The Ford Capri has worn many additional names over the years, although each model has managed to become a classic in its own right and a representative of the best that is offered by an affordable yet sporty coupe.

The first Ford to bear the name was actually called the Consul Capri and arrived on the market back in 1961. It was built in the UK and was actually inspired by two of Ford's existing models, the Thunderbird and the Galaxie.

Pillarless doors, a two-door coupe setup and a long, sweeping body gave the Consul Capri a striking look. However, it was out of production by 1964 because the methods by which it was manufactured were already out of date. This is to be blamed on the long period during which it was in development.

In 1969 the Ford Capri range proper can be said to have started, with the Mark I model of the car being introduced.

Ford wanted to try and emulate the impressive success of its muscle-bound Mustang, but in a format that would be palatable to European drivers. The Mark I Capri used the Cortina as its basis and it too was aimed at being affordable to as many people as possible.

The Mark II Capri would launch just five years later after its predecessor had shifted 1.2 million units. The Mark II would be more practical for everyday use and would also be a little more frugal than the first Cortina, being built as it was during the oil crisis of the early 1970s.

It is the Mark III Ford Capri, introduced in 1978, that is perhaps the most famous and iconic iteration of this range, thanks to its use of four headlights rather than two and a more aerodynamic, sporty design.

V6 engines were available in the 3.0 S Capri, as well as the Ghia edition, the latter of which introduced an automatic gearbox and became the bigger seller of these two range topping options.

There is enduring fondness for the Capri because like many Fords it was able to combine desirability with attainability in a way that few other manufacturers were able to match. The Capri was a teenage pinup for many people and is still supported by a wide community to this day.