Question: When is a Ford Mustang not a Mustang? Answer: When it’s a Mercury Capri. From 1979-86, the Capri shared the Mustang’s Fox-body platform and was nearly identical in appearance except for the front fascia and a few other things. This ’83 edition of the Capri RS is in excellent condition, having been treated to new paint and some of the items that wear out over time and miles. From West Chester, Ohio, this Mercury is available here on craigslist for $16,000 and is another great tip from Pat L.!
Mercury first used the Capri name on its captive import of the 1970s. Ford of Europe supplied a car that was part compact and part pony car, smaller than the then-current Cougar. When the Mustang was redesigned in 1979 with the Fox body, Mercury transferred the name to their version of the car. Though the Fox body was used through 1996, Mercury changed directions with the Capri after the 1993 model year.
Visually similar to the Mustang, the second-generation Capri was available only as a 3-door hatchback. In 1983, the Capri’s rear hatch was redesigned to give it the look of a large compound-curve “bubble-back” rear window. The RS (Rally Sport?) edition, like the seller’s car, came with a 5.0-liter “High Output” V8 engine rated at 175 hp. The one in the seller’s car is said to have just 57,000 miles and has an exhaust system that puts out a very “throaty” sound. The motor is paired with a manual transmission (5-speed?).
Some maintenance work has been done in the last couple of years, such as new tires and aftermarket rims, front-end alignment, and battery. One deviation from stock is that the car has been lowered, although the seller doesn’t say by how much. It’s a well-optioned car with power accessories and air conditioning. The black paint and pinstripes have also recently been refreshed, applied to a body that’s never been wrecked, and likely seen little to no rust. The interior has a lot of “red” all over but seems to be in great shape although some stereo speakers have been cut into the doors. If you’ve been looking for a Fox-body Mustang, the Capri from the “sign of the cat” people would be a lesser-seen version of the car.
Always liked the factory looking wide body fenders on these, the rear window not so much. This looks to be a decent example and again the collector age is changing and this was a throw away car that is now becoming collectable.
Looks good in Black.
Not a bad Capri. Has some boy-racer pieces (door speakers, pedal covers, shift knob) but those are minor items. Can’t get a good close-up look at the triangular-slot wheels, but I think they were a common style back in the day. Seems the ones I see today are old and rusty; are they still in production, or were these old ones which were refinished? Not cheap, but good-condition Fox Bodies are rapidly increasing in price.
OMG chrome saw blades,they were horrible in the 80s and still are today.
It could be a 4-speed. Ford changed over part-way through 1983. Although it does have the 4-bbl carburetor so maybe it got the 5-speed too. That would be nice! It just needs the TRX wheels to look right again or the TRX-look-alike 16″ wheels.
A lot cooler than the Mustang
Mustangs are my favorite, fox bodies the least. My love for them is pretty much in the same category as the mustang II but have to agree the styling of this car is a desirable improvment.
It’s not just the fascias that differ between Mustang and Capri. Only the roof and doors are the same. All other panels are unique to the Capri. The fact that many people aren’t aware of the subtle panel differences means that Ford didn’t get its money’s worth.
I have always liked the Capri! The HO V8 in this car would put a heck of a smile on my face! $16000. isn’t that awful either.
With a nose that looks like a “furrowed brow”, These look more aggressive than the average four eyed Mustang. With the lowered stance this one looks a little menacing. It needs new rims, maybe a set of Turbines like the 83 GT conv. That was just posted here on Barn Finds, though the 86 Capri RS looked great with the ten hole rims. The price is hard for me to swallow but that seems to be true of just about everything for me these days.
I knew someone in high school who had one like this in black with a manual and 5.0. Fast car and I always preferred the look of the Capri to the Mustang. His had the Michelin TRX wheels that needed the matching tires. Those got swapped out.
Rare and different for some lucky buyer.
My parents almost bought one of these back in the day from Fremont Lincoln-Mercury but ordered a Mustang 5.0 GT with no AC from Ed Chandler Ford instead. I begged them to get the convertible but they weren’t having it. The ’83 convertible listed concurrently here that sold overnight is more glory days fun for less money.
Strange listing as it is located just north of Cincinnati yet it’s listed in Columbus 100 miles away from West Chester. It is not listed on Cincinnati Craigslist.
My grandson has a ’80 Capri that we bought as a roller a couple of years ago. He rebuilt and installed a ’93 302 with Edelbrock Aluminum heads dual quad intake with two 500cfm carbs, headersand a 5 speed transmission. He is about finished with the work on it and will hopefully. Aclose family friend also has a 1984 Capri with the stock 302 that my friends are refurbishing. Capris are nice, but different and not often seen Fox bodies!