1970-73 Capri 3000 GT

Ford of Europe introduced the Capri sports fastback as Ford called it, in 1969. With its long bonnet and short rear deck styling it was a compact European equivalent of the Mustang based on the Ford Escort platform powered by proven Cortina mechanicals. It was an instant success but in Australia it quickly ran into opposition that it never faced in Europe.

Holden had followed a similar process with the Torana and transplanted its six cylinder family car engines into an updated local version of an early Viva, the Escort's British rival. The local fastback styling of the Torana two door sedan enabled Holden to launch a sporty GTR coupe version with a twin throat 2.6 litre six cylinder engine against the Capri 1600 GT with a significant price advantage. Despite the added costs of the Capri's imported components, Ford quickly responded with the superb V6 version of the Capri offering extra refinement, higher performance and exclusive coupe looks at a modest premium. While the Capri was referred to in some quarters as a two door sedan, its sleek, sporty looks qualify it as a coupe.

The Capri's V6 engine was new to Australia but it was a twin-throat carburettor version of the proven 3-litre V6 from the British Zephyr/Zodiac Mark IV range. Ford performance fans quickly learnt to listen for the fruity exhaust burble from the dual exhaust of the only V6 engine available to Australians this side of the exclusive Lancia Flaminia. The switch-like floor change was part of a four speed gearbox that was a combination of Zephyr and Capri parts. Like its Escort Twin Cam stablemate, the Capri's V6 engine was mounted slightly offset for extra clearance under the bonnet.

It handled and stopped better than most and looked even sharper than the four cylinder models thanks to its lowered ride height, wider wheels, classier striping, power bulge, large single black rally panel on the bonnet and other subtle blackouts. Assembled locally from mid-1970, the 3000 GT shared the XW GT's Super Roo decals in place of the British-spec side repeater lights, bonnet locking pins and several bright GT colours. The bonnet pins changed from the wire-pin XW Falcon GT-type to the recessed twist-type of the XY Falcon GT as a running change. Its GT badge was also used on certain variations of the Falcon GT and is part of the heritage behind the new GT badge on FPV models.

The interior, which was a league above the Torana GTR, reflected its European origins. Its Aeroflow through-flow ventilation with the tell-tale exhaust grilles below the rear window was unrivalled in a local coupe at the time. It was a desirable advance in the days before air-conditioning was widely available and allowed the front quarter vents to be eliminated for a cool, clean look.

A full instrument panel and centre console with clock were lined with teak and the contoured sports seats had rake adjustment, both unusual in this market. Classy rocker switches, heavily padded three spoke steering wheel centre and a stalk-operated headlight flasher were still foreign to most Australian drivers. The seat trim had sporty "woven grain" inserts which could be upgraded to bright check pattern cloth inserts.

Grille-mounted driving lights, which matched the headlight shape, and sports wheels were popular options. The standard wheel package was a black steel rim with bright trim rings, a popular look on Australian streets at the time but it didn't do the Capri's slick Euro looks justice. The British Rostyle sculptured sports wheel was a popular choice but Ford Australia also offered the "Minilite" look sports wheel that was an exclusive option on the Capri V6 and the Escort Twin Cam. Owners could also order chrome air scoop vents to fill the recesses ahead of the rear wheel arches.

The sudden arrival of the V6 Capri caused the previous Capri 1600 GT to be relaunched as the XL against the Torana GTR but still powered by the twin throat (2V) 1600 Cortina GT engine. What it lost in outright performance, it made up for in agility and economy with the lighter four in its stylish nose. The XL lost the GT centre console and clock but otherwise equipment was maintained at GT level. Its automatic option made it a popular choice in a market niche that was some years ahead of the first Toyota Celica. The Capri V6 was referred to in early brochures as the GT/V6 to distinguish it from the earlier 1600 GT.

Serious Capri XL owners might have been tempted by the factory Ford Plus Performance Equipment on offer which was aimed at "young enthusiasts" and included factory competition front suspension units, dual sports air cleaners, twin 40 DCOE Weber side draught carburetors with manifold and linkage kit, sports extractors and heavy duty alternator all ready to bolt up to the 1600 cross-flow engine. For many four cylinder Capri and Cortina GT owners, it was only a short step from there into an open wheeler Formula Ford.

Although the Capri continued in overseas markets, local assembly and availability of the Capri 3000GT ended in 1973 as a range of powerful new six cylinder Cortinas and Ford Australia's own Falcon Hardtop came on stream. There were several Capri running changes including a change in exterior mirrors from the first traditional racing style, to the XY Falcon GT-style and the final XA Falcon GT mirror. The last examples also had high-back seats to comply with the latest Australian Design Rules requirements.

The Capri was part of a total Ford performance range, the scope of which is set to make a return under Ford Performance Vehicles.

Specifications

Engine
Ford 2.994-litres (182.7 cubic inch), OHV, 60 degree V6, 8.9:1 compression ratio, 144bhp @ 4750rpm, 192.5lb/ft @ 3000rpm, 2-barrel carburettor, cast-iron block and crossflow heads.

Transmission
Ford single rail all-synchro, 4-speed close ratio, floor shift
Ratios: 1st 3.16:1 - 2nd 2.21:1 - 3rd 1.41:1 - 4th 1.00:1 - reverse 3.35:1

Rear axle: 3.22:1

Suspension
Front: MacPherson struts, coil springs and anti-roll bar.
Rear: Lowered semi-elliptic leaf springs, twin radius rods and hydraulic dampers.

Brakes
Front 9.6"discs, rear 9" drum, servo-assisted

Wheels
5x13" steel wheels, 175SR13 radial tyres.

Performance
0-100 km/h: 9.5 secs 0-400m: 16.8 secs