What happened to the Ford Capri?
The Ford Capri was a beloved sports car that captured the hearts of automotive enthusiasts for over two decades. Produced from 1969 to 1986, the Capri was a unique and stylish offering from Ford that bridged the gap between the company's practical family cars and its high-performance models.
The Birth of the Capri
The Ford Capri was first introduced in 1969 as a response to the success of the Ford Mustang in the United States. Designed to be a more affordable and accessible sports car, the Capri was marketed as the "European Mustang" and quickly gained a loyal following across Europe.
The Capri's sleek, fastback design and range of powerful engine options, including V6 and turbocharged variants, made it a popular choice among driving enthusiasts. Its combination of performance, style, and relative affordability helped the Capri become a cultural icon, appearing in numerous films and television shows throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
The Capri's Decline and Discontinuation
Despite its initial success, the Ford Capri's popularity began to wane in the mid-1980s as consumer preferences shifted towards more practical and fuel-efficient vehicles. The rise of hatchbacks and compact cars, as well as increasing safety and emissions regulations, made the Capri's sporty, gas-guzzling design less appealing to the mass market.
In 1986, Ford made the decision to discontinue the Capri, marking the end of an era for the beloved sports car. The final Capri rolled off the production line in Cologne, Germany, leaving behind a legacy of enthusiastic fans and a lasting impact on the automotive industry.
The Capri's Legacy
While the Ford Capri is no longer in production, its influence can still be felt in the automotive world today. The Capri's combination of style, performance, and affordability has inspired numerous modern sports car designs, and its status as a cultural icon has endured through the decades.
For many enthusiasts, the Ford Capri remains a symbol of a bygone era of automotive design, when sports cars were more than just practical transportation. The Capri's enduring popularity and the continued devotion of its fans serve as a testament to the lasting impact of this iconic sports car.
What car replaced the Capri?
Although the Capri was not officially replaced by any Ford model, the second-generation Probe was effectively its replacement after the later car's introduction to the European market in 1992.
Was the Ford Capri a good car?
The new Ford Capri might be a boxy electric SUV, but it's fun to drive and certainly stands out. It's compromised though, with slightly cramped back seats and an average range on a full charge. The cabin's also home to some scratchy plastics that seem out of place considering you can spec one up to £60,000.
Is the Ford Capri coming back?
Yes, the Ford Capri is coming back as an all-electric crossover SUV. It has been officially unveiled and is entering production at Ford's Cologne Electric Vehicle Center. The new model blends retro-inspired design with modern technology, offering a practical, high-riding form factor with long-distance electric driving capabilities.
You can watch this video to see the new Ford Capri's design and features: 42sTheAutoReportYouTube · Oct 27, 2025
- Body style: The new Capri is not a two-door coupe like the original, but a crossover SUV with a coupe-like profile.
- Powertrain: It is a fully electric vehicle, with available battery packs providing a range of up to 389 miles on some models.
- Technology: It incorporates advanced features like the SYNC® Move touchscreen and is built with modern technology.
- Production: Mass assembly of battery packs for the new Capri and Ford Explorer has started at Ford's Cologne plant.
- Availability: The new model is available for sale in some markets, such as the UK, and customers can place orders.
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.
