A European version of the mythical Ford Mustang, this is what could best define the birth of the Ford Capri in 1969.

Introduced in 1964, the Ford Mustang offers a sporty coupe at an unbeatable price! It was an immediate success and Ford flooded the American market in a few months.
The aura of the Ford Mustang and its numerous race victories were emulated in Europe, but the taxes made it very expensive on this market.

Ford’s European subsidiaries then started to design a “Mustang” adapted to the customs and tastes of the old continent. The British and German factories each launched their own interpretation of the line, but in the end, it was Philip T. Clark, the father of the Ford Mustang, who designed and signed the final dress of the Capri!
A competitive purchase price remains the major argument for this coupe intended for a wide range of customers. Thus, existing, and proven mechanical bases are used.

The new Ford Capri was unveiled to the public at the Brussels Motor Show in January 1969. It offers a wide range of options for the time. The line of the new Ford coupe is unanimously appreciated and the success is immediate. The habitability, equipment and comfort offered by the Capri are very avant-garde in this segment. Its spaciousness, rarely seen on a coupe, gives it a great deal of versatility. Thus, the Ford Capri can appeal to a wide audience by focusing more on its image than on its true sporting temperament.

Ford’s sporty and competitive temperament quickly comes to the rescue of the still too shy Capri. Thus, a 2,300 cc V6 appeared in the German-made range, while the models built in the United Kingdom could be equipped with a 3,000 cc Essex V6 developing 138 horsepower.
As with its predecessor, the Mustang, Ford saw competition as an ideal playground to demonstrate the Capri’s exceptional qualities. The director of the competition of Ford Cologne, Jochen Neerpasch, launches the conception of a variant intended to run in group 2. The result of this work appeared in March 1970 in the form of the Capri RS 2600. The displacement is 2637 cm3 and develops 150 horsepower. It was also equipped with a lighter bodywork, reducing its weight to 900 kg.
The RS 2600 is first manufactured in small series, intended for a clientele of pilots in order to be homologated in rally. However, it was a precursor to a more widely distributed model that appeared in September 1971. The lighter parts of the bodywork were replaced by sheet metal elements, while the Plexiglas windows were replaced by glass models. The weight reached 1080kg, but the performances remained honorable with more than 200 km/h in top speed, in particular thanks to a mechanical injection system of Kugelfischer type. In terms of acceleration, the Capri RS 2600 is better than a Porsche 911S, even though it costs less than half the price. Externally, the Capri RS 2600 is distinguished by its four circular headlights, two-piece front and rear bumpers and Richard Grant wheels with sticks. The interior is plush, all black and equipped with two bucket seats.

Success in spades!

While the “civilian” Ford Capri RS 2600 was just entering the dealerships, its racing counterpart did not fail to make its turbulent character noticed by winning twice the European Touring Championship in 1971 and 1972. In the same years, its direct competitor was the formidable BMW 3.0 CSL against which it fought for years. Numerous famous drivers followed one another at its wheel: Sir Jackie Stewart, Jochen Mass, Klaus Ludwig, Gordon Spice, Jean Vinatier…..

The Capri’s playground is varied, from the Tour De France Automobile to the great circuit endurance events . Between 1971 and 1980, the Capri won five times in the overall classification of the 24 hours of Spa and participated in the 24 hours of Le Mans several times, including a class victory in 1972. It also won more than fifteen national titles in Germany, Belgium, Spain, France and Great Britain.
The Capri will end its long and competitive career with a final and beastly Group 5 version built by Zakspeed. Klaus Ludwig won the 1981 DRM championship with it.

This example in particular is a tribute to the Capri wearing Lindrick Finance’s livery during the 1973 season. Engaged in competition as soon as it was delivered, the car was maintained by Gipimotor and has an FIA passport valid until 2028 (PTH). Showing all its performance during the Tour Auto 2018 and 2019, this Capri 2600RS has already tasted success and is eligible for major Peter Auto events.

Technical data :

Engine : V6 Weslake developping +- 320 hp (RWD)
Gearbox : 5 speeds ZF
Body : Fiberglass
Weight : +- 900 kgs
Fuel tank cap. : 85L