Ford Capri 109E

Ford (UK) launched its first ever family sized coupe in 1961, the Ford Capri 109E. The Capri used the same floor pan and mechanical items as the Ford Classic 109E saloon which appeared at the same time. Both new models used a new overhead valve 1340cc four cylinder engine and had a four speed gearbox with either a floor or column change. The styling of the Capri was very transatlantic and certainly not to everyone's taste. The Capri had a unique "5 Star" grille and twin headlamps, plus a long swage line that ran down each side of the side of the car and swept into the large "Gull Wing" rear fins. From the rear the Capri looked like a scaled down Chevrolet Impala and was certainly distinctive. Sadly the Capri was misunderstood by the public and needed more power. In 1962 a 1500 version arrived but this was also short lived and so the first Capri project faded away in 1963...