It was presented for the first time in 1969, at the Brussels Motor Show. It was the Europeanized version of the Ford Mustang success story on the other side of the Atlantic. The Ford Capri was based on the Ford Cortina and production began in British, Belgian, and West German factories. Despite its sporty design, the brand aimed to appeal to a wider audience, so the model was fitted with a wide range of engines. The model in continental Europe used the Ford Taunus V4 engines of 1.3, 1.5, and 1.7 liters. The British Ford Essex 2 liter V4, also built on the island, and the German-built L Cologne V6 2 liter. Two versions were released for sports driving enthusiasts. The German 2300 GT with a double carburetor with an output of 125 PS. In September 1969, the Capri 3000 GT appeared on British roads, with an Essex V6 engine, producing 138 hp.