Ford Capri Tyres
Ford Capri S1 Period Advert
Ford Capri 1969–1986
MK1 Ford Capri Tyres 1969–1974
- The earliest 1st generation Capri 1300 and 1600 models came fitted with 6.00-13 crossply tyres. This size is no longer in production. We suggest moving to 165 R13 radial tyres.
- Other 1300 and 1600 models, including the L, XL, and 2000 GT variants, fitted 165 R13 radial tyres as standard.
- Our recommended Ford Capri 165 R13 radial tyre is the 165R13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36.
- The most powerful and prestigious MK1 variants; the 3000 E, 3000 GT, and 3000 GXL, fitted larger, low-profile, 185/70 R13 tyres.
- The best low-profile 185/70 R13 Capri tyre is the 185/70 VR 13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36.
- The Mk1 Ford Capri RS 2600 and RS 3100 fitted 185/70 R13 tyres. We recommend a set of 185/70 VR 13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36 tyres.
The PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ CN36 was the original equipment (OE) tyre on the luckier Capri models, in both 165 R13 and 185/70 R13 sizes. Today, PIRELLI's CN36 remains the ideal tyre for the Ford Capri.
Ford Capri MK2 on PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36 Tyres
MK2 Ford Capri Tyres 1974–1978
- Mk2 1300, 1600, and 2000 Ford Capri tyres were sized either 165 R13 or 185/70 R13.
- We recommend the 165R13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36 and 185/70 VR 13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36 in their respective sizes.
- If your MK2 Capri has 165 R13 tyres and you want wider tyres, the 185/70 R13 size could be fitted.
- MK2 Ford Capri 3000 variants, including the 3000 GT, E, S, and the 3000 Ghia, fitted 185/70 R13 tyres as standard. Our recommended Capri 3000 tyre is the 185/70 VR 13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36.
- The MK2 John Player Special (Capri JPS) fitted 5.5x13 alloy wheels and 185/70 R13 tyres. In this size, we recommend the 185/70 VR 13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36.
We have seen evidence that some Italian Capri's were fitted with 14" wheels and 205/55 YR14 PIRELLI CINTURATO P7 tyres. If you have an Italian model with 14" wheels, the P7 is still the best 205/55 R14 tyre for the Capri.
1980 Ford Capri Mk3 S Brochure Photo
MK3 Ford Capri Tyres 1978–1986
- Mk3 1300, 1600, and 2000 Capri tyres were either sized 165 R13 or 185/70 R13. Again, we recommend the PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36 for both sizes.
- MK3 1600 and 2000 Laser fitted the same 165 R13 or 185/70 R13 tyres, but with a higher level of trim and extra features. We recommend the CN36.
- Follow this link to see an independent back-to-back tyre test of relevant classic car tyres.
- For an in-depth look at Ford Capri tyre pressures, see our Ford Capri Tire Pressures. page.
Ford Capri 2.8 Injection Brochure Photo
2.8 Injection, Tickford Turbo, X-Pack, and 2.8 Turbo Capri Tyres
- The 2.8i injection version of the 2.8 V6 Capri fitted 205/60 R13 tyres. In this size, we can offer the 205/60VR13 Dunlop Sport Classic.
- The Ford Capri Tickford Turbo, Mark 111 2.8i, and earlier Capri X-Pack cars also fitted 205/60R13 tyres. Longstone recommends the 205/60VR13 Dunlop Sport Classic.
- Other Ford Capri X Pack cars received upgraded 15" wheels with 205/50 VR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO P7 tyres. The PIRELLI CINTURATO P7 remains the best classic 205/50 R15 classic tyre for the Ford Capri X-Pack on 15" wheels.
- July 1981 to September 1982 saw a brief production of the 2.8 Turbo Capri with 4-spoke RS 7.5X13 wheels with 235/60R13 Pirelli P7 tyres, which are sadly no longer produced.
Ford 280 Brooklands Capri on 205/50 VR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO P7 Tyres
Ford Capri 280 Brooklands Tyres
- The 1986–1987 Ford Capri 280 Brooklands came fitted with 15” wheels and 195/50 R15 tyres, with Pirelli P7 as original equipment.
- We have the 195/50 VR 15 Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 in the correct 195/50 R15 size, however, Ford wanted PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ P7 for its high-spec models.
- The 195/50 R15 P7 is not currently available, so we suggest the 205/50 VR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO P7, as this tyre was fitted to some other Capri models and we have many happy Capri customers with this tyre.
1982 Ford Capri MK3 2.8 Injection
Ford Capri Innertubes
- Our period fitment guides suggest that most Capri models came fitted with tubeless wheels.
- Cars with the original 6.00-13 crossply tyres may have tube-type wheels, but by 1977, all Capri variants were listed as tubeless.
- If you need tubes, the correct tube for 165 R13 tyres is the Michelin 13D, and for 185/70 R13 tyres, the correct tube is the Michelin 13E.
- Tubes with a profile below 70% (e.g., 235/60 WR 15 Pirelli P600) must not fit innertubes. They can only be run tubeless.
Lincoln Mercury Capri MK2 Advert
Independent Tyre Test - The Results
In the world of modern tyres, it is commonplace to come across a tyre test. Unfortunately, in the world of classic tyres, the investment never seems to be there to do a proper modern tyre test. However, a German magazine in July 2016 conducted this modern tyre test using classic tyres. This classic tyre test has been translated from German to English. What is remarkable in this tyre test is quite how well the PIRELLI CINTURATO ™; CN36 classic tyre performed in the table at the end. The scores in this table are not scored in relation to the other tyres in the test, so when a score of 1 is recorded, then that is a perfect score for a classic tyre or a modern tyre. It is wonderful to see that these classic PIRELLI CINTURATO ™; CN36 tyres can give such exemplary results.
History of the Ford Capri
The Ford Capri was introduced in Europe in 1969, as Ford's attempt to replicate in Europe the success it had with the Ford Mustang with a similar sort of car. It was even originally meant to be called the Ford Colt, but Ford was unable to carry this out due to Mitsubishi having the trademark on the name Colt.
With 400,000 Capris sold by 1970, Ford decided to update the MK I with a facelift in 1972. However, in 1973, the oil crisis hit, so after selling 1.2 million cars, Ford decided to upgrade the car again to reflect the changing market and thus was born the MK II. The MK II featured a shorter bonnet but a larger overall body and cabin, plus a hatchback rear door.