Ford Capri (United Kingdom, 1978-1986)

Ford started by showing a heavy revision of the Mk2 Capri at the 1976 Geneva Show, which was internally known as the “Project Carla”. This model would later be launched as the third generation Ford Capri and became available in March 1978.

The most important upgrades seen on the new model were mainly better aerodynamics then the previous Mk2 model which allowed for better performance and fuel economy. This car was produced at Ford’s European factories in the United Kingdom, Belgium and Germany. However, sales were decreasing quickly and the American carmaker wasn’t able to reverse the situation, so the Ford Capri was ultimately taken off the markets in December 1986, completing a sum of 1.886.647 copies produced.

The Mk3 Ford Capri has the same front engine, rear-wheel drive layout from the previous generations. The Capri’s available range of engines included the following units: a 1.3-liter unit with 57 hp (dropped in 1982), a 1.6-liter powerplant with either 72 hp or 88 hp, a 2.0-liter unit with 98 hp, a 2.3-liter V6, and a 3.0-liter V6 with 138 hp that was later replaced by a 2.8-liter V6 engine with 160 hp. The most powerful of the range, the 2.8-liter unit, could reach a maximum speed of 130 mi/h (210 km/h) and go from 0 to 60 mi/h in 7.8 seconds.

The standard Mk3 Capri versions received a four-speed manual gearbox, but there was an optional 3-speed automatic transmission available. From 1983 onwards, there was an optional five-speed manual transmission as well.

(no data)   Platform (no data)   Suspension (no data)   Steering (no data   Brakes Vacuum servo-assisted front discs and rear drums.

The Mk3 Ford Capri is still only available with a fastback coupe body version, although it saw its aerodynamics improved. The 3rd generation Capri stands out from the previous ones because of its new front end, which now included four smaller headlamps.