The Ford Capri, a classic and iconic car produced by Ford Motor Company, captivated the hearts of millions around the world during its production from 1969 to 1986. With its sporty design, reasonable price, and remarkable performance, it quickly established a loyal fanbase and became a symbol of automotive innovation in the era of muscle cars.
Throughout its lifespan, the Ford Capri was involved in a number of notable collaborations and partnerships that further enhanced its reputation and popularity. Let’s delve into some of the most noteworthy collaborations in the history of the Ford Capri.
1. Design collaboration with Ghia: One of the key factors behind the Ford Capri’s success was its striking design. Ford enlisted the services of Italian design house Ghia to collaborate on the aesthetics of the car. Ghia, known for its elegant and timeless designs, played a significant role in shaping the iconic look of the Capri. Its influence is evident in the sleek lines, aggressive front grille, and overall sporty silhouette that became the trademark of the Capri.
2. Engineering partnership with Cosworth: To cater to the demand for higher performance versions of the Capri, Ford partnered with renowned engineering company Cosworth to create the legendary Ford Capri RS2600. Cosworth, renowned for its expertise in engine modification and performance enhancements, worked on the RS2600 variant, equipping it with a powerful 2.6L V6 engine producing 150 horsepower. This collaboration resulted in a high-performance Capri that was beloved by car enthusiasts and became a dominant force in motorsports.
3. Tuning by Tickford: Another notable collaboration involving the Ford Capri was with the British tuning company Tickford. Ford enlisted Tickford’s expertise to develop performance-focused versions of the Capri. Tickford introduced the Capri Turbo Technics, which featured a turbocharged engine and various performance upgrades to enhance power and handling. The collaboration with Tickford provided consumers with an exciting and more potent variant of the Capri.
4. Joint development with McLaren: In the 1980s, McLaren, a renowned British racing and automotive company, joined forces with Ford to create the Capri McLaren Turbo. This limited-edition version of the Capri incorporated McLaren’s expertise in aerodynamics, suspension, and turbocharging technology. With its aggressive styling, improved handling, and a turbocharged engine producing over 200 horsepower, the Capri McLaren Turbo offered a thrilling driving experience for car enthusiasts.
These noteworthy collaborations and partnerships allowed the Ford Capri to go beyond being merely a popular car; they transformed it into an automotive icon. The design influence of Ghia, the engineering prowess of Cosworth, the tuning expertise of Tickford, and the performance enhancements from McLaren collectively elevated the Capri’s reputation and solidified its place in automotive history.
Today, the Ford Capri continues to be celebrated by enthusiasts and collectors alike. Its collaborations with esteemed organizations and companies from around the world played a significant role in enhancing the car’s appeal during its production, leaving a lasting legacy that is cherished by automotive aficionados.