Will the Ford Capri be sold in the US?
The Ford Capri, a beloved sports car from the 1970s and 80s, is unlikely to make a comeback in the United States. Despite its cult following and nostalgic appeal, the Capri was never officially sold in the US market, and there are no indications that Ford has plans to change that.
The Ford Capri's History
The Ford Capri was first introduced in 1969 as a European-market sports car, designed to compete with the Opel Manta and the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia. It was marketed as the "European Mustang" and became a popular choice for drivers who wanted a sporty, affordable coupe. The Capri was produced until 1986, with over 1.9 million units sold during its 17-year production run.
Despite its success in Europe, the Ford Capri was never officially sold in the United States. This was likely due to a combination of factors, including concerns about the car's size and performance compared to American muscle cars, as well as the challenges of meeting US safety and emissions regulations at the time.
Why the Capri Isn't Coming to the US
There are a few key reasons why the Ford Capri is unlikely to be sold in the US market in the foreseeable future:
- Lack of Demand: While the Capri has a dedicated following among enthusiasts, the overall demand for a small, sporty coupe in the US market is relatively low compared to other vehicle segments. Ford's focus is on more popular and profitable models.
- Regulatory Hurdles: Bringing the Capri to the US would require significant engineering and testing to ensure it meets all safety and emissions standards. The cost and effort involved may not be justified by the expected sales volume.
- Overlap with Existing Models: Ford's current lineup, which includes the Mustang and other sporty models, may already satisfy the demand for a similar type of vehicle in the US market.
Given these factors, it's highly unlikely that the Ford Capri will make a return to the United States in the near future. While enthusiasts may continue to import and modify Capris for personal use, the iconic sports car is likely to remain a European-only offering for the foreseeable future.
