1962 Ford Consul Capri Coupe

Description

One of the best looking British Ford's ever made, the Consul Capri was launched in September 1961 to inject some much needed style into the otherwise lacklustre Consul Classic range. The Consul had been conceived to fill the gap between Ford's small Anglia and larger Zephyr models, with American-inspired styling featuring quad headlamps, a narrow front grille complete with chrome star motifs, fins and a reverse-raked rear window, a styling gimmick first used by Mercury in 1957 and one employed to good effect on the Anglia. The Consul Classic also used the Anglia's sturdy 1340cc four-cylinder engine under the bonnet, with either column-shift or floor-mounted gearshift and Girling disc brakes up front. Transforming the Consul Classic into a stylish hardtop coupe, stylist Colin Neal added a fastback greenhouse that turned the Capri into a glamorous cruiser, one that was perfectly at home on the French Riviera. Most Capris were sold in soft pastel colours, the appearance nicely enhanced with whitewall tyres and polished hubcaps. Mechanically little was changed from the four-door Consul, although the steering column was raked slightly lower and leather upholstery was optional. The Capri was strictly a two-seater, although the space behind the seats could be used to transport small children, but luggage capacity was correspondingly excellent. In July 1962 Ford made several mechanical improvements, including synchro on first gear and a five-bearing 1500cc engine was adopted. The final evolution of the model arrived in March 1963, the Capri GT boasting a twin-choke Weber carburettor, bigger exhaust valves and an alloy manifold to boost the horsepower rating up to 78 bhp at 5200 rpm. Ford built 11,143 of the original 1.3 Capris, with a further 5805 1500s and just 1767 GTs, for a grand total amounting to just 18,716 cars over three years of production, hardly constituting a commercial success. Although few Capris survive today, the reliable underpinnings ensure maintenance is relatively inexpensive and parts availability remains good, with a strong network of clubs and specialists. Never marketed in Australia, the Consul Capri remains a rare sight on our roads, with few imported (the owner believes there are less than 30 here) and is a fabulous club car, one that would be a welcome addition to any event.