Although the Fox-platform Ford Mustang and Mercury Capri were both introduced in 1979, the latter wasn’t as popular, and production ceased in 1986, while the similar-bodied third-generation Mustang carried on until ’93. While the Ford counterpart also offered a coupe version, all second-generation Mercury Capris were hatchbacks, unless you count some of the special McLaren examples. This 1982 model here on Craigslist is a project, but it’s more of a work-in-progress, as considerable bodywork has been completed. There’s also a desirable engine and transmission combo, and for $3,500, this one seems like a pretty good deal. It’s located in Vancouver, Washington, and we’d like to thank reader Barney for his excellent tip here!
Sadly, it sounds like this is a case where health issues have forced the sale, as it’s noted that the elderly bodyman who had been working on this Mercury has had a stroke and cannot continue. The seller reports all sheet-metal tasks have been completed, and that the Capri has been primed and block-sanded. The exterior is also said to be rust-free, so hopefully, this one’s not far from being ready for a fresh coat of paint. Red is always a popular choice for a Fox pony car, and since that’s the factory color, it’s probably worth considering retaining.
Under the hood, the good news is that this one is equipped with a 302 V8, and it’s attached to a 4-speed manual transmission. Some components, including the right head, have been removed due to a water leak. There’s already been a valve grind performed, so ideally, it’ll go back on properly, and everything will function smoothly. The owner also assures potential buyers that every part of the car is included in the sale, so hopefully, once it’s back together, the engine will end up having some good life left. Another positive here is the transmission, which is a 4-speed manual, but there’s no word on its current health or that of the clutch.
The interior has also had several items removed, but what’s still intact and the pieces shown in the photos appear to be in reasonably good condition overall. I’m not sure why some of these were taken off, but unless it’s something beyond just a fun driver you’re seeking, things inside may be satisfactory once everything is reinstalled. There’s considerable work ahead here for the next owner, but for $3,500, this seems like a decent buy for a V8-powered 1982 Mercury Capri. What do you think?
The car is in Vancouver Washington, which is just across the Columbia river from Portland Oregon.
I’d swap in a 302 roller motor from a later model Fox body Mustang or 1990’s Explorer put an 4bbl on it and track down a late-1980’s or early-90’s T5. Parts for these are still relatively plentiful on the secondary market and won’t break the bank if you are patient and persistent.
Ten days on the market this close to a major metropolitan area suggests there isn’t a lot of interest so the seller might be negotiable.
Steve R
I agree with Steve, get a roller motor in there and a T5. It’s also missing the Capri hatch, somebody put a Mustang hatch on it. Cleans up the lines as the rear bubble glass on the Capri wasn’t too popular.
The Capri’s didn’t get the Bubble until the ’83 model year – 79-82 all had the same “Mustang” hatch with or without the 3 piece rear spoiler… some also had a rear wiper!!
Early Fox-body Capris like this one had the same hatch as the Mustang. The bubble hatch only appeared as of the following year, for ’83-on.
Great front end on these Mercury models. The 5.0 stick shift Capris are always cool. Sounds like Steve R has a good plan for this one.
Rear hatch is correct for an ’82. Kinda tempted on this one…wonder how much it would run to get it to the East Coast.
A friend told me that he had a much larger pickup shipped east from his brother’s place in Washington state for only around $2,000 to PA. He signed an agreement with the shipper. When the truck arrived, they tried for more money, but since the paper was signed the deal was accepted. Closed truck shipping would be more.
As how long ago, could it drive on and off the trailer, non-running cars generally cost significantly more to ship.
Steve R
Steve, it was no more than a year ago, and yes, the truck could be driven on and off, so add another $500 or more?
Interesting how the seats look so much nicer than the comparable Mustang, but hey it’s a Mercury right?
Also of note to the original article… Mexico had “Mexican Mustangs”… Coupe or Hatchback – depending on the “trim/option” level – you either got a Mustang (no fender flare) with a Capri nose & tail or a Capri (with fender flare) with a Mustang nose & tail. I’ve also seen a few that were “mixed” but I don’t know if that was done by an owner or factory. So basically, you could get a Capri “Notchback”… just not new in the U.S.
Also, there have been several (Mustang)Coupes turned into “Coupri’s”…
The headline is wrong. Ford/Mercury did not refer to the 302 as a 5.0 until the roller cam arrived. (Mid 1985) the term 5.0 refers to a roller cam engine which coincided in 1986 with SFI. This car most likely (because of its location and the manual gearbox) is a 4 barrel Holley (from the factory) carburetor. You have to seriously overheat one of these to cause a head gasket leak! And I agree with the swap to a 5.0 with the 5 speed (T5) transmission. Also it does have a Mustang rear spoiler. Not known if it is a Mustang or Capri addition. And the bubble back hatch (which I prefer) didn’t come out until 1984.
The price is a deal these days for a Fox body Mustang/Capri. If a little closer I would be very tempted. And yes the Capri interiors were a little upgraded over the Mustang, particularly when it came to vinyl interiors.
My 83 was factory badged with the chrome 5.0 even if it wasn’t technically correct.
You are not correct. I have a first year 1979 Mercury Capri that is badged as a 5.0. Not 302. Badged in both sides on the front fender.
My 82 Capri RS was also badged 5.0
It had the SROD 4 speed and came from the factory with a Motorcraft 2 bbl carb.