When one says, “Fox-Body”, the expected response is “Mustang”! The two just go together. And though Ford’s famed Fox platform was used under other models, it’s the ’79-’93 Mustang where it is best remembered. But the Mustang had a cousin that employed it too, the very similar 1979-1986 Mercury Capri. Badge engineered? You bet! But still, the infrequently found Capri is worthy of investigation and today we have a 1982 RS 5.0 version for your consideration. This Mercury is located in Cleveland, Ohio and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $8,200 with 63 bids tendered as of this writing.
The Capri name was not new to the Mercury division in 1982, or to Ford Motor Company for that matter. The name dates to the ’50s when it was used as a trim level on Lincoln. The Capri automobile was in its second iteration with this Fox-based version, having been the moniker for a Ford of Europe model from ’70 through ’78 and then again on a Ford of Australia roadster from ’91 through ’94. Unlike the Fox-Body Capri, those two Capri models did not have a competitive version at Ford, not the case in 1982 however. While Ford experienced a rather diminished Mustang output of only 130K units in ’82, the Capri managed to squeeze out a mere 31K copies – which in the scheme of things is still pretty reasonable.
Capri models abounded in ’82 with the basic Capri, then the Capri L, followed by the GS, then the RS, such as our subject, and finally capping off the line up with the limited-production “Black Magic” edition. Consider the RS to be similar to the Mustang GT – it’s the performance model which harbors a 157 net HP, 5.0 liter, V8 engine. While not a powerhouse, the HP rating is pretty reasonable when one considers the state of automobile affairs in 1982, and the output is good for an engine fitted with a two-barrel carburetor. Of course, that’s where things don’t line up as this Capri proclaims that it is in possession of a 175 net HP, H.O. 4V version of the 5.0 engine and it is wearing the correct H.O. dual-snorkel air cleaner. What gives? The seller doesn’t elaborate though he states that the engine was rebuilt 10K miles ago; perhaps an upgrade to 1983’s standards? The seller claims that this one family-owned Capri “RUNS AND DRIVES GREAT” with its recently replaced clutch and four-speed manual transmission.
It’s a matter of preference but I think that I like the look of this ’82 Capri a bit better than the corresponding Mustang but that may be due to the fact that there were so many fewer Capris assembled and it’s just a different face. Only offered as a hatchback model, the Capri has an optional T-Roof with removable panels and the entire exterior has weathered the years well. The seller doesn’t state specifically, but it’s easy to imagine that this Mercury has been garaged for most of its years as the finish is fade-free and the black trim, so abundant on ’80s cars, still looks fresh. Once that’s shot, all of the Armour-All in the world won’t bring it back. There are no signs of dings, rust, creases, dents, or other mayhem, so this Capri is still looking sharp. The aluminum wheels capture the era, they’re dated-looking today but were popular at the time.
The interior has that typical, squared-off, angular, hard plastic vibe found in many ’80s rides. For a car with 120K miles on its clock, it’s in amazing condition! There could be a little fade going on with the fabric seat inserts but it may just be the lighting too. The shifter boot is a bit loose but that’s about it, the interior presents really well. A forgotten feature is the outline display of the car, situated just below the radio/cassette player, that alerts the driver to the position of burned-out bulbs. I had a friend years ago who claimed that feature was there to help you figure out which way the car was pointed for certain, special circumstances.
If you are a Fox-Body fan and are considering one, don’t overlook this Capri. Perhaps a later F.I. version would be preferable, but how often do you find one of these Foxes in such clean and unmolested condition?
I owned a base 1981 Capri. Mine was red with silver sides. Drivetrain was a 200 cubic inch inline 6 mated to a 3 speed automatic. And it was so underpowered it wouldn’t even spin a tire unless it was on gravel.
Test drove a NEW 1983 and you couldn’t keen the back wheels under it when you dropped the clutch. No matter what the HP rating is you can build the 5.0 to just about anything you want it to be. A sweet little ride.
The beginning of the curent high performance cars boom goes straight back to 1982, Ford versus Chevy all over again. This Capri falls right in that category. Sounds like an ’83 engine spec to me, only the 2 barrel for ’82.
At the time I thought it was great when the magazines began hyping up the new Mustang-Camaro rivalry….even if they werent all that strong it was better than nothing.
I also owned a base 81 Capri, burgundy exterior with the silver side. Interior was the same color as this one featured. It was standard (4spd I assume) with a 6 cylinder engine, and I forgot if it was inline or V6. Sold it in 99 for a mere $500 for a quick sale. The only thing I ever had to replace on it was the clutch pawl which snapped loose once while I was driving.
That’s right on the right up about the black trim being shiny. I was amazed once when I went to look at a 90 Mustang LX I had purchased a few years ago, and the first thing I noticed was the black trim was still shiny, and it still retained the little red stripe on the inlay of the black trim!
I would have kept the TRX wheels, they were beautiful.
I was turning wrenches at a Lincoln Mercury dealer back then. There was no real bright spots to the line of cars being pushed of the Ford factories at the time. These little coupes helped somewhat and were fun to drive…..when compared to Mercury Zephers and baby Marquis.
79-82 were by FAR better looking than that bubble backed, ill fitting tail lighted, goofy front grilled 83-86 models. The 85 EXP with the frog eyes was the only car that wore that humped glass decently. Rear window louvers looked stellar only on the 79-82’s. Great whole fender flares trumped the Stang’s insignificant offering, and that squared off lower front air dam complimented the blocky headlight area. Not to mention hood vents that could be made functional with a little creative metal work, as well as accent lighted from underneath if you didn’t cut the entire underside metal off.
Thank the Mustang II for that carryover steering wheel – Ford should have retained it thru the ’80s until the ugly air bag steering was mandated.
Can i assume CARB will pass this car with dual aftmkt cat converters? I would think the original cat converter would not be reproduced today, much less the ridiculous flat restrictive pellet GM one from the ’70s.