Retroford Magazine Present Old Skool Fords’ 5th Display Car at NEC 2024
According to the Capri Club and Ford Archives in 1969, “The Car you always promised Yourself” made its sensational debut at the Brussels International Motor Show. The Ford Capri Mk1 was borne.
The inspiration came from Ford of America's Mustang, launched in 1964. In July 1966, The Ford GB management decided to go ahead with the manufacture of the 'Colt' (the codename for the Capri).
Initial sales exceeded the predicted demand by 100 per cent, because the Capri created a new breed of car on this side of the Atlantic. I was a sleek, eye-catching 'fastback' that bridged the gap between the traditional two-seater sports car and the family saloon. The Capri concept had a wide choice of engines from a 1.3-litre to the lusty 3.0-litre V6 and a range of factory-fitted option packs.
It was a four-seater whose performance, looks, comfort and convenience could be tailored to suit individual preferences and pockets and became a hit on the other side of the pond too after appearing at the 1970 New York Motor Show.
The Mk2 Capri was unveiled early in 1974, the new Capri featured a tailgate, rather than a conventional boot lid, which made the rakish hatchback an even more practical proposition. Other changes included bigger side windows, additional soundproofing, and the optional availability of power-assisted steering. Additionally, Ghia versions added even more value-for-money luxury to the line-up. At the top of the performance range, a useful power increase accompanied by bigger brakes raised the 3000GT's top speed to 116 mph and chopped the 0-60 mph time from 10.2 to exactly 9.0 seconds. (Ford Test Figures).
In March 1978, the Mk III Capri introduced, revised bumpers to include plastic quarters, quad headlamps, metal front spoiler and new grille. To be followed in March 1981 with the 2.8i Capri.
Other notable special editions included the Capri 3000S, the 2.8 Injection Special a genuine supercar, RS3100, Capri S (Midnight), the John Player Special limited edition, the Tickford Capri, the Capri Laser and in June 1986 a 2.8i Turbo Technics was announced.
The Capri had many facelifts, engine and gearbox configurations over its life together with other styling options including the iconic bonnet bulge from June 1972.
Unfortunately, in November 1986 it was the end of Capri production, and the final Special Edition 280 model was launched, based on the 2.8i S.
In all Ford produced nearly 2 million Capris over three generations from 1969 to 1986.
OldSkoolFords 5th display car, on stand 8-090 at the NEC Classic Car Show 2024, is Kellye’s 1978 white 3 litre Mk3 Capri X-Pack. The X-Pack Capri performance option was available between 1977 and 1980 on the 3 litre Mk2 and Mk3 Ford Capri models.
YFK910S built and first registered in 1978. Kellye purchased the car in 1992 when he was 21 and he has now had the car 32 years.
She was a local purchase and the then boy racer in Kellye was attracted to the wide-bodied X-pack arches, turbo tail rear spoiler, and of course that 3 litre engine, he just had to have her. He drove her daily for around 3 years, after which, she needed some TLC, and whilst most people would have scrapped her in 1995, he took the decision to have the work done at Classic and Vintage Motors (CVM) in Grays, Essex.
Once she was all back up and running, he used her for a bit and in 1998 she was put into storage until 2017.
Later in the same year, she made her first appearance at the NEC on the Old Skool Ford stand and has appeared at the NEC every year since – always leaving her mark!
Retroford Magazine like a good X-pack Capri and are pleased to see her again at NEC 2024!