Ford Capri MK3 2.8i special - a cool 80s classic car - overrated or cult car?
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Ford Capri history
The story of the Capri begins way back in the 60s, when Philip T Clark who had designed the Ford Mustang was tasked with created a coupe which would appeal to the European market in the same way the Mustang did to Ford’s American customer.
I always think the 60s is such an interesting time in Ford’s history because in the beginning of the decade you’ve got very separate arms of the business in England and in Germany but by the end of the decade, not only are the two countries working together well but producing cars which have to equally appeal to both markets.
Although you do see the two countries using different engines to suit home markets - but that’s perhaps a deep dive for a Ford history video.
In terms of appeal and affordability, the Capri wasn’t a completely new design; the first generation took mechanicals from the Cortina and unlike some manufacturers that really revelled in keeping cars unaffordable unless somebody was in their target demographic, Ford decided they’d give the Capri a big as potentially possible market share by giving a variety of engines and corresponding price points.
However, you might be thinking Ford didn’t spend much by borrowing from something already in the market - not so - the design which had first appeared on drawing boards in 1965, had a £20 million investment - so it had to work. Ford priced it from £890, which meant the fun fastback was within the grasp of the many, not the few.
The first generation ran until 74 and was replaced by second gen which featured the shortened nose, increased space within the cabin and clamshell style rear hatch and the folding rear bench seat. In addition to this, the suspension was softened, larger discs added and an auto box and power steering added as options on higher specs.
Ford also streamline the engine range, so you see the 1.3 as base and the 3 litre Essex V6 as range topper - giving buyers two VERY different experiences in the same car.
And then finally, we get to what we’re testing today: the MK3. The MK3 was introduced in 1978 and unlike the early 20 million budget, the revamp budget for the MK3 was a lot more restrained at only £480,000; which is perhaps why it didn’t reinvent the wheel but more facelift the MK2; however, it’s a very attractive facelift and the quad lamps, new wings, new bonnet, bumpers which are no longer chrome and interior options really give it a modern twist for the time of launch.
Also limited was the engine refresh; options were carried from the MK2 although the 1.3 was tweaked to improve durability and reliability with a new crossflow head and the 3 litre Kent engine is ousted from the range in the early 80s and replaced with the Granada’s 2.8 V6 to meet emissions requirements.
Production came to a close in the year this car we test today here was sold and what an example we’ve got - this one we’re testing today is on 35,000 miles from new, is in remarkably original condition and as you’ll see later on, gives the same buzz behind the wheel as she did new 37 years ago.
Пікірлер: 395
The simple, clear, practical and uncluttered design of that dashboard is a thing of beauty....
I worked at Ford garages from age 16, 1981 until 1992. Used to pick up a 2.8i to drive to the garage to be serviced every 6 months. 14 mile journey. it was the nuts. I was only 18!!
i now want one 😍
In 1992 I owned a bright red 2.8i injection Reg E645SDB I was just 18 yrs old ,it was my first car ,I went on to own many cars in that decade including a Brooklands and brand new sapphire cosworth In 1993,but that first red 2.8i meant the world to me.
I watched The Professionals back in the late '70s and Brodie's Mk3 Capri was a thing of great beauty, and still is. Doyle's RS2000 was a stunner too.
A 1.3 Capri would be GUTLESS!!!! We had a 1.3 Escort it was gutless! Same engine.
My 2.0L laser got stolen from outside my house, never to be seen again. Same colour as this 2.8. lovely.
I had a 1984 2.8 injection until 2003. Deeply miss the car and your video brought back fond memories and a deep yearning to have one again. The most fun and rewarding car to drive I’ve ever owned.
Half leather seats, star type wheels, 2 tone paint, LSD and 5 speed box all came in with this model (injection special).
My dad worked for Ford News on and off, and I remember as a young child one day at night visiting a ford new car compound somewhere in Essex for some photos. The security guard showed me to a Ford Tickford capri and opened it up and let me sit in it .. never forgot the dash and leather, never managed to own a capri but always wanted to have one after that..
The reason the Capri 2.8 was better with handling is it had single leaf rear suspension, the 3.0 had multileaf. The lateral movement at the back of the 3.0 was 3 inches, the 2.8 had a lateral movement of 1.5 inches. This was improved further on the Tickford with an A frame brace which removed all the movement. A firm called Scorpion at the time made an aftermarket A frame brace similar to the Tickford one that I fitted to both my 2.8's. A popular mod that I did not do was to fit Austin Princesss multi piston brake calipers to the front with an aftermarket fitting kit. All the memories are flooding back. See if you can drive a Turbo Technics Capri, while I have never owned one I have driven one, so so fast, even today.
Definitely not overrated. Loved my Capri 280 Brooklsnds that I traded in for a BMW 320i touring estate, miss them both as much as each other. Great video Steph of an iconic car!
I had a 2.8 Injection with a 5 speed box. Most Injections had the 4 speed box, whereas the Special had the 5 speed box so mine was unusual. Ran it for several years and even used it in Norway on snow tyres. I then bought a 280 Brooklands to which I had a Turbo Technips Stage 1 turbo fitted. Better than the Tickford turbo in my view. I ran that car for about 12 years and loved it
You've got to love a Capri, in style and design prefer the mk1, but for driving mk2 all the way.
I love the way people look and acknowledge you, for some a car from their childhood as you drive passed
What a nice surprise it's not Sunday and a Capri! ...the first car I owned and learned to drive standard. Mine was a MK1 made in Germany but imported to here in Canada. Sadly didn't last long due to our winters. Another great review, thanks Steph!
I sold these brand new when I worked at a Ford Dealers. An awesome car. We even had a Tickford Capri 2.8i with the twin turbos once, that was a flying machine. RS 3100 was the rarest model. Great video. 'you can only go as fast as the car in front' I remember teaching that to my son when I taught him to drive.
The MK3 Capri is a cool 80's car. The 2.8 Cologne V6 is a weird engine because it has siamesed ports as Ford based it on the V4. A 2.8 Injection sounds so good with a Janspeed exhaust system
My dad bought a new 2.0 laser in 87 he used to drive that hard , great cars and well remembered from a young age
I remember these when I was a kid. Awesome car!!!