Ford’s Special Vehicle Engineering group was entrusted with developing the Capri 2.8i that made its debut at the 1981 Geneva Motor Show. Based at the Research and Engineering centre in Essex, SVE decided to adopt the 2.8-litre V6 with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, plus lowered suspension, thicker anti-roll bars. gas-filled shock absorbers, and wide-rim alloy wheels fitted with Goodyear’s 205/60VR NCT tyres.

The specification also included a five-speed gearbox, a limited-slip differential (1984 onwards) and ventilated disc brakes for the front wheels. All this translates into a car that goes with wonderful eagerness’, the Autocar test team enthused after rocketing from 0-60 mph to just 7.9 seconds.

The Capri 2.8 Injection Special with seven-spoke alloy wheels, leather edged seats and other attractive features joined the popular 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre Laser models in 1984. Packed with performance and character, it paved the way for the superb Capri 280.

Ford’s stylish Capri goes from strength to strength and is proof that sporting characteristics can be blended with the more down-to-earth virtues of a practical, family sized car.

Before the Capri’s launch there was a traditional landmark in the lives of those who enjoyed driving something special. It was the sad day when the rakish two seater had to be exchanged for a saloon.

The arrival of the Capri changed all that. It provided the perfect cocktail of multi-seat convenience, personality packed styling, performance and value-for-money luxury blended with a liberal dash of that exclusive ingredient called panache. Few cars have ever appealed to quite so many people.

IN KEEPING WITH FORD’S overall philosophy, the Capri story has been one of steady development. The latest Laser and 2.8 Injection Special come from an engineering team with a world-wide reputation for making a good thing even better.

The original ‘car you always promised yourself’ was such a resounding international success that more than a million had been built before the adoption of a tailgate turned the Capri into a versatile hatchback. Ford then concentrated on the wind tunnel, where exhaustive tests improved the Capri’s aerodynamic efficiency while making its styling more attractive than ever.

Technical expertise is not needed to appreciate how smoothly and sweetly the bonnet sweeps down to a wind-cheating radiator grille. Equally significant is the way the bodywork below the bumper is sculpted to ease air under the car and past the front wheels. In addition, the Laser and 2.8 Injection Special sport a black, tailgate mounted spoiler. Attractive as well as functional, it goes well with the Capri’s long-nosed, low-slung styling.

Smooth, flexible, fuel-efficient engines producing up to 160 PS provide performance in keeping with the strong visual appeal.

Ford’s beautifully responsive three-speed automatic transmission is optional with the punchy 2.0-litre power unit, but the company’s five- speed manual gearbox is standard equipment on the lively Laser and hard-charging Injection Special.

Light and precise-just like the clutch – the gearshift is right in line with the Capri’s sporting character.

The suspension reflects the Capri’s unique, wide-ranging appeal. Developed over millions of road miles and in the hectic, high-technology world of racing, it combines the comfort of a saloon with the crisp handling and tenacious road-holding demanded by today’s most enthusiastic drivers. Rack-and-pinion steering has always been associated with performance cars. The Capri’s make light work of parking without compromising the ‘feel’ and quick, clean reactions needed on the open road.

Features praised when MOTOR magazine put the 2.8 Injection Special through its paces included ‘truly superb’ Recaro seats, and the Capri’s S traditionally taut handling characteristics. ‘Although power-assisted, its steering retains feel and is quick and precise yet well weighted, the testers reported. ‘You always know exactly what’s happening to the front wheels, which makes mid-corner steering corrections easy to apply.’ Equipment and trim levels highlight Ford’s reputation for value-for-money quality, For instance, all Capris feature a sunroof, twin door mirrors with remote control on the driver’s side, a laminated windscreen, a heated rear window, tailgate wash/wipe, integral rear fog lamps, reversing lights and a lockable cap for the 13-gallon fuel tank. Inside, flexibility is one of the most attractive facets of the Capri’s character. It is basically a four-seater, but the back seats can be folded, together or individually, to optimise luggage space. Load length then increases from 36″ to 65.3″ with a maximum width of over 50″.

The fundamental virtues of the Capri design have inevitably attracted the attention of Ford’s Special Vehicle Engineering team. Their unrivalled know-how makes the 2.8 Injection Special a genuine supercar whose price is as attractive as its performance.

If only there could be a future generation of Capri models but, alas, 1986 was the final Capris assembled at the Cologne factory. The Capri always sold well which is, of course, one very good reason why Ford should have continued its production, even though its identity no longer conforms with the present Ford range.

If you liked the Capri shape you had to have one since, as the Ford Public Relations people said, “It’s the car you always promised yourself.” As a prospective owner, the choice was yours, performance or economy. There is no argument that, performance wise, the Capri offered excellent value for money.

The Capri changed its identity halfway through its life, with a hatchback body providing even more practical motoring for Ford enthusiasts. Designed for the UK and European markets, it suited our roads and climatic conditions well, even though a few of us would have been delighted to accept a convertible version. Its straightforward mechanical layout, of leaf-spring rear axle and MacPherson strut front end, rack and pinion steering and a choice of engines, all taken from other existing Ford models, made the Capri a winner with the DIY mechanic or tuner.