Ford Believes That a Special Edition is the Appropriate Way to Commemorate a Famous Sports Event | Carscoops

      The unique Ford Capri was unveiled to the former soccer player during a special event at the Ford France headquarters.

      This one-off model serves as a tribute to Eric Cantona, also known as "King Eric." He is widely recognized as one of the greatest players in Manchester United's history.

      The ex-athlete is also known for an incident in which he kicked a spectator during an away match.

      Eric Cantona, part soccer legend and part headline-maker, has always embraced the spotlight. He is infamously remembered for delivering a "kung fu kick" to a rival fan who insulted him, and now Ford is honoring him with a one-off electric Capri. If that doesn’t encapsulate “Cantona,” we’re not sure what does.

      However, it raises the question of whether it’s wise for a company to acknowledge a physical altercation, regardless of its notoriety, even if it's meant playfully. But then again, who needs discretion when there’s branding involved?

      In collaboration with Ford, Cantona has revived the Capri, and he is celebrated as a football icon, often regarded as one of the best players to wear Manchester United's red jersey, having secured four Premier League titles in five years. That's impressive for someone who could draw as much attention for his temper as for his skills.

      Besides his remarkable abilities on the pitch, "King Eric" is also remembered for his volatile temperament, which caused him serious trouble in 1995. During an away game, he infamously kicked and punched a fan from the other team. This led to fines, community service, and a significant suspension from football. Nevertheless, he returned to the game, adding more titles to his collection before retiring early at age 30 in 1997.

      As a reference to this infamous event, the headrests of the custom Capri feature an outline of Cantona executing the "kung fu kick." Another unique element is the polished Plexiglass insert on the center console, which has a backlit inscription that reads: "When a goat follows his hero in his car, it’s because the ruler on the racetrack returns. The Legend is back."

      The interior of the electric vehicle is adorned with Feeltek Luxury Grain trim, complemented by Signal Orange stripes, accents, and stitching. This vibrant color is also used on the exterior, nodding to the Mark III Capri of the 1970s. The striking design includes black racing stripes and the number 7 on the side, echoing Cantona's jersey number at Manchester United.

      Other notable features comprise a custom rear spoiler, 21-inch alloy wheels, a 3D crown badge on the D-pillars, and Cantona's signature displayed on the front fenders, right beside the Ford Design logo. However, underneath it all, this custom model is based on the Capri RWD Extended Range trim, with no additional modifications.

      This special edition Capri was crafted by a select group of Ford designers, who undoubtedly collaborated closely with Cantona throughout the development process. The final product was revealed to him during a special ceremony at the Ford France headquarters.