Ford Capri Set Mk1/Mk2/Mk3 (3)

Ford Capri Set Mk1/Mk2/Mk3 (3)

In this new set, Oxford have put together three fine examples of the highly successful fastback coupé which topped the Ford charts between 1969 and 1986.

The Ford Capri Mk1 decorated in bright yellow (76CP001). In real life, the Mk1 formed the basis for the subsequent Mk2 and Mk3 upgrades which resulted in nearly 1.9 million sales during its lifetime.

The Capri Mk I was manufactured by Ford Europe and designed by the company’s American designer Philip T Clark. The Capri was classed as a mid-size sports car/fastback coupé and came with 4-speed manual gearbox. With its sleek lines, the two door car was an instant success and was also affordable by ordinary motorists with a variety of engine sizes. The Mk! was assembled at the Halewood plant in the UK where production lasted until the end of 1973, when it was superseded by the Mk II.

Registered HLP 755K from 1971-72, our model is decorated in bright yellow with black vinyl roof. The interior is also black. Additional external trim is mostly silver and its sporty image is reflected in the black lines along the waistline of the car and the rear wheel arches. Note too, the authentic wheel trim in black and silver and the black and chrome radiator grille.

The Mk2 or Capri II emerged in 1974 with production lasting until 1978. Classed as a mid-sized sports car with hatchback coupé body, Ford introduced it with some design changes including a shorter bonnet but longer body, larger interior with an updated dashboard and a smaller steering wheel and – a first for Ford - a rear hatchback feature opening up a very large boot. Engine size varied from a 1.3L to a 3.0L with a 4-speed manual gearbox or the option of a 3-speed automatic. The Mk2 featured the large rectangular headlights while larger front disc brakes and a standard alternator rounded off the upgraded car.

Our 1:76 scale Mk2 – Oxford model No. 76CPR001, incorporates the visible upgraded features of the original and is registered CCR 412W. It makes an eye-catching entrance in its lime green colour scheme with black vinyl roof and lots of black trim, including the black and silver sporty stripes along the sides. The interior is equally bright with orange seating and black dash/steering wheel.

The third Capri in the set is the Mk3 which superseded the Mk2 in 1978, by which time all Capri production had moved to Germany. It lasted in production until 1986. Oxford’s 1:76 scale Mk3 replica has been a firm favourite in the range for some time and this Mk3 2.0 Laser version in Sebring Red is a reprise of series model number76CAP004, registered D272 REM from the last year of production 1986. Comparing it with the Mk2, there were more physical differences including a dropped bonnet, quad headlights and slatted radiator grille, a rear spoiler and new ‘sawtooth’ style rear lights. The engine capacity and gearbox options of the Mk2 were carried over to the upgraded Mk3 with the favourites being the V6 versions, which included our 2.0L model.

With an all-over bright red body and silver and black stripes along the skirt, further exterior black trim extends to the rear spoiler, bumpers door handles and wipers. The slatted radiator grille is finished in dark grey. The interior is moulded in the same dark grey with black steering wheel. The Ford Capri 2.0 Laser lettering is printed in white across the nearside edge of the boot.

This detailed and colourful set gives you a superb opportunity to line up the three generations of the Ford Capri marque, which arguably found its roots in the Ford Mustang.