The Ford Capri

Cyprus invaded by “Capri”

During the second week of January the mighty Ford Empire, armed with their latest four-wheel innovation and a specially invited troop of journalists, launched an attack on Cyprus which was happily received. We had come to try the entirely new model from Halewood over the rough mountainous roads of Cyprus. January is the Cypriot winter when oranges and lemons are harvested on the plains, while tourists go ski-ing in the Troodos mountains. The roads vary as much as the weather, from dry on the coast to mountain rain, snow and ice. These were ideal conditions for a brief look at the new Capri, which was predictable and exciting to drive.

There is some similarity to the Mustang but basically it is a British sporting design. The windscreen is sharply angled and the roof line sweeps down to a cut-off tail. This reduces the head room for backseat passengers who already have limited leg room. However, it is a driver’s car and the driver sits in real luxury with excellent vision; his left hand comfortably rests on a short gear stick controlling a sweet gearbox. The car is not large, being 14 ft. long and 5 ft. 7 in. wide.

Having the chance to drive the 1,600-c.c. and the 1,600-c.c. GT for several hundred miles it was possible to compare their acceleration. The CT was 0.5 sec. faster from 0-30 with a time of 4.5 sec., and from 0-60 the GT was almost 3 sec. better with a time of 12 sec.

Both cars easily reached 80 m.p.h. and were noticeably silent. It appeared the fuel consumptions were around 29 m.p.g. for the 4,600-c.c. and 25 m.p.g. for the GT. The independent front suspension gave a smooth drive over exceptionally rough un-made roads, and braking at all times was most safe. It would be unfair to say much about the 2000 GT but a brief first impression suggests that it would not perform any better than the 1600 GT. The engine is the V4 and gives a top speed of 105 m.p.h. It would seem that the 1600 GT is the pick of the bunch and is bound to be another Ford success. We hope to include a full road test in the March issue.

As far as the buyer is concerned, he has a wide choice; three engine sizes, 1,300 c.c., 1,600 c.c. and 2,000 c.c. The 2000 is a GT version only, whilst on the 1,300 c.c. and the 1,600 c.c. it is optional. There are five available options of accessories and extras.

Although the Capri was announced on January 24th you will not be able to see it at your local dealers for a few more days.

Specifications

Engines : 1,300 c.c. (cylinders, 4-in-line) :
Maximum power : 61.5 b.h.p. at 5,000 r.p.m.
Maximum torque : 75.5 lb./ft. at 2,500 r.p.m.

1,300 c.c. GT (cylinders, 4-in-line) :
Maximum power : 75 b.h.p. at 6,000 r.p.m.
Maximum torque : 74.5 lb./ft. at 4.300 r.p.m.

1,6000 c.c. (cylinders, 4-in-line) :
Maximum power : 75 b.h.p. at 5,000
Maximum torque : 97.0 lb./ft. at 2,500 r.p.m.

1,600 c.c. GT (cylinders, 4-in-line) :
Maximum power : 93 b.h.p. at 5,400 r.p.m.
Maximum torque : 102 lb./ft. at 3,600 r.p.m.

2,000 c.c. GT (V4) :

Maximum power : 113 b.h.p. at 5,700 r.p.m.

Maximum torque : 122 at 4,000 r.p.m.

Transmission (manual or automatic)

Manual : Single selector rail type with all four forward gears synchromesh.

Automatic : Borg Warner 35 unit, three forward speeds.

Suspension : Independent front suspension by coil-springs and struts incorporating double-acting shock-absorbers. Rear hypoid axle semi-elliptic leaf-springs and twin radius arms.

Brakes : Front wheel discs and self-adjusting rear drums, servo assisted on the 1600 GT and 2000 GT.

Steering : Rack and pinion, turning circle 32 ft.

Wheels : 13 in. diameter road-wheels with a rim width of 4½ in.

Dimensions : Overall length 14 ft.; overall width 5 ft. 7 in.; overall height 4 ft. 2 in.; wheelbase 8 ft. 5 in.

Prices, including Purchase Tax:
1,300 c.c.: £890 7s. 10d.
1,600 c.c.: £936 1s. 9d.
1,300 c.c. GT: £985 13s. 11d.
1,600 c.c. GT: £1,041 16s. 8d.
2,000 c.c. GT : £1,087 10s. 7d.