Ford Capri GT1600

Introduction

The Ford Capri was released in Australia on 3rd May, 1969 and was initially available only as a 1600 Deluxe or a 1600 GT.

The first Capri's were actually assembled in March 1969, with eight 1600 Deluxe manuals, one 1600 Deluxe auto and one 1600 GT being produced. For the launch in May, Ford built a further 216 in April and then another 380 in May. In February 1970, the 1600 GT was dropped in favour of the more powerful 3000 GT V6 model.

Best of all, the purchaser could add items to make their Capri truly a one-of-a-kind, and as one of the advertising slogans suggested, "Make your Capri what you want it to be".

A complete list of options included T-Bar automatic, Vinyl Roof, Long Range Driving Lights, Tinted/Laminated Windscreen, Sports Road Wheels, Full-styled Wheel Covers, Sports Steering Wheel, Nylon-weave Seat Trim, Centre Sports Console - including Electric Clock, Exterior Racing mirrors, Long Range Radio and 165 x 13 radial tyres on 5-inch wide road wheels.

Capri GT 1600 Engine Specifications:

Engine Type: 4 cylinder in-line formation, OHV Crossflow

BHP: 98bhp @ 6000rpm

Torque: 101 lb ft @ 4000rpm

Bore & Stroke: 80.98mm x 77.62mm / 3.19in x 3.06in

Displacement: 1599cc / 97.6cu in

Compression Ratio: 9.0:1

Carburettion: Weber two barrel down draught

Wheels and Tyres: 4 1/2-inch wide safety-rim wheels with performance rated 6.00 x 13 tyres are standard, 5-inch wide wheels with 165/13 radial ply tyres were standard on GTs and optional on XLs.

Gear Ratios:

• Manual Transmission, 1st - 2.97:1; 2nd - 2.01:1; 3rd - 1.39:1; 4th - 1.00:1; Reverse - 3.32:1
• Borg Warner 35 three speed automatic, 1st - 2.393:1, 2nd - 1.450:1, 3rd - 1.00:1, Reverse - 2.094:1
  
  Notes:
  • All Capri’s were assembled from UK-sourced knockdown kits at Fords Homebush Plant in Sydney, NSW.
  • The first Capri’s were assembled in March, 1969, with eight Deluxe 1600 manuals, one Deluxe 1600 auto and one 1600 GT being produced.
  • For the launch in May, Ford built a further 216 in April and then 380 in May.
  • Production of all Capri models ceased in November 1972, though some were still being sold into 1973.