Ford Capri Mki Mkii Mkiii

When the 3-litre Capri was launched in 1969 with its no-nonsense handling and roadholding, plus its impressive performance, the car was singled out from the other bland and anonymous saloons of the late 1960s. Capris were straightforward, easy to drive and simple to maintain, and their popularity has been sustained largely because of this. Their simplicity of design and inherent ruggedness makes them ideal candidates for do-it-yourself restoration projects. The booming owners' club movement and the continuing availability of spare parts ensures that these cars will have a strong following for many years to come.

Inspired by the success of the Ford Mustang “pony car” in the USA, Ford UK launched “The Car You Always Promised Yourself” in 1969 and it was an instant hit, with its long bonnet, sleek 2+2 coupé body, and low stance. For 1974, Ford launched the Capri II, with a new smooth body style, engines ranging from 1300 to 3000cc, and a plush Ghia version of the 3-litre model. In 1978 came the Capri Mk3 with yet more refinement and a four-headlamp nose. These classic Fords now have an almost fanatical following, supported by some very active owner’s clubs. Good examples are eagerly sought, and with prices rising restoration has become a very viable proposition. An astonishing number of variants of the Capri Mk2 and Mk3 were offered, so they really need to be identified. Factory-Original Ford Capri Mk II & Mk III, companion to our 2017 title Factory-Original Ford Capri Mk I, does the job, taking the reader right through the production period and pinning down the correct factory specifications, equipment and finishes across the range. This information is backed up by 300 specially commissioned colour photographs of outstanding examples of the cars.

The 1960s and 1970s were a pivotal period for Ford in Europe and, seen from a British perspective, were a time of experimentation and exploration. At the start of the 1960s Ford had models aimed at just two market sectors – small family saloons and large family saloons – but by the end of the 1970s they were represented in no fewer than five areas of the market with small hatchbacks, small saloons, medium saloons, sporty coupés and large saloons. And they had overtaken all rivals in Britain to be the best-selling manufacturer with (since 1967) the Cortina as the best-selling car. With over 270 photographs, this book details: the Ford company structure, businesses and key locations throughout the two decades; the factors influencing model design, engineering, styling and interior; specification and performance tables; market reception and sales; special editions, models produced overseas and conversions and finally, helpful buying advice for each model.

When launched, the Ford Capri was revolutionary. It was a car that set the European market alight, allowing even a buyer on a modest budget an intoxicating whiff of the exotic while keeping running costs at affordable levels. That status eroded over time, and the Capri sat in the classic car doldrums for many years. That situation has thankfully changed, and Capri values are rising rapidly This guide takes the potential purchaser through a short initial examination to weed out the obviously defective followed by a more comprehensive step by step look at the body and mechanical parts with jargon-free text accompanied by over 100 photographs. A unique points marking system ensures that nothing is overlooked.

Inspired by the success of the Ford Mustang “pony car” in the US, Ford UK launched “The Car You Always Promised Yourself” in 1969. It was an instant hit. There was an almost bewildering range of specs and trims, from L to XLR. An upgrade in 1972 introduced the overhead-camshaft Pinto engine to the 1600 and 2000 models, along with a front-end facelift and a new dash layout. Not to mention a 1300cc four-cylinder to a 3-litre V6. Thirty-nine incredible variants of the Mk1 Capri were released at launch. Factory-Original Ford Capri Mk1 takes you through the production period and pins down the correct factory specifications, equipment and finishes across the range, including the RS3100 and the factory “specials”. This information is backed up by specially commissioned color photography of 10 outstanding examples of the cars. You'll love the detail in production changes, dates and numbers, engine and chassis numbers, and aftermarket specials - convertibles by Abbott and Crayford, and performance Capris including the Broadspeed Bullitt and the Uren Comanche. There is also information on Capris built outside the UK. This is the most comprehensive guide on the Capri Mk1 that has ever even been attempted. It's thorough enough to satisfy the most ardent enthusiast for these stylish and desirable cars, and detailed enough to provide answers to questions about originality.