We had travelled barely 200 yards, the Ford Capri and I, and simply begun a delicate right-hand flip right into a roundabout when a rattling sound, acquainted however surprising, transported me again 4 a long time on the pace of sunshine.
Or extra precisely, on the pace of thought, which is considerably slower. The noise was simple to establish: the fluttering sound a leaf fragment makes when it encounters the blades of a two-speed Ford heater fan working on Low.
I’d heard it 100 occasions in a Cortina 1600E I owned as a result of, again then, Ford air flow techniques tended to ingest fallen leaves via an air consumption grille forward of the windscreen base, the place they quickly met the fan. When you cornered the automotive, the leaf shifted and the sound began. Or stopped.
My do-it-yourself treatment was at all times to modify to High, hoping the additional blade pace would mince leaves to powder, and infrequently it labored.
Ironically, this sojourn in a 47-year-old Ford wasn’t alleged to be nostalgic. It was spurred by latest adjustments within the legislation.
When Transport for London introduced that sure automobiles, 40 years previous or extra, can be allowed to traverse the brand new London ULEZ boundaries with out paying the £12.50 cost, we fell to questioning how it might really feel to commute via London in a automotive as previous as that.
Soon, the proposition widened: may a 40-year-old automotive do all of its proprietor’s motoring: nation roads, motorways, evening journeys, moist journey, suburbs and cities?
Sure, there are many traditional automotive zealots who make a problem of doing simply this (powerfully insisting the greenest automotive of all is the one you by no means scrap) however how wouldn’t it strike somebody corresponding to me, cosseted on daily basis by one of the best the fashionable automotive trade can present?
Ford had simply the automotive for the job – a Capri 1.6L in photogenic mid-blue with black vinyl roof, donated to the corporate’s Heritage Collection after the proverbial one woman proprietor had pushed it a mere 28,000 miles in all these years.
Ford is set to bring back the iconic Capri nameplate with its new electric crossover on Volkswagen’s MEB platform. This vehicle has been seen in public for the first time and is expected to be launched next year. It will be a direct competitor to models such as the Volkswagen ID 5, Volvo C40, and Peugeot e-3008, and will also be a sibling to the new Ford Explorer.
The latest spy shots reveal that the new Capri will have a design that leans more towards a raised saloon rather than a coupé-SUV, similar to the Polestar 2. It is also expected to have unique LED headlights inspired by later Capri models, providing a distinctive appearance compared to the Explorer.
It is anticipated that the new EV will have similar technical specifications to the Explorer, offering three electric powertrains with outputs ranging from 168bhp to 335bhp and a choice of 52kWh or 77kWh battery packs, providing a maximum range of around 300 miles. The charging capability is expected to reach speeds of up to 170kW.
The new Capri (a name that has been widely reported but not officially confirmed by Ford) was originally planned to launch around six months after the Explorer. However, due to delays with the Explorer, both models may hit the market closer together than initially planned.
Reports from Autocar in 2019 first suggested that the Capri name was being considered for a revival. In a recent exclusive interview with Ford’s Europe chief designer, Amko Leenarts, it was revealed that historic nameplates will play a significant role in Ford’s electric future. Leenarts expressed his excitement about leading Ford through its electric revolution, starting with the Explorer, as he shared insights during a visit to Ford’s Merkenich Design Studio near the Cologne factory.
The Ford Capri was a successful European alternative to the Mustang, selling over 1.9 million units during its production run.
The Ford RS200, a Group B rally car, was one of the most desirable classic sports cars with only 200 made and high prices reflecting its rarity.
Ford’s hot hatches, like the Focus RS, offered practicality, great handling, and power, making them fun vehicles to drive in any weather condition.
Ford is a well-known automotive brand with a long and respected history. They have been in business for over a century and are recognized globally for producing affordable vehicles that cater to the masses. However, their reputation isn’t solely derived from selling a large volume of cars. Ford has also made a name for itself through its impressive racing heritage on foreign soil.
What sets Ford apart from many other manufacturers is their ability to produce a wide range of sports cars that cater to different types of enthusiasts. The best sports cars usually come from manufacturers with a background in producing regular cars, as they are built to the same high standard. Ford has excelled in this area, and while the Ford Mustang is the most well-known, they have also created other exceptional high-performance sports cars.
This article is based on information from Ford, Collecting Cars, and Goodwood.
The Ford Capri Was A British Mustang
Wikimedia Commons/Ermell
The Ford Capri, produced from 1968 to 1986, was often referred to as the British Mustang. It was created as a European alternative to the successful Mustang, which was not available in the European market. Ford Europe aimed to replicate the Mustang’s success, and the Capri proved to be a hit, selling over 1.9 million units during its production run. Despite not having the same power as the Mustang, the Capri targeted a younger audience and offered a fun sports car experience. It borrowed parts from existing Ford models, such as the Escort, Cortina, and Corsair. The Capri also borrowed its name from the Consul Capri, another Ford model from the 1960s. While it lacked a V-8 engine, it featured inline four and V-6 engines. The Capri’s popularity led to its availability in other markets, including Australia, South Africa, and North America. It even achieved success in rallying and touring car championships, further proving its capabilities.
The Ford RS200 Was A Group B Racer For The Road
Bring-A-Trailer
The Ford RS200 was a rare and highly desirable sports car that was born out of Ford’s participation in Group B rallying. To meet the racing requirements, Ford had to produce a minimum of 200 road-legal units of the RS200. This mid-engine, four-wheel drive sports car was homologated for road use, giving enthusiasts the chance to experience the performance of a Group B rally car.
Ford RS200 Group B Spec
Engine
Four-cylinder turbo
Displacement
1.8 liters
Power
450 horsepower
Torque
360 pound-feet
Transmission
Five-speed manual
Drivetrain
All-wheel drive
(Specs sourced from Ford)
The RS200 was built by the Reliant Motor Company, with the chassis designed by a former Formula One designer and engineer. While the road version of the RS200 had four-wheel drive, it had less power compared to its racing counterpart, which produced 350–450 horsepower. The RS200 had a short racing career due to the ban on Group B rallying, but its legacy lives on as one of the most desirable classic Ford sports cars. With only 200 units produced, the RS200 commands high prices in the collector car market.
Ford Focus RS: An All-Purpose Hot Hatch
Ford
The hot hatchback segment is one of the most intriguing in the automotive industry. While Ford has discontinued the Focus and Fiesta models, their hot hatches were highly regarded for offering a blend of performance and practicality. The Ford Focus RS, first introduced in 1998, gained popularity when the Focus RS WRC car achieved success in rallying, including winning championships under the late Colin McRae. The road-going Focus RS made its debut in 2009 and featured a limited edition RS500 variant. The third generation of the Focus RS was particularly exciting, as it introduced all-wheel drive, making it a practical car with great handling capabilities. It offered seating for four and decent luggage space, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a sports car with versatility and smaller dimensions. With up to 375 horsepower and different driving modes, including a drift mode, the Focus RS delivered an exhilarating driving experience. Although Ford has discontinued the Focus RS for the North American market, it remains a highly sought-after hot hatch among enthusiasts.
Ford GT: Le Mans Racer Turned Icon
Mecum
The Ford GT is an American icon and a representation of the best of American automotive engineering. From the legendary Le Mans-winning GT40 to the modern versions introduced in 2004 and 2016, Ford has celebrated its heritage and pushed the boundaries of performance. The original GT was the first series production supercar in America, featuring a mid-engine layout, supercharged V-8 engine, and a manual transmission. The latest generation GT deviated from the traditional V-8 engine, opting for a twin-turbo V-6 and the latest racing technology. Despite the change, the current GT retains the design cues of the original GT40, ensuring its recognition as one of the best sports cars ever created.
Ford Had Some Of The Most Successful Race Cars
Ford’s legacy extends beyond its road cars to include some of the most successful race cars in history. From rallying to Formula One, Ford has competed in various motorsport disciplines, which have greatly influenced their road cars. Ford’s dominance in touring car championships with the Ford Sierra RS500 showcased the brand’s ability to produce competitive midsize/large family sedans. The Ford Mondeo continued this success in the super tourer class, winning championships with the help of Prodrive. In Australia’s supercar championship, the Ford Falcon V8 stood as a formidable competitor to the Holden Commodore, winning eight out of 21 championships.
Rally racing is another motorsport discipline where Ford has excelled since the 1960s. Their rally cars, such as the Ford Escort RS1800 and the current Focus and Puma WRC models, have achieved numerous victories, accumulating over 76 wins. However, Ford’s racing legacy is perhaps most renowned for its iconic victories at Le Mans with the GT40. Ford’s bold move to conquer Le Mans paid off immensely and solidified their status as a global force in the automotive world. The second-generation Ford GT continued this success, once again winning the prestigious endurance race.
Ford’s reputation in the automotive and racing scenes is well-deserved. Many older Ford models have become highly desirable classic cars, sought after by collectors worldwide. The brand’s commitment to incorporating race car technologies into their road cars has resulted in exceptional sports cars loved by enthusiasts everywhere.
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