The Ford Capri MK III named project Carla in 1978 produced a more powerful version using the 3.0 essex engine for the last time until 1981 when the 2.8 injection model supporting the Cologne V6 replaced it.
The new flagship model boasted the best performance figures any Ford had ever seen with a 0-60 mph of 7.7 seconds and a top speed of 127 mph. It was only when the Sierra Cosworth came along in 1985 that these impressive statistics were finally bettered.
With the rise of the hot hatch back in the eighties the Capri was an old timer by then and although performance was still very good it was nearing the end of its production life.
The Capri’s final run was the 280 model only available in Brooklands green, but with just 1038 examples ever made the Ford Capri finished off with a bang in 1987 having produced 1.92 million cars.
Buyers Guide
- As these days the Ford Capri is more often bought as an investment they are becoming less common and many really good ones have already gone. Therefore, if you want the best your money can buy here are a few tips from Heritage Insurance.
- Accident damage is a strong possibility so whilst checking for rust, be on the look-out for poorly repaired damage. A-posts can rust badly so look out for doors that have dropped, sills and rear spring hangers can be damaged too. Tail gates, rear wings and rear wheel arches are all prone to corrosion as well.
- Oil needs to be regularly changed with the 1.6 and 2.0 pinto engines and check for oil being burnt and water leaks from the water pump. The V6 Cologne engine can suffer with water jackets filling up with silt and fuel pumps are prone to corrosion.
- Second gear can be a weak spot for the Capri and bearings will wear leaving a sloppy gear change, so it’s worth replacing bearings after 70,000 miles. Transmission vibrations suggest the propshaft centre bearing has worn and if left, the diff bearing and gearbox rear bearing has broken.
- Interior trim can be fragile and dash boards can crack. Poor support under the centre speaker vent will cause cracking as well and fuse boxes can suffer with faulty connections.
- Therefore, it’s important to thoroughly check documented history including service records.
Specification
| Years Produced | 1981 - 1987 |
| Performance | 0-60 mph 7.7 sec / Top Speed 127 mph |
| Power & Torque | 160 bhp / 163 lb ft |
| Engine | 2792 cc V6 fuel injection 12 valves |
| Drive-train | Front engine RWD |
| Transmission | Five speed manual |
| Weight | 1230 kg |
Valuation
Valuations since launch for the Ford Capri 2.8 injection
| Launch | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concourse | £7,995.00 | £8,000.00 | £10,000.00 | £12,500.00 | £15,000.00 | £18,500.00 | £20,000.00 |
| Excellent | £6,000.00 | £7,000.00 | £8,000.00 | £10,000.00 | £12,500.00 | £15,000.00 | |
| Good | £2,500.00 | £3,000.00 | £4,000.00 | £5,000.00 | £6,000.00 | £8,000.00 | |
| Fair | £1,000.00 | £1,500.00 | £2,000.00 | £2,500.00 | £3,500.00 | £5,000.00 |
Interesting Fact
The very last Ford Capri’s rolled of the production line on the 19th of December 1986 however 3 Capri’s were never registered and still survive today. Two 280 Brooklands and One being a 230 bhp Turbo Technics version.
Mark Wilkinson, Managing Director Says:
“The Ford Capri was Europe’s Pony Car a sizzling fastback coupe as quick as a Porsche 944 and at half the price. Didn’t everyone want one?”
