Classic styling, a Mustang for Europe
The first transmission jammed in 2nd gear. Do yourselves a favor, replace with a T5 from a Mustang.
Extremely fun to drive.
Classic European sports car. Very beautiful.
Extremely tough and well built, whenever I break something I'm always able to drive it home and fix it.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 23rd December, 2004
A quick classic sports machine
My points burnt out at 58,000 miles.
Some rust has recently appeared, under the vinyl roof.
My front wheel bearings required replacement at 60,000 miles.
My Capri is real fast, and holds the road like a new car.
For it's age this car is in mint condition.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 24th January, 2004
It is true that the car’s tail tended to step out too much in corners, but it was just a matter of getting to know it and becoming familiar with its handling.
The 3.0 was the ideal engine for a car like the Capri, which was designed to be a sports car rather than just an ordinary family vehicle.
It wasn't an easy car to drive, quite unstable at high speeds, so you really had to understand its dynamics; many people crashed sports-style cars from the 70s and 80s precisely because they pushed them beyond their limits or didn't know them well enough.
Without a doubt, these were cars for specialists, not beginners.
I drove two Capris in my time: a 1975 Mk2, like the one in this review, and a newer 1983 model.
I can assure you that the older one was much more stable and easier to handle than the 1983 version; not only did it feel safer, but it also moved around less on the open road and even braked better. I don't know the reason why (since neither car was mine) but it really struck me, especially since, in theory, it should have been the other way around.
What I do remember is that they were very handsome cars, especially the Mk2, with beautiful interiors and fantastic acceleration; they were among the best of that era.
The Capri 3.0, like the Cortina/Taunus it was based on, is basically a tin box with a 200 kg iron lump in the front. Handling was pretty scary and many 3.0 Capris ended up crashed around a lamp post. I love the Essex V6 and these are from a performance point of view much better than the Cologne V6, that is much more restricted and weaker. However, the Cologne V6 is much lighter and has better fuel consumption. But you can't really tune the Cologne V6, where the Essex is easy to tune to huge horsepower ratings. Internals in the Essex are extremely strong and over dimensioned and can take a lot of abuse. Unfortunately, the rest of the Capri 3.0 mechanics are from the standard Ford parts bin and will break well before the engine, especially the axle. These really could not cope with the torque.
It is a definite pleasure to own and drive
Apart from minor dents, paint chips and police attention, nothing until one day:
The water pump packed it in;
The bottom end bearings went;
The head gasket blew;
And finally the cam shaft had enough.
So it's to the drawing board to build an ultimate street car.
This is a car for serious street racers who want a powerful, fast and cheap to run car without having to invest in a V8.
Capri's are extreme fun in the wet because the back end gets out of line very easily if you nail it;
Very cheap and economical sports car to run in today's world of high petrol prices.
The car screams look at me every-time it is taken out for a drive and at least one little boy in his Japanese import tries to race you.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 24th February, 2003
A fun fast cool looking car
Driveshaft worn at joints.
Oil leaks.
Speedo cable snapped.
Steering bushes wasted etc so reconditioned steering.
Reverse switch broke.
Alternators and battery stuffed ps: never buy a reconditioned alternator as the regulator screws up in them.
Rust around headlights, bottom of the doors, tailgate.
Drivers seat sagged.
Fun to drive.
A real looker, real smooooth.
Parts usually cheap enough.
Very cool.
Great engine sounds.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 5th July, 2000
Rear axle bearings are a weak point. Waterpump.
Manual rack & pinion unit.
Please note: This car has been turned into an ITA Racecar per the SCCA's rules. Therefore it gets driven fewer miles than most cars, however those miles are VERY hard on it. Very fun and unique car to race. The Sexy European.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 28th July, 1999
Diff broke, clutch cable snapped...
The kinda things you might expect from a 25 year old car.
One of the sexiest cars ever, and definitely the best Ford ever made!
"The car you always promised yourself".
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 17th July, 1999
Water pump, alternator, battery, rear heated windscreen.
Exhaust (but I guess that does not count).
Well this car has given me the most hassle out of any car I have owned... exactly like a woman but you can not help but love it...
The combination of black vinyl roof, white paint work and chrome makes it a stylish and funky cruiser... you can not say that about a lot of cars.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 16th July, 1999
26th Jan 2004, 17:10
I agree it's a classic beauty, but watch out where her tail goes, when cornering in tight curves!!!
Don't you agree???