Ford Capri (1969-1987): Books - History (1/2)

Factory-Original Ford Capri Mk1 - The originality guide to the Ford Capri Mk 1

The Ford Capri debuted in 1969, captivating buyers with its sleek 2+2 coupé design and varied engine options, ranging from a 1300 cc four-cylinder to a 3-liter V6, including GT variants. The extensive range of spec and trim levels, from L to XLR, required careful consideration from prospective buyers.

In 1972, an upgrade introduced the overhead-camshaft Pinto engine to the 1600 and 2000 models, alongside a front-end facelift and a revised dashboard layout. The limited-production RS3100 briefly appeared before the Mk1 range was replaced in 1974. Today, these classic Fords enjoy a dedicated following, with active owners' clubs and rising restoration interest.

The book meticulously documents the Mk1 Capri's production period, providing factory specifications, equipment details, and finishes across the range, including the RS3100 and factory "specials."
Supported by comprehensive color photography of exemplary models, it covers various aspects, such as body panels, trim, interior features, and mechanical components. Additionally, it addresses production changes, dates, numbers, engine and chassis details, aftermarket specials like convertibles and performance models, and international production.

Author:	James Taylor
Specs:	160 pages, 26.5 x 27 x 1.7 cm / 10.4 x 10.6 x 0.67 in, hardback
Illustrations:	350 colour photos
Publisher:	Herridge & Sons Ltd (GB, 2017)
Series:	Factory-Original
ISBN:	9781906133771

High Performance Capris (1969-1987) - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book about the High Performance Capri models from the years 1969-1987. Describes the Ford Capri 3000GT, Allard V8, 3000GT XLR, Green V8, Broadspeed Bullit, 2600, Lumo 180S, 3000E, GXL, RS3100, Black Gold V6, 3000S, RSR Turbo, Chastain S/3, X-Pack, 2.8I, Tickford 2.8T, WM 3000 and 2.8I Turbo.

• The 59 articles, taken from contemporary British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and technology.
• Also driving impressions, tests, comparison tests, technical specifications, etc.

Specs:	180 pages, 27 x 20.5 x 1.1 cm / 10.6 x 8.1 x 0.43 in, paperback
Illustrations:	350 photos
Publisher:	Brooklands Books (GB, 1990)
Series:	Gold Portfolio
ISBN:	9781870642989

▶  More information on the Brooklands Portfolio books

The Ford Capri Story

Before the Ford Capri arrived in 1969, GT cars had tended to be expensive, temperamental, impractical and rarefied. Ford decided there was no reason why a four-seater coupe couldn't look stunning and go like a rocket (with the right engine) yet be as easy and cheap to run as a Ford Escort. Little wonder that the slogan they used in 1969 to launch it, 'The car you always promised yourself', made an immediate impact.

The Capri was a hit from day one, and continued to be a British favourite until 1986, at which time it had been somewhat overshadowed by the emergence of the Hot Hatchback. Over its lifetime, the Capri was available in a vast array of guises over three distinct 'Marks', but all of them had at their heart affordable fun and a surprising degree of everyday practicality. Nothing has ever quite replaced it, but it lives on in the fond imagination of everyone who loved it.

Author:	Giles Chapman
Specs:	128 pages, 13 x 19 x 1.2 cm / 5.1 x 7.5 x 0.47 in, hardback
Illustrations:	numerous b&w and colour photos
Publisher:	The History Press Ltd (GB, 2012)
ISBN:	9780752484617

Capri (1974-1987) - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book about the Ford Capri sports models from the years 1974-1987. Describes the Ford Capri II, 2800 V6, 3-litre Ghia, V6 Turbo, Mk II, 2000S GT, 2.8 V8, Capri II RS, Mako V8, 3000S, 3-litre X-pack, Oselli 230S, Allard 2.8I, Tickford 2.8T, 2.8I, Brimble Capri, RS 2800T, 2.8 Turbo and RS3100.

• The 42 articles, taken from contemporary British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and technology.
• Also driving impressions, tests, comparison tests, technical specifications, etc.

Author:	R. M. Clarke
Specs:	140 pages, 27 x 19 x 1 cm / 10.6 x 7.5 x 0.39 in, paperback
Illustrations:	300 photos
Publisher:	Brooklands Books (GB, 1993)
ISBN:	9781855202122

▶  More information on the Brooklands Portfolio books

Factory-Original Ford Capri Mk2 & Mk3 - The originality guide to all Capri models 1974 to 1987

Inspired by the success of the Ford Mustang "pony car" in the USA, Ford UK launched the Capri - "The Car You Always Promised Yourself" in 1969 and it was an instant hit, with its long bonnet, sleek 2+2 coupe body, and low stance.
For 1974 Ford launched the Capri II, with a new smooth body style, engines ranging from 1300 to 3000cc, and a plush Ghia version of the 3-litre model. In 1978 came the Capri Mk3 with yet more refinement and a four-headlamp nose.

These classic Fords now have an almost fanatical following, supported by some very active owner's clubs. Good examples are eagerly sought, and with prices rising restoration has become a very viable proposition. An astonishing number of variants of the Capri Mk2 and Mk3 were offered, so they really need to be identified.

This book, companion to the title "Factory-Original Ford Capri Mk I", does the job, taking the reader right through the production period and pinning down the correct factory specifications, equipment and finishes across the range.
This information is backed up by nearly 300 specially commissioned colour photographs of outstanding examples of the cars.

Author:	James Taylor
Specs:	128 pages, 26.5 x 26.5 x 2.1 cm / 10.4 x 10.4 x 0.83 in, hardback
Illustrations:	300 colour photos
Publisher:	Herridge & Sons Ltd (GB, 2018)
Series:	Factory-Original
ISBN:	9781906133818

Ford Capri - All Models (except RS) (1969-1987) - Essential Buyer's Guide

Capri values are rising rapidly, so care has to be taken to make sure you end up with the best one possible for your money. This guide takes the potential purchaser through a short initial examination to weed out the obviously defective followed by a more comprehensive step by step look at the body and mechanical parts, where the clear, jargon-free text accompanied by over 100 photographs sheds light on even the darkest corners of the Capri's construction.
A unique points marking system ensures that nothing is overlooked, and an accurate final picture of the car's condition can be viewed in relation to the asking price.

Author:	Mark Paxton
Specs:	64 pages, 19.5 x 14 cm / 7.7 x 5.5 in, paperback
Illustrations:	100 colour photos
Publisher:	Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2009)
Series:	The Essential Buyer's Guide
ISBN:	9781845842055

Works Cortina, Capri & Corsair in Detail

Distinguished rally historian Graham Robson tackles the story of Ford's emergence during the 1960s as a leader in international saloon car competition, whether in race or rally, beginning with the Mark 1 Cortina of 1962.

Ford's Walter Hayes was the driving force behind this push forward. It was he who enlisted Colin Chapman to create the Lotus-Cortina, he who encouraged such bold ideas as entering the Safari Rally and the London-Sydney Marathon, and he who brought in Team Lotus, and Alan Mann Racing, to wipe the board in touring car racing.

This strategy was built around the development of a new motorsport centre at Boreham, in Essex, and attracted top-flight drivers like Jim Clark, Roger Clark, Sir John Whitmore, Graham Hill and Pat Moss to join the team. It was Hayes, too, whose promotional genius inspired Ford's quite dazzling success in national and international competition.

The career of every works Mark I and Mark II Cortina, Lotus-Cortina, Capri and Corsair is individually recounted in this book, with contemporary action photographs and listings of events entered, drivers and results, along with extensive behind-the-scenes accounts of performances in rallies and races.
In addition there are specially commissioned colour photographs of a number of surviving works cars, which have been shot in considerable detail. For fans of the race and rally Fords of these glory days, as well as for motorsport enthusiasts, this book is pure treasure.

Author:	Graham Robson
Specs:	204 pages, 25.5 x 25.5 cm / 10 x 10 in, hardback
Illustrations:	185 b&w and 130 colour photos
Publisher:	Herridge & Sons Ltd (GB, 2016)
Series:	In Detail
ISBN:	9781906133719