1969 Ford Capri 1600 GT
The 1969 Ford Capri 1600 GT was the first generation of the Capri line of cars, introduced by Ford of Europe in 1969.
Marketed with the slogan “The Car You Always Promised Yourself,” the Capri was designed to be an affordable yet stylish and sporty coupe that gave European buyers the muscle car styling and feel of an American sports car, adapted to the compact size, lower cost, and increased practicality suited to the European auto market.
Making its sensational debut at the January 1969 Brussels Motor Show, the Capri was intended as a mass-market vehicle with broad customer appeal, much like the wildly popular Ford Mustang in the United States.
The 1600 GT version came equipped with a lively if compact 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 80 horsepower (quite sporty for its time) for a brisk ride worthy of its “GT” sporting pedigree.
With head-turning looks including a long hood, short rear deck and rakish fastback shape, the Capri exuded sleek, modern style inside and out. The interior focused on driver comfort with supportive seats, a sporty steering wheel and comprehensive gauges.
Ford offered the Capri in a variety of engine and trim configurations to allow customers to customize to their tastes and budget. This market-savvy approach proved widely successful.
The Capri became one of the most popular cars across Europe, selling nearly 1.9 million units during its lifetime. Assembly spanned several countries including Germany and the United Kingdom before the second-gen model replaced it.
The 1969 Ford Capri 1600 GT, with its balance of affordability, performance and charm, has since become a classic reminder of Ford’s Europe success. Its role launching the bestselling Capri line lasting until 1986 secures its place in automotive history.
Credit: Bonhams|Cars
