12 May 09
Ford Capri Laser
The embarrassing one: Ford Capri 1.6 Laser (1978-1986)
As people began to lose interest in the Capri, Ford's marketing machine kicked in with full force.
In a textbook case of cynical marketing, the suits decided not to upgrade the hardware, Instead, they gave the Capri an exciting-sounding trim level.
In came a leathered steering wheel and gaiter, electric aerial, coloured mirrors and grille. Out went anyone's self-respect who got caught driving one.
Ford Capri 2.8 Special
The best one: Ford Capri 2.8 Special (1981-1986)
By 1981 the Capri was beginning to feel geriatric and its competitors had caught up. Opel rolled out its better-driving, more fashionable Manta so was time for Ford to buck up its ideas. The Special was its response.
The first step was to ditch the big, heavy and ageing 3.0 V6 for a more fuel powerful fuel-injected 2.8. The next, in 1984, was to add a much-needed five-speed gearbox. To finish it off, the Capri even gained a limited slip rear differential that finally eliminated the Capri's smoking-inside-wheel habit.
The Capri was suddenly a contender again.
