1974, the Ford Capri MKII...

In February 1974, the Capri underwent its first facelift, in both Germany and Great Britain. This was a limited rejuvenation, primarily affecting the bodywork by removing the side crease that adorned the flanks of the older models and adding a rear hatch to all versions.

Although customers retained the option to personalize their purchase, the Capri selection was simplified: the range was reduced to four versions (1300, 1600 GT, 2300 GT, and 3000 GT), with only two trim levels available: L or XL for the 1300, and standard or "Ghia" for the three GT versions. In the latter case, the interior and exterior presentation was enhanced by the Turin-based coachbuilder: vinyl roof, alloy wheels, velour interior, etc. By autumn 1975, the range available in France consisted of just three models. The 3000 GT was only available in Germany and the UK, with a few imported examples appearing in France, and the Capri RS 2600 had no equivalent in the catalog.

The German range, meanwhile, was expanded in the spring of 1976 with the addition of the Capri 2000, powered by the V6 engine already seen in the Capri Mk1 (borrowed from the Taunus 2000). At the same time, new intermediate trim levels were offered: "L" or "GL" for the Capri 1300, "S" for the 1600, and "S" or Ghia for the 2000 and 2300. Recognizable by the stylized "S" stripe adorning their sides, the Capri S models replaced the previous GT versions. They featured a fairing under the front bumper and a rear spoiler.

The year 1976 also saw the end of production of the British Ford Capri: 337,500 units had been assembled in Halewood since 1969. From then on, all Capris sold came from the Cologne assembly lines.

A year later, production of models specifically intended for the American market was halted. Between April 1970 and August 1977, more than half a million Ford Capris were sold across the Atlantic.

PassionAutoFrance is a partner of Club Capri Passion since 2010.