BUYING GUIDE:
Mk2 Capri
What you need to know when buying a ’70s icon.
With its coupé looks and seating for four, the original Capri struck the perfect balance for many a motorist whose yearning for a sports car had been scuppered by the need for family-friendly transport. Its appealing compromise wasn’t lost on Ford either, and when the manufacturer revealed the Mk2 version in February 1974 the new Capri was now even more suited to shifting a household.
On top of the 151 revisions found in the facelifted Mk1 of September 1972, the Mk2 debuted a further 2000 new or redeveloped parts and was wider, longer, safer and more refined than its predecessor.
Of all the changes, the most obvious was the inclusion of a third door. The new hatchback treatment was particularly well applied to the Capri, too, with Ford supporting the tailgate with twin gas struts, strengthening the surrounding metalwork and optimising the available load space with a folding rear seat. Such was the increase in practicality, the Mk2 could accommodate nearly three times the amount of luggage as the Mk1, while the tailgate’s rear window also contributed to the Mk2’s glass area being 14 per cent greater.
Customers could once again opt for the Essex 3-litre V6, but those with an eye on frugality were able to specify the 1.6-litre and 2-litre fourcylinder Pinto engines or the 1.3-litre, 57 bhp four-pot Kent motor. These non-V6 buyers had the choice of 1300L, 1600L, 1600XL, 1600GT, 2000GT and the 2-litre Ghia.
But while the Mk2’s enhanced versatility won it new admirers; initial sales weren’t inspiring. Many thought the changes had blunted the Capri’s sporting edge and now perceived it as a family car. Keen to address car buyers’ concerns, Ford replied with the limited edition JPS edition in June 1975 and then the S a few months later.
A few running changes kept the Mk2 fresh, but in March 1978 it was binned in favour of the updated Mk3.
With a relatively short production run and being the least popular Capri, the Mk2 has always lived in the shadow of the Mk1 and Mk3, but there’s no doubt it’s got a decent following. The V6 versions are arguably the most desirable, but if you’re looking for a Capri that’s a bit different to the norm and won’t break the bank to buy and run, then a four-cylinder Mk2 could be just the ticket.