What engine is in a Ford Capri?
The Ford Capri used a range of engines rather than a single powerplant. Depending on the year and market, you could find inline-four engines such as the 1.3 L Kent and 1.6 L Crossflow, a 2.0 L Pinto four-cylinder, and several V6 options including the 2.8 L Cologne and the 3.0 L Essex.
Engine families by era
Capri Mk1 (1969–1974)
The initial Capri offered compact four-cylinder options typical of late-1960s Ford development.
Before listing the engines, here are the main four-cylinder choices that powered early Capris:
- 1.3 L Kent OHV four
- 1.6 L Crossflow four
These engines provided the entry-level performance for the original Capri and were commonly paired with carburetors in the early models.
Capri Mk2 and early Mk3 era (1974–1986)
During the Mk2 run, Ford expanded the engine lineup to offer more performance-focused options while retaining accessibility for the European market.
Before listing the engines, here is the essential set for this period:
- 2.0 L Pinto inline-four
- 2.8 L Cologne V6 (with carburetion, later also fuel-injected in the 2.8i)
These options introduced a clearer split between practical performance (2.0 L) and higher-performance V6 power (2.8 L and its injection variant).
Late Capri variants and notable powertrains (mid-1980s)
In the later years, more premium variants leaned on larger V6 units to deliver stronger performance.
- 2.8 L Cologne V6 with fuel injection (2.8i)
- 3.0 L Essex V6 (used in top-spec Capri variants such as the 3.0 S/Ghia)
These engines marked the peak of the Capri’s performance-focused powertrains, with the Essex V6 offering a smoother and more torquey production option in the final years.
Context and how to identify the engine in your Capri
Because the Capri’s engines varied by model year and market, the exact powerplant for a specific car should be confirmed by checking the car’s VIN, the fender/engine badge, or the owner’s manual. If you’re buying a used Capri, verify the engine code plate or documentation to ensure you know which engine you’re getting and what maintenance it needs.
Summary
The Ford Capri did not rely on a single engine; it offered a family of engines across its production life. Early models used 1.3 L Kent or 1.6 L Crossflow four-cylinders, the Mk2 era added the 2.0 L Pinto and 2.8 L Cologne V6, and later top variants used the 3.0 L Essex V6. Exact specs depend on the year and market, so check the specific car to confirm the engine.
