The 1971 Ford Capri was a sleek, sporty coupe built by Ford of Europe and marketed as “the car you always promised yourself.” Designed to be the European counterpart to the Ford Mustang, it featured a long-hood, short-deck fastback style and rear-wheel drive, delivering a true driver’s car experience at an accessible price.
Offered with a wide range of engines—from modest 1.3L and 1.6L inline-4s to punchier 2.6L and 3.0L V6s (especially in the UK)—the Capri catered to casual drivers and performance enthusiasts alike. U.S. versions were sold under the Mercury badge and featured slight styling tweaks to meet local regulations.
With its lightweight build, distinctive styling, and customizable trims, the 1971 Capri became an icon of ‘70s motoring, earning a devoted following and a legacy as Europe’s answer to the muscle car.
