The third instalment in our top 10 Most Wanted Cars 2014 is a new version of the iconic Ford Capri coupe. Here’s how it could look…
Ford’s affordable four-seat sports coupe arrived in 1969 as Europe’s answer to the Ford Mustang, immediately developing a cult following that continues to this day. When we asked our readers which fantasy cars they most wanted to see built, the Capri was a leading contender.
We'll be revealing the rest of your Most Wanted Cars over the next few weeks, then asking you to pick your overall favourite in a poll. Is a new Ford Capri your Most Wanted?
Since Capri production stopped in 1986, there has been periodic speculation that Ford might re-launch the Capri name – usually in the form of a more-or-less direct fourth-generation replacement in traditional coupe form.
• Best used sports cars to buy now
These rumours suffered a blow two years ago, when Ford’s head of European marketing and sales Roelant de Waard played down the chances of a spiritual successor to the Capri in form or name.
Add to that the imminent arrival of the new Mustang, available in the UK with right-hand drive for the first time, and it seems the chances of a new Capri anytime soon are slim.
That said, given the growing interest in Ford’s popular muscle car, the manufacturer could try and capitalise by launching a sub-Mustang coupe. Affordable and performance-oriented, there would surely be few models better suited to inherit the Capri heritage.
Ford Capri: the history (1969 - 1986)
Ford Capri
Dubbed “the car you always promised yourself”, the Capri offered customers varying blends of performance and economy thanks to a wide choice of engines, ranging from a four-cylinder 1.3-litre to the range-topping 3.0-litre V6
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Fastback styling eventually gave way to a slightly more practical hatchback body with the launch of the Mk II Capri in 1974, and although this did nothing to spoil the eye-catching looks, sales gradually began to decline.
In October 1976, all manufacturing transferred to Germany, although the car continued to be sold in the UK. Such was its popularity over here that from late 1984 onwards, even though sales on the continent wound up, Ford continued to offer the Capri in Britain.
The end was in sight though and after three generations and over 1.8 million cars built, production of the front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car eventually ceased in 1986.
Stay tuned to Auto Express as we reveal the rest of your Most Wanted Cars over the coming weeks. Don't forget to tell us what you think of the idea of a new Ford Capri on Twitter, on Facebook or in the comments section below...
Read more: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/ford/88037/ford-capri-most-wanted-cars-2014#ixzz38x95V7eJ
Ford’s affordable four-seat sports coupe arrived in 1969 as Europe’s answer to the Ford Mustang, immediately developing a cult following that continues to this day. When we asked our readers which fantasy cars they most wanted to see built, the Capri was a leading contender.
We'll be revealing the rest of your Most Wanted Cars over the next few weeks, then asking you to pick your overall favourite in a poll. Is a new Ford Capri your Most Wanted?
Since Capri production stopped in 1986, there has been periodic speculation that Ford might re-launch the Capri name – usually in the form of a more-or-less direct fourth-generation replacement in traditional coupe form.
• Best used sports cars to buy now
These rumours suffered a blow two years ago, when Ford’s head of European marketing and sales Roelant de Waard played down the chances of a spiritual successor to the Capri in form or name.
Add to that the imminent arrival of the new Mustang, available in the UK with right-hand drive for the first time, and it seems the chances of a new Capri anytime soon are slim.
That said, given the growing interest in Ford’s popular muscle car, the manufacturer could try and capitalise by launching a sub-Mustang coupe. Affordable and performance-oriented, there would surely be few models better suited to inherit the Capri heritage.
Ford Capri: the history (1969 - 1986)
Ford Capri
Dubbed “the car you always promised yourself”, the Capri offered customers varying blends of performance and economy thanks to a wide choice of engines, ranging from a four-cylinder 1.3-litre to the range-topping 3.0-litre V6
y8
Fastback styling eventually gave way to a slightly more practical hatchback body with the launch of the Mk II Capri in 1974, and although this did nothing to spoil the eye-catching looks, sales gradually began to decline.
In October 1976, all manufacturing transferred to Germany, although the car continued to be sold in the UK. Such was its popularity over here that from late 1984 onwards, even though sales on the continent wound up, Ford continued to offer the Capri in Britain.
The end was in sight though and after three generations and over 1.8 million cars built, production of the front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car eventually ceased in 1986.
Stay tuned to Auto Express as we reveal the rest of your Most Wanted Cars over the coming weeks. Don't forget to tell us what you think of the idea of a new Ford Capri on Twitter, on Facebook or in the comments section below...
Read more: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/ford/88037/ford-capri-most-wanted-cars-2014#ixzz38x95V7eJ
