The first Ford Capri to bear that
precise name was introduced in January 1969 at the Brussels Motor
Show, with sales starting the following month. The intention was to
reproduce in Europe the success Ford had had with the North American
Ford Mustang; to produce a European pony car, mechanically based on
the Cortina. The car was named Colt during development stage, but
Ford were unable to use the name, as it was trademarked by
Mitsubishi.
Although a fastback coupé, Ford wanted the Capri Mk I to be
affordable for a broad spectrum of potential buyers. To help achieve
that, it was available with a variety of engines. Under the new
body, the running gear would have been familiar to anyone used to
working on the underside of a 1966 Cortina. Rear suspension employed
a live axle supported on leaf springs with short radius rods. The
range continued be broadened, with another 3.0 variant, the Capri
3000E introduced from the British plant in March 1970, offering
"more luxurious interior trim".
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