The Ford Consul Classic started to be designed in 1956, Colin Neale heading a team that took elements from Dearborn's Galaxie and Lincoln models. Launched in 1961 with a 1340cc version of the Anglia 4-cylinder engine, this was upgraded to 1498cc in 1962. Advanced engineering gave the Classic front wheel discs and Macpherson strut suspension. The Ford Consul Classic was launched in 2-door and 4-door versions, and some cars were converted into estate cars by ED Abbotts of Farnham. A Coupe called the 'Classic Capri' was launched in late 1961, being the fruit of Ford's 'Sunbird' project and designed by Charles Thompson with elements of the Galaxie Sunliner and Thunderbird. The Capri was underpowered, and even the Cosworth developed 1498cc engine couldn't rescue sales and it died in 1963 along with the entire Ford Classic range.