became a huge success: 400.000 units were sold within the first two years. In 1973, the year with the highest sales, 233.000 Capris left the factory. On August 29 of that year, the one-millionth Capri — an RS2600 — rolled off the production line.

1970 Ford Capri coupe

Ford Consul Capri coupe

In the mid-1960s, the assignment went to the planners and designers: the car had to look sporty, have a short rear end and an elongated front. It also had to comfortably seat four adults, and there had to be a wide choice of engines and trim levels. To keep costs down, use had to be made of parts that Ford already had 'on the shelf' in Europe. The first version of the Capri was the Consul Capri coupé, which was built between 1961 and 1964.

Ford Consul Capri coupe

Design and interior

Designers in America, England, and Germany got to work. Scale models were also made. It was 1966 when the Ford Advanced Vehicle Studio in Dearborn decided to send some scale models to Europe to stimulate the designers. Design Vice-President Gene Bordinat, with assistant Bob Maguire, decided to send Gil Spear's creation to England because it had the most to offer. Alex Trotman, head of the English product planners, was hugely enthusiastic and asked if Gil Spear would come to the UK to help with the further development of the Mk1 Capri, then still called the Colt.

Ford Mitsubishi lost a lawsuit over the name Colt and was forced to rename the car Capri just before its official debut in Brussels. A legal defeat that led to one of the most iconic car names in European automotive history.

Gil Spear was the man fully responsible for the lines of the Mk1 Capri; the British ensured that the American “packaging” sat on a stretched Corsair platform that actually came from the Cortina. The C-shaped side windows for the rear passengers were also conceived in England after the rear-seat passengers felt too confined. For years it was assumed that the Capri was a British-German product, but automotive historian/engineer Graham Robson discovered the real story many years after the Capri had already been retired!

interior Ford Capri coupe 1970

The Capri Mk1 had a long bonnet, a short rear section, and fake air intakes in the rear fenders — typical styling features that emphasized the sporty appearance without increasing the price. The coupé body was a two-plus-two: formally four seats, but the two rear seats really only suitable for children or short trips.

At launch, no fewer than 39 variants of the Mk1 Capri were available in Great Britain — an almost confusingly wide range of trim levels, engine options, and finish variants from L to XLR. A buyer wishing to order a Capri had to carefully study the sales catalogue before placing an order.

In September 1972, the Mk1 received a facelift: larger headlights front and rear, a modified dashboard, a new two-spoke steering wheel, and a rear anti-roll bar. The 3000GXL model received four headlights and an upgraded gearbox.

interior Ford Capri coupe 1973

Model variants

Capri 1300L (1969–1974) — the entry-level model:

The most modest Capri, with a 1.298cc Kent engine and 57 hp. The same unmistakable bodywork as its more powerful siblings, but without the performance to justify the sporty appearance.

Capri 1600XL / GT (1969–1974) — the volume model:

The 1.599cc Kent engine with 82 hp in the GT version. The best-selling Capri variant in Great Britain. Capable of 100 mph, sold for just £890 at launch.

Capri 2000GT (1969–1974) — the V4 version:

Added a few weeks after the introduction. Equipped with the 1.998cc V4 engine from the Zephyr and Corsair, twin-choke Weber carburetor, top speed 107 mph. Only £46 more expensive than the 1600GT — a bargain.

Capri 3000GT / 3000E (1969–1974) — the top model:

Powered by the 3,0-liter Essex V6 from the Ford Zodiac, 138 hp. The 3000E had vinyl dashboard leather, seats with fabric inserts, and open rear windows — luxury for its time. From October 1971, it was upgraded with modified intake ports, larger valves, a sharper camshaft, and dual choke carburetors.

Capri RS2600 (1970–1974) — the race car for the road:

Developed by Ford Motorsport Germany, it made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1970. Exclusively left-hand drive. 2,6-liter Cologne V6 with Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection, 150 hp. The first 50 examples were the “Lightweight” version with a target weight of only 900 kg. Homologation model for the European Touring Car Championship — treated separately in the RS and Performance categories.

Ford Capri RS 2600 racing

Capri RS3100 (1973–1974) — the rarest Mk1:

Introduced in January 1974, only 250 examples built for homologation purposes. Bored-out Essex V6 to 3,1 liters, 148 hp, front and rear ducktail spoilers, lowered suspension, and Bilstein shock absorbers. Top speed approximately 200 km/h (125 mph), 0-100 km/h in approximately 7,5 seconds. Is covered separately in the RS and performance categories.

1973 Ford Capri coupe front facelift

1973 Ford Capri coupe rear facelift

Competitors

The Capri competed in the affordable European coupe segment of the early 1970s. Direct competitors were:

• Opel Manta A (direct competitor — introduced almost simultaneously)
• Triumph GT6
• MGB GT
• Alfa Romeo GT Junior
• Renault 15 / 17

1.6 engine Ford Capri coupe 1973

Successor model

In February 1974, the Mk2 Capri introduced. The bonnet was shortened, the cabin more spacious, the boot lid replaced by a practical hatchback tailgate, and the rear seats made foldable. The Mk2 was more businesslike and user-friendly — but lost some of the raw sportiness that had made the Mk1 so attractive.