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1969,"the car you always promised yourself" made its sensational debut at the Brussels International Motor Show The inspiration came from ford of America's phenomenally successful Mustang, launched in 1964 initial sales exceeded the predicted demand by 100 per cent, because the Capri created a new breed of car on this side of the Atlantic. Here, at last, was a sleek, eyecating "fastback" that bridged the gap between the traditional two seater sports car and the family saloon. The Capri concept was made all the more all the attractive by a remarkable wide range of engines-from a 1.3 litre to a lusty 3.0 litre V6-and by a range of factory fitted option packs. It all added up to a four seater whose performance, looks, comfort and convenience could be tailored to suit individual preferences and pockets. The newcomer also become a big hit in the United States after appearing at the 1970 new York Motor Show. More than 500,000 Capri were exported to North America Ford's policy being one of the constant improvement, engineers were soon working on a significantly revised version, despite the original selling like iced drinks in a heat wave. Unveiled early in 1974, the new Capri featured a tailgate, rather than a convention boot lid, which the rakish hatchback an even more practical proposition. Other changes included bigger side windows notable for the benefit of backseat passengers addition soundproofing and the optional availability of power assisted steering Ghia versions for the 2.0 litre and 3.0 litre Capri's added even more value for money luxury to the line up. Features included alloy wheels, tinted glass, a tilt-or-slide sunroof, and special body side moulding. At the top of the performance range, a useful power increase accompanied by bigger brakes raised the 3000GT top speed to 116 mph and chopped the 0-60 mph time to 10.2 to exactly 9.0 seconds.* Another big step was taken in 1978, foiled an extensive research programme that concentrated on the subtle science of aerodynamics. The result was a Capri that combined greatly enhanced efficiency with lines that were more attractive than ever. Most of the energy saving improvement were made at the front, where key features included a spoiler, a smoother bonnet line and a radiator grille whose 'aerofoil' louvers were carefully shaped to reduce drag at open-road speeds. Extending major service intervals to 12,000 miles helped reduce ownership costs by an astonishing 44 per cent over a typical two year period. A laminated windscreen became standard equipment , right across the range. Thanks to a dramatic increase in aerodynamic efficiency, the hard charging Capri 3000S now combined 0-60 in 8.5 seconds with a 122 mph top speed.*Ford special vehicle Engineering group was entrusted with developing the 2.8i that made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Based at the research and Engineering center in Essex, SVE decided to adopt the 2.8-litre V6 with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, plus lowered suspension, thicker anti-roll bars, gas filled shock absorbers, and wide-rim alloy wheels fitted with Goodyear's 205/60VT NCT tyres the spec also included a five-speed gearbox, a limited-slip differential, and ventilated disc brakes for the front wheels. "All this translates into a car that that goes with wonderful eagerness" the Autocar test team enthused after rocketing from 0-6- mph in just 7.9 seconds. The Capri 2.8 Injection Special with seven alloy wheels leather-edged seats and attractive features joined the popular 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre models in 1984.Paced with performance and character, it paved the way for the superb Capri 280
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