Ford Capri 1.6 > Reviews (5)

It is still possible to find clean Ford Capri`s. Noone can miss the distinctive long bonnet of Fords 70s icon. But is it a good car?
There is nothing stopping you using this car as a day to day runabout - once you get used to its size. Inside it is well kitted out and the shells on early Capris seem to withstand rust pretty well. Capris had many different power plants, but the common UK ones were the 1.6 and the 2.8i. There is a vast range of other engines, including 2.0, 3.0, even 5.0 around and for the experimental there is plenty of room in that front end to fit almost anything! They also came in Laser form with more as standard and Special (the 2.8 Special) with differing body work. Some other models of note were the 2.8 Tickford Turbos and the Brooklands 280. The latter is extremely rare, being built as the final run in limited numbers. The last model Capris were `D` reg, 1987.
The Capri is becoming a classic and maturing in value. Buying a tidy one can be an investment. There is still a huge market in used spares as the original was so popular, so there isn`t much to worry about. The styling is of the love it or hate it kind, but noone can deny its distinctive. Especially compared to todays bland cars.
Its main problems in the modern age is its fuel economy and size. Most Capris require LRP (or 4* if you can find it) and this is expensive compared to unleaded. The 2.8i is a very fast car and some refined features such as the limited-slip diff can help it on the road, but it still pays to be carefull, especially with all the power being delivered to the rear wheels. The 1.6 is more drivable, even perhaps underpowered with the weight of the body.
The Capri was one of Fords successes in the 70s and if you like the styling it may be worth a look.