Ford Capri MK3 2.8i special - a cool 80s classic car - overrated or cult car?
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- Опубликовано: 14 июн 2023
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Ford Capri history
The story of the Capri begins way back in the 60s, when Philip T Clark who had designed the Ford Mustang was tasked with created a coupe which would appeal to the European market in the same way the Mustang did to Ford’s American customer.
I always think the 60s is such an interesting time in Ford’s history because in the beginning of the decade you’ve got very separate arms of the business in England and in Germany but by the end of the decade, not only are the two countries working together well but producing cars which have to equally appeal to both markets.
Although you do see the two countries using different engines to suit home markets - but that’s perhaps a deep dive for a Ford history video.
In terms of appeal and affordability, the Capri wasn’t a completely new design; the first generation took mechanicals from the Cortina and unlike some manufacturers that really revelled in keeping cars unaffordable unless somebody was in their target demographic, Ford decided they’d give the Capri a big as potentially possible market share by giving a variety of engines and corresponding price points.
However, you might be thinking Ford didn’t spend much by borrowing from something already in the market - not so - the design which had first appeared on drawing boards in 1965, had a £20 million investment - so it had to work. Ford priced it from £890, which meant the fun fastback was within the grasp of the many, not the few.
The first generation ran until 74 and was replaced by second gen which featured the shortened nose, increased space within the cabin and clamshell style rear hatch and the folding rear bench seat. In addition to this, the suspension was softened, larger discs added and an auto box and power steering added as options on higher specs.
Ford also streamline the engine range, so you see the 1.3 as base and the 3 litre Essex V6 as range topper - giving buyers two VERY different experiences in the same car.
And then finally, we get to what we’re testing today: the MK3. The MK3 was introduced in 1978 and unlike the early 20 million budget, the revamp budget for the MK3 was a lot more restrained at only £480,000; which is perhaps why it didn’t reinvent the wheel but more facelift the MK2; however, it’s a very attractive facelift and the quad lamps, new wings, new bonnet, bumpers which are no longer chrome and interior options really give it a modern twist for the time of launch.
Also limited was the engine refresh; options were carried from the MK2 although the 1.3 was tweaked to improve durability and reliability with a new crossflow head and the 3 litre Kent engine is ousted from the range in the early 80s and replaced with the Granada’s 2.8 V6 to meet emissions requirements.
Production came to a close in the year this car we test today here was sold and what an example we’ve got - this one we’re testing today is on 35,000 miles from new, is in remarkably original condition and as you’ll see later on, gives the same buzz behind the wheel as she did new 37 years ago. 
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I worked at Ford garages from age 16, 1981 until 1992. Used to pick up a 2.8i to drive to the garage to be serviced every 6 months. 14 mile journey. it was the nuts. I was only 18!!
The simple, clear, practical and uncluttered design of that dashboard is a thing of beauty....
A nice Capri, l also can't stand digital dashboards, neither can my sister, got a brand new Golf with the digi dash, hated it and got rid of it after 6 months.
@@clooperman3745 yea
gotta love hat steering wheel, simple and sporty
i now want one 😍
Who doesn’t. I’ll race you to it. Haha!
I've wanted one of these since the 70's when they were used in The Professionals TV series as the cars for Bodie and Doyle.
In 1992 I owned a bright red 2.8i injection Reg E645SDB I was just 18 yrs old ,it was my first car ,I went on to own many cars in that decade including a Brooklands and brand new sapphire cosworth In 1993,but that first red 2.8i meant the world to me.
oooo saffy cozzie . . you absolute little sod - nice
I watched The Professionals back in the late '70s and Brodie's Mk3 Capri was a thing of great beauty, and still is. Doyle's RS2000 was a stunner too.
I had a 1984 2.8 injection until 2003. Deeply miss the car and your video brought back fond memories and a deep yearning to have one again. The most fun and rewarding car to drive I’ve ever owned.
Half leather seats, star type wheels, 2 tone paint, LSD and 5 speed box all came in with this model (injection special).
Loved the Capri 2.8 Special as you say always felt good . Thanks Steph for reminding us what great fun Capris are.
I love the way people look and acknowledge you, for some a car from their childhood as you drive passed
The smile on your face says it all Steph! Never owned a Capri, but drove lots in the past for my job. Managed to do a 360 degree spin in a 3 litre without really trying! Who couldn't love the Capri!
Came across your channel recently 👍
I had the 1.6 capri, in gold (1982 model) back in 1996..took me & the mates on a Cornwall (where i now live) & Devon road trip back in 1997 all the way from Manchester. Fun times indeed..
My 2.0L laser got stolen from outside my house, never to be seen again. Same colour as this 2.8. lovely.
My 1981 Capri 2.8 injection is my first car I own it since 1987. It was never my daily car so still relatively low in the miles.I am looking forward to driving it this week ! Nice review glad you liked it !
Just brilliant I absolutely adore these things, had Capris since passing my test back in the late 80s. So glad I still have one ! Thanks so much for this wonderful video.
Aww thanks for watching xx
Ah what a lovely car, back in the early 90's there was one exactly the same as this which was parked next to a car showroom and I used to walk past it each day on the way home from school. I'd love to take one for a spin.
BTW great channel Steph, I really enjoy your videos and your groovy style. All the best!
Definitely not overrated. Loved my Capri 280 Brooklsnds that I traded in for a BMW 320i touring estate, miss them both as much as each other. Great video Steph of an iconic car!
I sold these brand new when I worked at a Ford Dealers. An awesome car. We even had a Tickford Capri 2.8i with the twin turbos once, that was a flying machine. RS 3100 was the rarest model. Great video. 'you can only go as fast as the car in front' I remember teaching that to my son when I taught him to drive.
Much appreciated and enjoyed, thanks again Steph, I've just seen your interview with Becca, really enjoyed that too. 😊👍
She’s ace. Love becca x
My dad bought a new 2.0 laser in 87 he used to drive that hard , great cars and well remembered from a young age
Had a few of these over the years. Great memories, very local to me as well!!
Hi Steph great clip and some super cool music to intro and be mixed into your reviews would be great especially glmusuc matched to the era of the cars. Keep up great reviews
I remember these when I was a kid. Awesome car!!!
What a nice surprise it's not Sunday and a Capri! ...the first car I owned and learned to drive standard. Mine was a MK1 made in Germany but imported to here in Canada. Sadly didn't last long due to our winters. Another great review, thanks Steph!
Thanks for watching!
Never miss it!
I just love your videos Steph, they are invariably of such a high quality. I always had a soft spot for the 'big' Capri as a child. Lovely & sexy design.
Had the 2 S 1979 took it round the clock twice on 2 of everthing.
Ordered for 1 Aug 85 a black 2.8 but bottled out and modded above to big valve, Piper 285, full RS Escort bushes etc, it handled better than anything today.
I had 7 of them. The rarest I had was LuMo (luton Motor Company) 3.1 Essex V6. I also had a black 2.8i and the other 5 were various Mk1's and Mk3's 1.6.. one of which had a stage 2 engine. Wonderful video !.. I love these cars. Back in 1989 you could buy a decent Mk3 for under 200 quid !!!!
An absolutely superb example! Love the metallic blue body colour & the Recaro seating & interior are mint, even down to the furry dice, (the must have 80s aftermarket upgrade!!)
When you look at the interior trim, the carpets and the Connolly leather Ford used, these are so nicely done, nicely designed and simple. I will have another one someday.
A 1.3 Capri would be GUTLESS!!!! We had a 1.3 Escort it was gutless! Same engine.
hi steph it was nice to see you today on the second hand market , looking great ! bill and amanda
The reason the Capri 2.8 was better with handling is it had single leaf rear suspension, the 3.0 had multileaf. The lateral movement at the back of the 3.0 was 3 inches, the 2.8 had a lateral movement of 1.5 inches. This was improved further on the Tickford with an A frame brace which removed all the movement. A firm called Scorpion at the time made an aftermarket A frame brace similar to the Tickford one that I fitted to both my 2.8's. A popular mod that I did not do was to fit Austin Princesss multi piston brake calipers to the front with an aftermarket fitting kit. All the memories are flooding back. See if you can drive a Turbo Technics Capri, while I have never owned one I have driven one, so so fast, even today.
There were also a handful of automatic 2.8 Capris from the factory, a special order option.
The later Capri 2.0 S also had single leaf rear suspension. The 2.0 laser went back to a multileaf spring at the back.
The crazy thing was I had a fuel pump go, I bought a new one from Ford but get this, Ford sold two fuel pumps in different boxes with different part numbers, one was for the Capri the other I believe for a Granada, anyway the Granada one was exactly the same but around 1/2 the price. They corrode a common fault as they are exposed to the elements near the rear bumper, really easy to change though.
Great review, many thanks. Will watch some more of your content.
My first car was a 2.0 GL same colour as this with a black vinyl roof. Number plate on the bonnet. Loved that car.
I'm glad I've owned a Capri. It's such an unusual driving experience, everyone should try it.
A nice surprise Steph. I really wasn't expecting anything from you today, not being a Sunday. Great review of a great car. I felt the car was begging to be let off her lead and show us what she could really do.
Haha I would’ve loved LOVED to have taken her all weekend for a true spin x
Great video Steph. We also have Capri's here in Australia
Totally agree with your Ford gearbox comment Stef, my 1970 Ford Escort 1300 Super had a very smooth and easy to operate gearbox to, although the clutch could be a bit grabby if you weren't careful.
That Capri clock and rear vision mirror appear to be the same as those in my old 1976 Ford Cortina 2000E.
That's probably because they are Ford parts fitted across the range
This was an excellent review! Very well put together and extremely well written. I'd have thought though that being an '86 and original it would have had side repeaters on the front wings? Think they appeared towards the end of 85.
Great review Steph of my favourite car. It's nice to hear the positive comments and not "they handle terribly and you need a concrete slab in the boot". It sounds like you've rather taken to the Capri. So I expect you will be buying one and joining our Capri Club lol. Also just to clarify for you, the 2.8i was launched in 1981, January if I remember correctly. It was the first project for the newly formed SVE department (Special Vehicle Engineering) within Ford under the control of Rod Mansfield. The type 9, 5 speed gearbox was introduced into the updated 2.8i in March 83 and then into the 2.0S in April. 1.6 models still had the 4 speed gearbox as standard until the special edition Laser was launched in about November 84. By late 84 the 2.8i Special was launched with the introduction of the LSD, 7 spoke alloys and half leather Recaro seats. The 2.8i in your video was once featured in an episode of Fifth Gear, driven by the lovely Vicki Butler Henderson. 👍
My dad worked for Ford News on and off, and I remember as a young child one day at night visiting a ford new car compound somewhere in Essex for some photos. The security guard showed me to a Ford Tickford capri and opened it up and let me sit in it .. never forgot the dash and leather, never managed to own a capri but always wanted to have one after that..
Another great video Steph. I loved the Fords of this era.
I had a 2.8 Injection with a 5 speed box. Most Injections had the 4 speed box, whereas the Special had the 5 speed box so mine was unusual. Ran it for several years and even used it in Norway on snow tyres. I then bought a 280 Brooklands to which I had a Turbo Technips Stage 1 turbo fitted. Better than the Tickford turbo in my view. I ran that car for about 12 years and loved it
In the UK we changed to 5 speed about half way through mk3 production. I had an early 5-speed registered Feb 84 but declared built 83, and a 2.8i special registered after the end of production.
Love the oldies
Currently driving a 1994 Vauxhall Cavalier SRi 16v with black leathers 😊
The 2.8 was the only Capri I have never owned, I had Mk1, Mk1 facelift,Mk2 & 3. 1300, 1600, 2.0ltr (both engines) and 3.0lts. I would buy another in a heartbeat if I had the money. Cracking review Steph, it looks like the Capri bug may have bitten you........
I'm in the same boat .. I need another one. Very high prices nowadays but looks like we're going to be coughing up some hard cash to own one again. Worth it in the end.😎👍
Great content and presentation on all your vids keep it up ..
Back in the early nineties our neighbour got a bright red capri. My younger brother spoke in awe that “next door have got a Ferrar!” The laughter lasted a good few years.
I drove a capri turbo technics once
Loved the old school grunt!!
Capri they are cool cars 35 years later these cars have a special place in todays want list of cars ive owned capris in the early 90s i miss these cars so much.umm they are an icon.the mk 1 wow when did you see one of them rolling by lately.
The drivers wiper needs a bit of adjustment. But I love the car, complete with 80s wiper spoilers. Love it. Great video. Thanks
I don't know why I put myself through watching Capri videos as, for the last nine years, I've regretted selling my last one. Now the prices have gone through the roof I can't afford to buy a replacement. I owned them for 30 years in one form or another, the last one being a diamond white 2.8i Special E332 CCF, and should never have sold it. Great cars to drive and remarkably practical. Really enjoyed your video.
A lovely car in its day always preferred the double head lights
Excellent review this was and still is my dream car from when I was a boy. I was born in 83 so it was getting on then. Thanks for not shattering my dream's 😅
Definitely not overrated, a true classic.
I had two, a 3.0 Essex and a 2.8i and loved them. The cologne unit in the 2.8 was sublime.
V6 Colonge 12v is underrated 💯
Great review of a top example.
You made me want to get my laser finished now
Best review ever Steph,
My 2.8 is stuck in my garage I just can not seem to get it running I have had it 25 years so its not new
to me.
I remember the Ford Capri from the early 1970's, me and my cousin tried to hitchhike to the beach on a hot summer day, a brand new Ford Capri pulled up, a man and his girlfriend drove the car for the first time, me and my cousin were very tall, so we sat very uncomfortably in the back seat, the man was driving absolutely crazy, so we were glad to get out of the car again.
Funny fact 💪💪💪✊
Molly Sugden (ms Slowcome) did give herself one as the first big present’s from the wages earned after done a couple of tapings ‘Are you being served’
Its nice to see this presentation done by a lady equally colorful 😍
It’s bringing back wonderful memories 🍀
A excellent review Steph, as a Ford Enthusiast this car is one I would love to own one day.
Owned a 2.8, loved it , I had one in 1995/6, hot hatch killer haha great driving position ,
Love this video Steph, you have captured the spirit of the Capri perfectly. You’ll be pleased to know even the small engined models feel just as special. “You know you’re going to be trouble behind the wheel” is just perfect ❤❤❤
Another good video, Stef! Well reviewed.
Thanks!
OMG! Sandicliffe Long Eaton! Used to be on Fletcher Street, off Derby Road, and it’s now a branch of Topps Tiles. I knew it was a car local to me when I saw the ‘PRC’ in the registration (RC is a Nottingham area identifier) and then I saw the Sandicliffe sticker in the window, then ‘Long Eaton’ on the number plate! Sold new 1.5 miles from where I sit.
Great video Steph, and you’ve gained another subscriber off it!
The Capri is my all time ‘hero’ car! I wanted one as a kid, although at that time they had become just an old banger and not so desirable! I still loved them though. That shape is absolutely iconic.
As soon as I left school at 16 I bought myself one, for £100. This was 2001 and I bagged myself a rough but (just about!) road worthy 1974 Mk2 1600L. Quite a low spec car but it was every bit a Capri and that’s what matters. I absolutely love that car and it lived up to how I thought it’d be.
I’ve kept it ever since and recently took it back out on the road after a bare metal restoration. First time I’ve driven it since 2016! I still love driving it, sitting in it and just looking at it, although it’s now firmly in retirement from a daily driver and will be used on dry summer days only after all that work. Fantastic cars!
The MK3 Capri is a cool 80's car. The 2.8 Cologne V6 is a weird engine because it has siamesed ports as Ford based it on the V4. A 2.8 Injection sounds so good with a Janspeed exhaust system
I have sperate downpipes on the exhaust manifold and 3" tails and is sounds AWESOME (Albeit loud but I like it .... Old Fords get louder, not faster!!! Lol).
@@darrylstarling2665 I changed mine to a 3" once. She didn't get on with it. Became really unreliable compared her previous infallible record of never failing to start first time.
Unless your camera is really sensitive and despite the car only having done 35, 000 miles I believe the suspension has been altered. I had two of these back in the day and they never rode like this. It appears to be dancing around all over the place even on what are fairly good roads. The roads back in the 1980's were not as wonderful as you may believe.
I enjoyed the review, thank you.
I am from Germany. The capri 2.8i great car but i love my mark2 S 3.0 Essex. My absolutely dream car i restored over 20jears and on the road again since April 2022. You are a pretty woman with Faible für classic cars
A really good video well done great content 👍👍
My mate had one in blue / silver and i took it for a spin and agree it was nice car to drive, i had a nissan 240k g.t. at the time and he took my car for a spin.
Must admit i always wanted a 2.8 capri but never actually got one.
You've got to love a Capri, in style and design prefer the mk1, but for driving mk2 all the way.
Class car plus class lady! Great review, thanks Steph 👍
My brother had a black 2.8 Special that was a Janspeed development car at some point. Thing had a serious amount of work done to the engine and I distinctly remember a 15 year old me clinging on for dear life when he took me out in it. Memory is a bit foggy but it went far far beyond the indicated 140mph. It also had a lot of suspension and brake work done to cope with the power. He sold it on and apparently the gearbox went and the guy scrapped it 😒
fantastic unbiased content fantastic ❤
Such a classic design. Great cars
excellent. i really really enjoyed this
I have owned about 20 odd Capri's since passing my test 35 years ago. I now have a 280 'Brooklands'. I absolutely love it. It drives really well. Comfortable and easily keeps up with todays traffic. I take it to shows most weekends. I get inundated with people who have a story of when they had a Capri and how fond they were of it. I think the shape and looks haven't really dated. they still look really good even today. I do laugh at the people who say, "you got a bag of sand or slab in the back". I have driven all mine like I stole them and never crashed one YET! Great review. Thanks.
20?! Wow! Love that
Finally someone who knows what their talking about well said my friend i also had 9 , 3 litre cars MK1, 2 and MK3s and loved them great to drive and fun sold my last 2.8 in 95 unfortunately Cheers fella 👍
I had one of these from new (company car) but only for 6 weeks as it was nicked. I later learnt that there was a barn in Lincolnshire full of them, on their way to the Gulf as boy racers toys.
Lovely, thank-you. I rember them well!
Fantastic video thank you!!!!
Sold my 3.0S last year. Lovely car.
I had a co car 1.6 and I used to hate, loathe and detest the thing. It broke down constantly, was gutless and I genuinely couldn't wait to see the back end of it! BTW, a 1978 model.
@dontuno I had a 2.0l. That was rubbish too. People on here with rose tinted glasses.
Great video thanks 👌
Ideal for Bodie and Doyle :)
Wow that Capri suits you Steph, I never really liked the Capri in any form, the mk1 Escort now that's great car, or the mk5 2.8 V6 auto Cortina is pure heaven to me :D
I agree with you, I never got the appeal
Love the 2.8 capri its a beauty ❤
A nice balance of 80s boxiness and smooth shapes. And that long front end is really... sexy? Lol it's beautiful.
Some nice attention to detail Steph, I have one of these. Do you find the space to use the stalks a little big?
Never had a 2.8 , just a couple of 1.6's a calypso and a laser. great cars. Coupes so out of fashion now. Had my gen 7 Celica for 6 years now, rather take a bus than drive an SUV. Nice video Stef.
Brilliant video!👍
Thanks lovely!
My aunty had a Brooklands capri. Such a beautiful car. It's definitely on the list of cars I would like to own. Great video as always 👍🏻
Steph. When video started and you revved the engine, I thought t this is interesting your going to be a 80's boy racer type in this but as always you drove it with respect. cars are driven on main roads not thrashed for enjoyment.
Childhood memories streaming back
My dad had a few capri's, a Mk1 V4, a mk3 1.6L, Mk3 2.0 Laser and a Mk3 2.8 injection. At the time he sold the Injection (around 1998) you could barely give them away, let alone get decent money.
Glory days. I remember that under-appreciated era well. I managed to have 3 V6's (2x 2.8i and a 3.0S) all in the year I learnt to drive and passed my test. You can't get a bare shell for the price I paid for all 3 combined now. I still have one of them though :-) My first car.
I loved my Capri.❤❤
I once owned a 1.4 Chrysler alpine and I I had a Crapi right up my exhaust pipe
for a good couple of miles I did wave him past but he just stayed there, I had
decided by then It couldn't pull the skin off a rice pudding although it looked the dogs
danglies then we entered a roundabout and it was there the driver proved to me
that it couldn't hold the road in the wet either. I left him pirouetting in the middle of said
roundabout never to be seen again, made me smile the rest of the way to work,
Those were the days.
I would have loved to own a Capri. My uncle Geoff had one.
Great video Steph, had a Mk3 1.6L as a company car, made me feel special every day! Also had, to restore, a Consul Capri (7HHO) which I guess started the whole thing. One of several cars I have owned and regret selling. Best wishes. Terry
Another great video Stef , I only ever had a modest Capri mk 2 1600 GL but even that was a fun car to dive , the 2.8 injection was a bit to much on the insurance for me at the time
A correction Steph, the original V6 was the Essex; the Kent was the crossflow inline 4 engine.
Wonderful. Enough said.
Ooo, Capri,
Nice video but it's not a Sunday?
Nice surprise
Ha. I thought I’d make up for the missed Sunday the other week 😊