44k Mile 1992 Mercury Capri XR2 Turbo

Ford Australia enjoyed a healthy export agreement with its South African counterpart during the early 1970s, with that country warmly embracing the ute and GT variants of its Falcon range. Once that market dried up, the Antipodean manufacturer searched for an alternative, and North America was firmly in its sights. The result was the Capri, which hit the US market wearing Mercury badges. That it wasn’t the expected sales success was not necessarily the car’s fault, but was more a result of bad timing. This 1992 Capri XR2 Turbo is a tidy, low-mile survivor that could provide weekend fun, but some may view it as an economical daily driver. Its overall condition makes it worth a close look.

The Mercury Capri had all the ingredients to become a market success. With a body designed by Ghia, ItalDesign handling the interior, and the bulletproof mechanical components sourced from Mazda, how could it miss? The biggest obstacle proved to be timing because production delays meant it hit the market later than anticipated. By the time it did so, Mazda’s MX-5 had set lofty standards for a sporty soft-top, and even the versatility of 2+2 seating wasn’t enough for the Capri to pose a serious threat. Its time in the sun was short-lived, because sales volumes never reached a total that made the program viable, and the Capri disappeared with little fanfare in 1994. Our feature XR2 rolled out of Ford’s factory in Broadmeadows, Victoria, Australia, in 1992. The company offered buyers a choice of seven paint shades, with this car’s first owner selecting Cardinal Red. The seller doesn’t mention repairs or restoration, suggesting it is an original survivor. Its presentation is clean and tidy, with no significant panel or paint issues. The Black soft-top has a small flaw above the driver’s door but appears to fit as tight as a drum. Deteriorating plastic was not uncommon with these little classics, but this gem has avoided that fate. The original 15″ alloy wheels are free from stains, and the glass is in good order.

ItalDesign may have penned the Capri’s interior, but Ford followed the standard practice of incorporating as many existing components as possible to minimize development and build costs. The MX-5 was strictly a two-seater, but the Capri enjoyed a slight advantage with its 2+2 configuration. However, the rear seat space is quite cramped, meaning it is probably a “kids-only” zone. Some buyers ordered these cars with leather trim, but this XR2’s first owner opted for two-tone cloth and vinyl. The seller doesn’t mention verifying evidence for their claim that this survivor has a genuine 44,000 miles on its odometer, although the lack of significant wear makes the claim seem plausible. The upholstered surfaces are in good order, with the prone outer seat edges particularly noteworthy. The dash and plastic components are free from deterioration, and the only visible aftermarket addition is the Kenwood Bluetooth stereo. Other creature comforts include air conditioning, power windows, power locks, and power mirrors.

The mechanical components for the Capri were sourced straight from Mazda’s Parts Bin, meaning buyers received a proven product. The normally aspirated version placed 100hp and 95 ft/lbs of torque at the driver’s disposal, and could be teamed with an optional three-speed automatic transmission. However, the XR2 scored a 1.6-liter turbocharged DOHC engine that sends 132hp and 136 ft/lbs of torque to the tarmac via a five-speed manual transmission. The fact it was front-wheel drive proved a sticking point to some, although the XR2 was still an entertaining vehicle that provided a rewarding driving experience. The seller has been this Capri’s custodian for over five years, and it has always been appropriately maintained and treated respectfully. It is a turnkey proposition that runs and drives well, and with the ability to top 30mpg, it could be a practical daily driver.

The seller listed this 1992 Mercury Capri XR2 here on eBay in Canton, Ohio. They set the auction to open at $4,000, but have received no bids. The viewing history suggests it hasn’t hit the mark with everyone, although it only requires two people to view it as an automotive “must-have” for the situation to change. The Capri occupies an interesting niche in automotive history because it was developed by Ford Australia and marketed by Mercury. Both marques are now nothing but distant memories, and while that situation isn’t unique, it doesn’t happen every day. I hope someone gives the XR2 a new home and continues to treat it with the respect it has already received. That would be a fitting tribute to both brands.