Dramatic music and a car jumping through a glass wall. That's how the crime series Professionals began, several episodes of which could also be enjoyed by viewers of the socialist Czechoslovak Television. Agents Bodie and Doyle have always done their boss's bidding. Plus they could drive around in all those cool Fords from the 70s and 80s. I don't know about you, but the third generation Ford Capri stuck in my memory the most.
We have already covered the history of Capri in detail, so now only briefly. The first generation came on the market in 1969, the second in 1974. Four years later, the third generation was introduced, which has a large body part in common with the previous one. The new generation cars had better aerodynamics and different headlights. Injection engines also appeared for the first time in this generation. And even on the triple there could be an X-Pack modification package. When the water shut down on the Capri after eighteen years of production, 1.9 million vehicles were said to have been produced.
Today, however, we don't have an X-Pack, nor a 2.8 Injection, nor a supercharged Zakspeed, but a Capri 2.3 GT with a six-cylinder fork and a classic carburetor . And in addition with a three-speed automatic . But no, don't roll your eyes yet. Still, it's a great car. The automatic machine had its justification in the car. An elderly lady bought the car for her retirement. Can you imagine such a petrolhead? How does one fold into a long coupe at the age of sixty and drive it to see the grandchildren? Just a sensation!
This Capri inherited the basic body skeleton from its predecessor with a hinged rear lid including glass. Only from the outside it was significantly more angular. One of the typical elements is, for example, the straight line of the front part of the hood (the bite out of the middle part towards the bottom was painted black). But there was still a very long hood , giving the impression that it was half the length of the car. That flowing rear ended with the typical rubber spoiler looks great, especially when you know that the spoiler here is not just for decoration, but really fulfills its function. I don't mind the material either, rubber was in fashion at the time. Looking at the silhouette of the car, it is clear that the driver is sitting almost in the middle of the car. And also that you have to look elsewhere for practicality.
When you open the very long doors, the comfort of boarding is ensured. Only the handle is strange in that only part of it actually clicks. There is enough space only in the front, in the back it is really not for tall people. After all, the original idea of the Capri is to transport two passengers in style towards a better tomorrow. A good position behind the wheel, or rather the ideal one, is easy to find. You are sitting low to the ground and your legs and arms are stretched out in front of you. Just an absolutely great position to control the car. Just to start some chase with a subversive element that threatens Her Majesty and the United Kingdom. You have a manual sunroof above your head, if only for the passenger to reach through it and shoot the tires at nothing. Oh, I'm dreaming again, but that's how amazingly comfortable the sport -shaped seats are. It is not surprising that some owners have made office chairs out of surplus specimens. One can immediately dream in them, just don't fall asleep. But you can't do that in a sports car, right?
After opening the large trunk lid (yes, all the opening parts of the car are just huge, you get the idea) you are looking into the spacious trunk. So it is vast, but very shallow . There is a certain practicality here, but you are more likely to transport a giant painting or a flat-screen TV in it than a washing machine. Under the hood (yes, also big and long) one thing will certainly strike you, namely that the wheel arches are very thick and, on the contrary, the engine compartment resembles a long noodle. Otherwise, there is enough space around the engine to fit a larger unit. However, more than three-liter units could also be enthroned in the bow.
So, I turn on the lights on the stick to the left and we can go. Driving with an automatic is very peaceful. The car certainly doesn't kick when shifting, as old automatic transmissions are used to. The exception is a small jerk when pressing the gas hard and then downshifting. The steering is very smooth , the ride is pleasant. This engine and transmission configuration is no asphalt ripper, but a modern operation with elegance and poise. And the carbureted six-cylinder sings to you in a seriously refined voice.
Driving a Capri has been a dream of mine for a long time and I was finally able to make it come true. But I still didn't feel like a CI5 agent in the end. In short, something was still missing, perhaps a cassette with a jingle in the player or manual shifting. It's hard to say, but it's certainly not the last Capri I've gotten my hands on.
Finally, we ask the owner a few questions:
Why did you choose this particular car, was it your long-term dream or a momentary decision?
Capri has been a matter of the heart since kindergarten.
How hard was this car to get?
It can be obtained well, but it is difficult to find a well-preserved piece.
How do you live with the car in normal traffic? And do you have it for pleasure or for daily use?
I only drive the car to meetings and for drives.
What was the most interesting experience with your car?
Meeting a girlfriend.
Are you planning any modifications or repairs on it?
Not yet, the car is perfectly fine
We thank the website Veteráni na Truc for arranging the test.
