The idea of bringing back previous commercials began at Christmas, but Wieden + Kennedy London and Ford have turned recycling into an attention-magnet art form. Ford has reimagined three vintage commercials to mark the European relaunch of the Capri as an electric vehicle.
Each of the three ads, Prowl, Lightning, and Ski, begin as a classic Capri ad before morphing into modern commercials that show off the new take on the popular Capris from the ‘60s and ‘70s. In one, bolts of lightning chase the Capri as it drives along a mountain road. In another, panthers stalk the car as it drives through the desert. The third third is an ’80s-James Bond-esque chase scene with skiers pursuing the classic vehicle.
The larger campaign, Mischief Rewired, positions the Capri EV as a bridge between the past and the future, blending the retro appeal of the original with modern sustainability.
The commericals were directed by Fredrik Bond with Academy Award-nominated director of hotography, Rodrigo Prieto.
All three are part of the larger “Mischief Rewired” campaign, which positions the Capri EV as a bridge between the past and the future, blending the retro appeal of the original with modern sustainability.
Pete Zillig, director of marketing, Ford in Europe, commented, “When you say ‘The Legend is back’ you need to be all in. What better way to do that than use some of those classic old Capri ads as a springboard into Capri’s electric future. Very proud of this brave work that stands out boldly in a sea of EV sameness.”
David Colman, creative director at Wieden+Kennedy London, added, “To relaunch the Capri as a new electric vehicle, we wanted to tap into its iconic past. From its role as the go-to car for stuntmen to its appearances alongside music legends and movie stars, the Capri was a symbol of excitement, individuality, and style. The idea took shape when our creative team, Georgina Brisby and Marcelo Duarte, discovered the archive of legendary vintage Capri ads and suggested ‘rewiring’ them. With Fredrik Bond directing, we dialled up the drama with lightning storms, a pack of panthers, and even a James Bond-style ski chase. The challenge was where on earth we might be able to shoot three extremely different landscapes in one week. Luckily, Chile answered our production prayers.”
Curro de la Villa, former creative director at Wieden+Kennedy London, stated, “Working on this project felt like producing a movie trilogy. As a film enthusiast, it was a dream come true to dive into the cinematic styles that fascinated us as kids. Across the films, we drew inspiration from iconic ‘70s music, combined retro sci-fi elements and the adventurous energy of ’80s action films, and captured a high-stakes, spy-thriller chase in the snow.”
The films are running throughout Europe across cinema, TV, VOD and social, supported by DOOH, OOH and print.
Credits:
Client: Ford Motor Company
Content Manager: Irem Yelogl
Communications Manager: Lyn West
Marketing Director: Peter Zillig
Creative Agency: Wieden+Kennedy London
Creative Directors: Curro De La Villa, David Colman & Alex Sattlecker
Creatives: Georgina Brisby & Marcelo Duarte
Chief Creative Officers: Ana Balarin & Hermeti Balarin
Executive Producer: Matthew Ellingham
Producer: Aran Patterson
Print Producers: Rebecca Herbert & Mich Bradfield
Strategy Director: Michael Hines
Strategists: Ned Hodge & Aaron Panesar
Communications Planner: Cristelle Fornesi
Chief Strategy Officer: Dan Hill
Group Account Director: Tom Shattock
Business Director: Mychel Peoples
Account Director: Rachel Campell
Account Manager: Jide Olaofe
Account Executive: Amelia Barnes
Design Director: Phil Rosieur
Designer: Jon Barnett
Motion Designer: Jon Harris
Director of Business Affairs: Helena Tomas
Business Affairs Managers: Becky Day & Lenya James
Production Company: MJZ London
Director: Fredrik Bond
Executive Producer: Lindsay Turnham
Line Producer: Alicia Richards
Production Manager: Daniel Gay
Director of Photography: Rodrigo Prieto
Art Director: Ernesto Molina
1st AD: Daniel Mallinson
Post Production & VFX: 1920vfx
Creative Director: Bill McNamara
CG Supervisors: Chris King, Ben Thomas & Will Davies
2D Supervisor: Chrys Aldred
VFX Producer: David Keegan
Coordinator: Molly Russell
Shoot Supervisor: Bill Mcnamara
Colourist: Kai Van Beers
Editorial: Marshall Street Editors
Editors: Tim Thornton-Allan, Patric Ryan & Matt Pochettino
Edit Assistant: Hannah Yerbury & Curtis Rutherford
Producer: Faye Butler
Music: Mr Pape
Music Supervisors: Paul Brown & Chloe Sitton
Sound: 750mph
Sound Designer: Sam Ashwell
Executive Producer: Olivia Ray
