The Capri Mk1, especially in 3-litre form, blurred the gap between performance sports car and comfortable saloon in a way that, at first glance, made them ideal high speed motorway traffic cars. However, they were not greatly used in this role because they lacked the carrying capacity needed for the extra equipment the police were being issued with at that time. A small number were utilised, including the Thames Valley Police example modelled here. The equipment carried by a motorway patrol car of this period included a shovel, broom, crowbar, tape measure, cones, road marking chalk, VHF radio, PA, fire extinguisher, medical kit and road signs saying ‘Accident’ and ‘Slow’.
Engine: 2,994cc V6 OHV
Power: 138bhp@4,750rpm
Torque: 191lb.ft@3,000rpm
Maximum speed: 122mph 0–60mph: 8.4secs