Was the Ford Capri sold in the US?
No, the Ford Capri was not sold in the United States. The Capri was a sporty, affordable European coupe produced by Ford from 1969 to 1986, but it was never officially imported and sold in the American market.
The Ford Capri: A European Sports Car Icon
The Ford Capri was designed as an affordable, sporty "everyman's sports car" to compete with the Opel Manta and other European coupes. It was produced at Ford's Cologne plant in Germany and sold throughout Europe, becoming a hugely popular model. The Capri was known for its sleek, fastback styling and available high-performance engines, making it a favorite among enthusiasts.
Why Wasn't the Capri Sold in the US?
There were a few key reasons why the Ford Capri was never officially imported and sold in the United States:
- Market Differences: The American market at the time was more focused on larger, more powerful muscle cars and pony cars, rather than the smaller, more nimble European-style coupes like the Capri.
- Emissions and Safety Standards: The Capri would have needed significant modifications to meet the stricter emissions and safety regulations in the US, which would have made it too expensive to sell profitably.
- Ford's Existing Lineup: Ford already had sporty, affordable coupes like the Mustang II and Thunderbird in its US lineup, so there was less incentive to bring in the Capri as well.
While the Capri never made it to American shores, it developed a cult following among enthusiasts who imported them privately. Today, the Capri remains an iconic European sports car that is fondly remembered, even if it never officially reached the US market.
