Did Ford or Mercury make the Capri?
The Capri is a name that resonates with car enthusiasts, particularly those who appreciate classic vehicles. Over the years, the Capri has been associated with both Ford and Mercury, leading to some confusion about its origins and which brand truly "made" it. In this article, we’ll explore the history of the Capri and clarify its connection to these two iconic automakers.
The Ford Capri: A European Icon
The Ford Capri was first introduced by Ford of Europe in 1968. Designed as a stylish and affordable coupe, it was marketed as the "European Mustang," appealing to drivers who wanted a sporty car without the hefty price tag. The Capri was a massive success in Europe, with several generations produced until 1986. It was sold under the Ford brand and became a beloved classic, particularly in the UK and Germany.
Key highlights of the Ford Capri include:
- Its sleek, fastback design that drew inspiration from American muscle cars.
- A variety of engine options, ranging from economical four-cylinder engines to powerful V6s.
- Its reputation as a fun-to-drive, affordable sports car.
The Mercury Capri: An American Twist
In the United States, the Capri name was used by Mercury, a division of Ford, for several distinct models over the years. The Mercury Capri was not a direct continuation of the European Ford Capri but rather a reimagining of the nameplate for the American market.
There were three main iterations of the Mercury Capri:
- 1970–1977: The first Mercury Capri was essentially a rebadged version of the European Ford Capri, imported to the U.S. and sold through Lincoln-Mercury dealerships. It retained much of the European model's charm and performance.
- 1979–1986: The second-generation Mercury Capri was based on the Ford Mustang's Fox platform. It shared many components with the Mustang but featured unique styling cues to differentiate it as a Mercury product.
- 1991–1994: The third-generation Mercury Capri was a compact convertible built in Australia by Ford. It was marketed as a sporty, affordable roadster but had little in common with the earlier Capri models.
So, Who Made the Capri?
The answer depends on the context. The original Capri was a product of Ford of Europe, making it a Ford creation. However, in the U.S., the Capri name was used by Mercury, a Ford division, for several models that were either rebadged imports or uniquely American designs. In essence, both Ford and Mercury have a legitimate claim to the Capri name, but their contributions to the nameplate's legacy are distinct.
Whether you’re a fan of the European Ford Capri or the American Mercury Capri, there’s no denying the enduring appeal of this iconic nameplate. Each version of the Capri has its own unique charm, making it a favorite among collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Mercury version of the Ford Galaxie?
S-55
Developed as a performance-oriented version of the mid-level Mercury Monterey, the S-55 was the largest vehicle of the Mercury "S" (Special) range introduced in 1962; its Ford equivalent was the Ford Galaxie 500XL and competed in the full-size luxury sport coupe market segment against the Chrysler 300H.
How many years did Mercury make the Capri?
From 1979 to 1986, Mercury borrowed the Mustang platform for its version of the all-American ponycar and called it Capri.
Did Ford sell the Capri in America?
From 1970 to 1978, the Capri was a sport compact marketed in North America by the Lincoln-Mercury division without any Ford or Mercury divisional branding; it was a captive import, manufactured by Ford of Europe and sold simply as the Capri.
What is the Ford equivalent of the Mercury Capri?
It's commonly known that the 1979-'86 Mercury Capri was the corporate kissing cousin of the Fox-body Mustang, offered strictly as a three-door hatchback.
Who made the Capris?
Inspired by the success of the Ford Mustang, the Ford Capri was developed to bring affordable sports coupe style and performance to customers in Europe. The Mk1 Capri was unveiled at the Brussels Motor Show, Belgium, in 1969, and was immediately popular – with 400,000 sales in its first two years.
What is the most sought after Ford Capri?
Of these the 2.8 Injection is probably the most coveted, especially in Special trim with the five-speed gearbox, Recaro seats and standard limited-slip differential. With around 160PS (118kW) these have enough grunt to make sense of the junior muscle car looks and will always put a smile on your face.
Did Ford make a V8 Capri?
The Ford V8 Capri is a classic example of Ford's innovation in blending muscle car performance with European styling. Introduced as part of the Ford Capri range, which was first launched in 1968, the V8 variant stood out for its impressive power and performance dynamics.
Who made capris?
designer Sonja de Lennart
History. Capri pants were introduced by fashion designer Sonja de Lennart in 1948, and were popularized by her and English couturier Bunny Roger. The name of the pants is derived from the Italian isle of Capri, where they rose to popularity in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
What is the rarest Capri?
UK's rarest cars: 1969 Ford Capri Mk1 1300L, one of only 14 left.
What was the Ford version of the Capri?
The Ford Capri is a fastback coupé built by Ford of Europe and designed by Philip T. Clark, who had been involved in the design of the Ford Mustang. It used the mechanical components from the Mk2 Ford Cortina and was intended as the European equivalent of the Ford Mustang.
