For those who grew up in the late 1970’s and early 80’s, the Capri was an icon. Seen on the telly every week with Bodie and Doyle in The Professionals, flung around town by John Wayne in Brannigan and adorning walls in poster form across the country; it was a legitimate dream for young drivers. Unlike a Ferrari, it was affordable and cheap to run and when it ultimately ended up on its roof or into a tree upon one hand brake turn too many, it was fixable or replaceable on a budget.
Dream Car Friday - The Ford Capri MK3
The Capri had been around for nearly a decade by the time, in 1977, the final and ultimate model arrived with minimal effort input from Fords technicians and designers. All of the issues from the Mk2, with some still unresolved from the Mk1, were put right with a re-invigorated front end designed to look mean, moody and downright tough. This was a re-introduction for the public to the Ford styling department; proving they hadn’t lost their edge.
As had originally been the case, the Capri once again rose to take the throne as the youngsters wheels of choice. The ‘S’ version literally killed all opposition with the 3 litre model being the performance and styling bargain of the 1980’s, no rival manufacturer could touch it for pedigree, looks and excitement. Critics called the engine old and decrepit, but it delivered the goods like no new engine could.
Father time wasn’t kind to the Capri however, as the 1980’s wore on the Capri was beginning to look dated. The by-gone era hangover was over. Swirly carpets and kipper ties were being replaced by modern and slick designs, heavily affecting the car industry. Japanese imports were suffocating the crippled British Leyland with their out-dated Itals and MGBs; the old-classics so loved by all were being killed off in their droves - but the Capri didn’t go down without a fight. In fact, it proved how old-school was best.
In order to keep the Capri alive against the encroaching hot hatches, the original engine unit was dropped to be replaced by the ‘Cologne’ V6. This was responsible not just for a re-surge in Capri popularity but also for the coolest Capri of the lot: The Capri Injection. If you can find one in ‘Laser’ trim level then you’ve got one worthy investment.
At 160 bhp and reaching 60mph in 7.7 seconds, the Capri was punching well above its weight. The snobbish BMW’s and Italians were being kicked about by the council scheme equivalent in spectacular fashion, a final hurrah for the British Mustang equivalent. Seeing out old age with a series of special editions, heavily past their sell by date in an era of digital engine management, the final Capri left the factory in 1987. The book was finally shut on the defining vehicle of Britain’s transition from 70’s style towards the new millennium.
Whatever the prejudice, the Capri enjoyed booming success in the UK and the car even received a stay of execution due to British enthusiasm, with the final 14 months’ production being exclusively right-hand-drive.
So, what to look for when buying one?
Forget expensive add on’s – the cabins have wind-up windows and ergonomically challenging controls with grey colour coded everything. But the interior isn’t why you buy this car, simply blipping the throttle sends a chill down the spine – as the huge lump of engine kicks itself into life. Driving one makes you wish for curly Martin Shaw hair and a pumping car chase theme song. The torque is tank like, which often found differentials life spans being cut tragically short.
It’s a thirsty car though, with the small fuel tank covering only 180 miles before kicking you in the head and running away with your wallet. 20mpg is just about achievable if you turn the engine off and push it yourself. Broken road surfaces will shatter your loose fillings and numerous rattles and creaks will omit from behind, above and underneath you. But don’t panic, this is normal for a Capri of this age. Rust is a common plague, under the sills and wings often crumbling away to nothing. It’s advisable to check the whole car for bodged teenage repairs too.
This certainly isn’t an every day commuter unless your wallets as deep as the philosophy spouted from Stephen Hawking, but as all old school Fords have a huge following and its value has already shot up for decent examples, as a fun Sunday alternative and as an investment, you can’t go wrong.
You’ll need £4k for a decent example. Very soon that’ll be double figures.
Catch the Capri in action with this 70s-tastic car chase from The Professionals: