Back when Ford wasn’t producing Fox-body convertibles, ASC & McClaren combined to produce some customized cars with Ford’s blessing. This one is a little bruised, but still has its unique components and is priced low enough that you could daily drive it without guilt. It’s located in Alamagordo, New Mexico and is listed for sale here on craigslist for $3,500.
As you can see from these ads, the ASC cars were aimed at a different market from the regular Capri and Mustang. Some of the modifications were substantial, and all told some 919 Capris were converted from 1984 to 1986, with 552 of them being convertibles and the rest coupes. Interestingly enough, according to these production figures, only 12 Paris Blue Metallic convertibles were produced in 1986 out of the 245 total convertibles, so this car is one of those 12.
The paint is certainly a little tired, and it appears that there is some rust on the lower door on this side. However, the unusual wheels are all present and appear to be in nice shape, and it doesn’t appear to have been in a major accident. One piece of trivia; the windshield is tilted back 10 degrees on these cars from the stock angle; I remember reading at the time that this was done with some sort of press, but perhaps my memory is faulty. As you can see, these were two-seaters only, with the top and boot cover taking the place of the rear seat.
The front of the hood certainly has some dents, but if they aren’t easy to repair, I’m guessing a replacement Capri hood wouldn’t be too hard to source. It looks like the stock hood from a non-turbo Capri to me.
The interior looks a little tired, and if you wanted a show quality car this would probably be most of the expense in turning it into one. The leather covered Recaro seats would not be cheap to reupholster. However, if you could live with it as-is for a while, that could always be done later.
The seller doesn’t show us under the hood, but they do make sure that we see the serial plate. In case you are wondering, Peter Muscat was the original custom car builder that took the design to ASC, which then approached Ford. The seller does tell us that the engine runs well and the transmission shifts fine, and that they have replaced the fuel tank and fuel pump. You will, however, have to get a convertible top. There’s a thread here on the ASCMcClaren forum about top replacements–there are several sources. What do you think? Is this the limited production convertible of your dreams?
Had a Capri as a teenager, I always liked the way they looked more than the mustang. Mine was just a plain 4 cylinder car but it was sharp. This would be cool fixed up.
Ford began producing Fox Body Mustang convertibles in 1983. ASC was an aftermarket outfitter who contracted with not only ford but several other manufacturers to produce it’s own convertibles.
Thanks for the expertise, Don! Good to know. It does make me wonder how ASC managed to sell as many of these as they did, then, because I know they were a lot more expensive than the “factory” ones.
Yeah my 85 LX5.0 and my brother’s 83 6cyl Vert’s would disagree with your data. That said the Mac’s we’re some of the coolest ASC’s to come out of the excess 80’s
I was a topstack egr at ASC from ’89 to ’96. ASC was a bit more than an aftermarket converter, though they did some conversion programs. Most conversion programs were for OEMs (like all of the Toyota Celica convertibles,worldwide; the F-car started of as aftermarket and was taken in house by GM). I egr’ed the top on the 92-94 Nissan 240SX convertible – another OEM conversion program. Decontented Nissans coupes were shipped to Long Beach, converted and returned to Nissan as convertibles. My cube mate was the topstack (convertible top) egr on the ’93? F-car at the same time. The 944 & 968 convertible bodies were framed at Porsche, shipped to an ASC plant nearby where specific convertible structure was welded in, sent back to Porsche for paint, then back to ASC for topstack asm install and back to Porsche for final trim.
Beautiful-which engine does it have? Had a 79 Mustang New with the 2.8 that broke down on the way home from scheduled service- Wouldn’t start if it saw a rain cloud. Had to jump start it with my Nash Metropolitan constantly,how embarrasing. Half metric,Half Imperial-Drove the mechanics nuts. If its a v8 WOW If a 2.8 RUN.
I think all of these had 302’s :-)
I would guess this is an 8 cylinder. I don’t think any of the other engine options had dual exhaust.
The ad says it has a 5.0 HO:
“1986 ASC Mclaren Convertible, 5.0 HO”
Could just be the photo but also looks like rust in the driver side quarter panel behind the wheel.
Wish I was closer that is a steal on one of these limited cars. I always try and buy from NM because they don’t know what rust is there. I would suspect this is a clean car with showing signs of sun on the paint.
I have more pics if needed.