Was there a 3-litre Ford Capri?
Yes. Ford did offer a 3.0-litre Capri, primarily in late Mk II and a limited Mk III-era line, powered by Ford's Cologne 3.0-litre V6. It was a relatively rare, Europe-focused option rather than the standard Capri lineup.
To understand how a three-liter option appeared for the Capri, it helps to know the model’s lifespan and engine strategy. The Ford Capri began in 1969 as a European sports coupe and evolved through Mk I (1969–1974) and Mk II (1974–1986). Over these generations Ford experimented with a range of four- and six-cylinder engines. The more common 2.8-litre V6 and, later, 2.0- to 2.3-litre four-cylinders are what most buyers remember, while the 3.0-litre V6 was reserved for a boutique subset of performance-minded versions.
3.0-litre Capri variants
Below are the best-known versions that carried the 3.0-litre V6 badge.
- Capri 3.0 S (Mk II, late 1970s–early 1980s): A higher-performance version powered by Ford's 3.0 L Cologne V6, offered in selected markets with manual or automatic transmissions.
- Capri RS3100 (1983–1985): A limited-run, high-performance model with a tuned 3.0 L V6 and motorsport-inspired styling, produced for Europe and some Commonwealth markets.
These variants illustrate Ford's willingness to broaden the Capri lineup with a larger-displacement V6, even as overall production remained relatively modest compared with the more widely sold 2.8i and four-cylinder models.
Historical context and market reach
The 3.0-litre option did not appear uniformly across all markets. In the UK and much of continental Europe, the Capri equipped with a 3.0 V6 appeared during the late 1970s and early 1980s and then faded as Ford shifted focus toward turbocharged four-cylinders and the 2.8-litre V6. The RS3100 remained a niche, collector-oriented model rather than a mass-market version. By the mid-1980s, Ford had largely moved the Capri lineup toward more modern powertrains, and production of the Capri ended in 1986.
Technical and market notes
The 3.0-litre Capri used the Cologne family of V6 engines, with variations in fuel delivery and tuning between versions. The 3.0-litre option offered more torque and straight-line performance than the entry-level Capri engines, but its heavier setup and limited production meant it was a rare sight outside of devoted enthusiast circles.
Summary
In short, there was indeed a 3-litre Ford Capri. It appeared in limited forms—the 3.0 S and the RS3100—primarily in Europe during the late 1970s to mid-1980s, powered by the Cologne 3.0-litre V6. While not a mainstream option, it remains a notable and collectible chapter in the Capri’s history.
What was the Ford Capri called in America?
Derived from the Australian Ford Laser (sold in the United States as the first-generation Mercury Tracer), the Ford Capri also shares drivetrain commonality with the Mazda 323. To adapt the Capri for United States sale, Lincoln-Mercury made several changes over the Australian-market Capri.
What engines were in the Ford Capri?
The Ford Capri was offered with a variety of engines throughout its production, including inline-four, V4, V6, and inline-six engines, with displacements ranging from 1.31.31.3 liters to 3.03.03.0 liters. Popular options included the $1.3$L and $1.6$L Kent four-cylinder engines for lower-spec models and the more powerful $3.0$L Essex V6 and later the $2.8$L Cologne V6 for top-tier versions.
You can watch this video to learn about the Ford Capri's engine history and performance: 54sNumber 27YouTube · Jun 26, 2023
Engine options
- Inline-four:
- $1.3$L and $1.6$L Kent engines
- $1.6$L Pinto engine
- Inline-six:
- $2.8$L Cologne V6, which was available in both carbureted and fuel-injected versions
- V4:
- $2.0$L Essex V4
- V6:
- $2.3$L V6
- $3.0$L Essex V6
- $2.6$L fuel-injected V6 used in the RS 2600
- $3.1$L V6 used in the RS 3100
This video demonstrates a Ford Capri with a V8 engine swap: 59sBrooklandsMemberstvYouTube · May 30, 2025
Performance and specifications
- The smallest engines, like the $1.3$L and $1.6$L, provided more economical performance.
- The $3.0$L Essex V6 was a popular high-performance option, capable of over 100100100 mph.
- Later models, like the 2.8i2.8 i2.8𝑖 with the fuel-injected Cologne V6, are considered by some to be more entertaining to drive.
- A very limited number of South African models were fitted with a $5.0$L Windsor V8.
What was the most powerful Ford Capri?
In July of 1978, Ford and Zakspeed collaborated to produce the Group 5 Ford Zakspeed Turbo Capri. The car featured a 1.4-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder powerplant, producing over 400bhp to push it to a top speed of over 170mph.
Did Ford Capri ever have V8?
An exception, though, was the Perana manufactured by Basil Green Motors near Johannesburg, which was powered first by a 3.0 Essex engine and then by a 302ci V8 Ford Windsor engine after Ford South Africa began offering 3.0 Essex-engined options.
