Story and photography by Tara Hurlin
It’s not a Subaru, a Volkswagen or even one of those European-market Ford Escort Cosworths. It’s a Capri, built in Germany by Ford and sold stateside through Lincoln-Mercury dealerships. And for more than a decade, this one has stood out at American rally events.
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That's a great photo.
This Capri looks like a MkII model (I had a 2.6 V6 Mk I version). I don't believe that this model was ever sold retail in the US. How did he get it? A privately imported car?
GeorgeWeb said:This Capri looks like a MkII model (I had a 2.6 V6 Mk I version). I don't believe that this model was ever sold retail in the US. How did he get it? A privately imported car?
MkII's were sold in the US, until 1977 so basically all the life of the MkII.
Cool car in the article.
Gustaf
Tom_Spangler (Forum Supporter) said:That's a great photo.
Agreed. It makes a wonderful Desktop background.
Cool enough cars. I had a friend that drove one in high school, but hey, that was over 40 years ago. All but impossible to find nowadays.
Back in the early years of rallying in the US, there was a east cost series called the MONY Series. Rally's were held in MI, OH, PA, NY and eventually others as it expanded. Our club Erie Shores Sports Car Club put on the Erie 100 and later the Cooper Tire 300. Bill Dodd our rally master and frequent competitor ran a 2600 Capri for several years. As a privateer, Bill competed very well against the "factory" teams of the time, John Buffum, Rod Millen, Scott Harvey and others. My father and I crewed regularly for Bill and particularly enjoyed The POR and The Molson Criterium Rally, at the time the only WCR in North America. The POR went on to carry the WRC title as well. Those were the days!
My father had a MK1 capri in that typical 70s brown. It was a very cool car.
There was a very limited run of all wheel drive Mk I Capris built for rallying back in the 70's. I know that a couple were imported and race here back then.
I can't remember the name of the car builder though?
I have a nice '74 V6 5 sp. in my garage right now. It's a friends car. We are slowly getting it back on the road. It runs and drives but needs much detailing, like a complete interior! It only has an old stock seat that on it's last legs to sit on.
jimbbski said:There was a very limited run of all wheel drive Mk I Capris built for rallying back in the 70's. I know that a couple were imported and race here back then.
I can't remember the name of the car builder though?
I have a nice '74 V6 5 sp. in my garage right now. It's a friends car. We are slowly getting it back on the road. It runs and drives but needs much detailing, like a complete interior! It only has an old stock seat that on it's last legs to sit on.
Ferguson. They used Cologne shells, shipped to Coventry to be fit with the FF system,.
I have a 76 MKII waiting for a new motor
Being identified as a 74 is interesting- the MKI was sold as a 74 model in the US, the first MKII were sold in Europe as 75 model, and as 76 in the US. Was the shell imported from Europe? It could have been a European import.
Actually, both MkI and MkII were sold as 1974's. My MkII is a 1974, sold new in Sweden. MkI 1974's are quite rare in Europe but you find them now and then.
Gustaf
Fantastic looking race car. Looks like fun too...
Very nice well put together car, a timeless classic.
Does anyone know the make of those front hubs I am looking for the same 5 bolt hub.
Thanks Gary
My dad had an early 70's with the 4 cylinder and a 4 speed. Tall gearing required quite the slip to get it rolling from a standstill, but I had it >125 on the river road between Jeff City, Mo and Mokane, Mo. My memory that stands out is that it oversteered badly when pushed.
Capri's ruled Showroom Stock C until they were written out.
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