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When did Ford stop the Capri?

Ford discontinued the Capri sports car in 1986 after 17 years of production. The Capri was a popular and affordable two-door fastback coupe that was sold in Europe and other markets, but not in the United States.


The History of the Ford Capri


The Ford Capri was first introduced in 1969 as a European counterpart to the Ford Mustang. It was designed to be an affordable, sporty car that could appeal to a wide range of customers. The Capri was produced at Ford's plants in Germany and the United Kingdom, and it was sold across Europe as well as in some other markets around the world.


Over its 17-year production run, the Capri went through several generations and model updates. It was available with a variety of engine options, from small four-cylinder units to more powerful six-cylinder and V8 powerplants. The Capri developed a loyal following among enthusiasts and became known for its balanced handling and performance.


The Discontinuation of the Ford Capri


By the mid-1980s, the Capri was starting to show its age, and Ford decided to discontinue the model. The last Capri rolled off the production line in 1986, marking the end of an era for the iconic sports car.


There were a few key factors that contributed to the Capri's discontinuation:



  • Changing market trends: Consumer preferences were shifting away from traditional two-door coupes towards more practical, family-oriented vehicles. The Capri's niche as an affordable sports car was becoming less appealing.

  • Increasing competition: Other automakers were introducing newer, more modern sports car models that offered better performance and features compared to the aging Capri.

  • Declining sales: As the Capri aged, its sales numbers began to decline, making it less viable for Ford to continue producing the model.


After 17 years of production and over 1.9 million units sold, the Ford Capri was discontinued in 1986, marking the end of an era for this iconic European sports car.

Was the Ford Capri fast?


The Tickford Capri used a turbocharged 2.8 Injection Cologne engine which developed 205 hp (153 kW), allowing it to reach 60 miles per hour in 6.7 seconds and 100 miles per hour in 18.5 seconds, topping out at 137 miles per hour.



Is the Ford Capri coming to America?


While we won't be getting the Capri stateside, it's set to be built in Cologne, Germany.



What car took over the Capri?


Although the Capri was not officially replaced, the second-generation Probe was effectively its replacement after the later car's introduction to the European market in 1994.



What replaced the Ford Torino?


The Elite name was dropped after 1976 as the Ford mid-size range was restructured for the 1977 model year. The Thunderbird was dramatically reduced in size and price for 1977 by moving its nameplate to the Torino-based LTD II platform which was the restyled replacement for the Torino.



What is the Ford equivalent of the Mercury Capri?


1979 Ford Mustang
As part of several changes over its predecessor, the Capri was officially part of the Mercury model line as Lincoln-Mercury ended captive imports of the Ford Capri in favor of creating a Mercury counterpart of the 1979 Ford Mustang.



What Ford replaced the Capri?


The Ford Probe
The Ford Probe that arrived in the late 80s is considered the Capri's replacement by many, but we think you'll agree that its design isn't quite a match for that of the legendary Capri. For this reason and ouite a few others, the Ford Capri still holds iconic status.



Was the Ford Capri a good car?


If you can ignore the name for a second, the Capri is a likeable car. It's spacious, the interior is smart and it generally drives well by class standards. But it's not a sports car, as much as Ford might try and tell you otherwise. But my biggest personal issue with the Capri is the price.



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.



How many Ford capris were made?


Marketed under the tagline “the car you've always promised yourself”, the Ford Capri was a very successful model for Ford. Just under 2 million Ford Capri's in three generations rolled off the production line between 1969 and 1986, with almost half a million cars hitting the road within the first two years.



Is the Ford Capri returning?


New Electric Ford Capri is on its Way to Customers. COLOGNE, Germany, Oct. 14, 2024 – The legend isn't just back – it's now on its way to the first Ford Capri customers in almost four decades.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.