The Ford car designed for the young at heart is refusing to grow old gracefully as the Capri celebrates its 40th anniversary.

Although production ended in 1986, Capri lives on within many owners' clubs that will be celebrating the anniversary with events planned from Scotland to the southwest of England. This year, fans are getting together at Castle Combe, Wiltshire, Grampian Transport Museum, Alford, Aberdeenshire, Ace Café in London, and Brooklands Museum, Surrey.

Launched in January 1969 and marketed as "the car you always promised yourself", the Ford Capri was unashamedly aimed at a style-conscious generation. In just 18 years, the European answer to the Ford Mustang sold nearly two million units and achieved iconic status with its target audience.

From the outset the Capri was about choice, with a range boasting 26 derivatives. A mixture of engines - 1.3-, 1.6- and 2.0-litre four-cylinder units and a 3-litre V6 - catered for all tastes, while optional custom packs allowed a degree of personal customising that broke new ground in the industry. For the serious drivers there was the Cologne-built RS2600 and the short-lived Halewood-built 124mph RS3100.

A global oil crisis failed to slow the Capri's progress and in 1974 the Mk II was launched. Smoother design lines and simplified option packs ensured the Capri appealed to a wider market.

Star status was assured with regular Capri appearances in TV shows such as Minder and The Professionals.