86k Original Miles: 1994 Mercury Capri

Timing can be critical in the automotive world. Getting it right maximizes the chances of sales success. Get it wrong, and the chances greatly increase that a company’s latest offering will be a motoring also-ran. Such is the case with the 1994 Mercury Capri. Produced by Ford Australia, it features bulletproof mechanical components. However, development delays meant that the Capri hit the market after Mazda’s all-conquering MX-5 Miata, forcing it to play second fiddle until production ended in 1994. This final-year example is a genuine survivor with 86,000 miles on the odometer. It presents well and is ready to head to a new home. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Jack M. for spotting the Capri listed here on Craigslist in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. The seller set their price at $5,900, making it an affordable top-down motoring candidate for the upcoming summer months.

It would almost be fair to say that the Mercury Capri was doomed from Day One. It brought together a body styled by Ghia, an interior penned by ItalDesign, and bulletproof mechanical components sourced from Mazda’s parts bin. However, Ford Australia was also simultaneously developing an all-new replacement for its Falcon and a rebadged, re-engineered version of the Nissan Pintara. It stretched its resources too thinly, meaning that the Mercury Capri hit the North American market almost two years later than intended. The delay proved disastrous, because with the MX-5 firmly established, the Capri faced an automotive Mt Everest if it was to achieve the company’s sales goals. This Capri rolled off the line during the final year and is an extremely tidy survivor. Its Reef Green paint retains an excellent shine, with only a few cosmetic imperfections. The panels are straight, and the Arizona climate has protected the Capri from the ravages of rust. The Black soft-top fits as tight as a drum, although I’m sure plenty of readers will agree that the Capri looks more attractive with the top lowered. The plastic hasn’t suffered UV damage, and the glass is clear.

Lifting the hood reveals this Capri’s 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. As the normally-aspirated version, it sends 100hp and 95 ft/lbs of torque to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Reliability is legendary, and the Capri consistently returns excellent fuel economy. However, enthusiasts view the car’s mechanical configuration as one of its major failings. Buyers traditionally expected small convertible sports cars to feature rear-wheel drive, as found in the MX-5. They viewed the Capri as less sporting, which helped to stifle sales. This beauty is in excellent mechanical condition, with no identified problems or shortcomings. Potential buyers can consider it a turnkey proposition.

ItalDesign developed the Capri’s interior, although the company utilized many components from Ford Australia’s and Mazda’s existing production models to reduce development costs. Interestingly, the interior has one feature that sets it apart from the MX-5, and which was viewed favorably by some buyers. Mazda developed its sports car as a two-seater, but the Capri is a 2+2. Admittedly, the back seat is probably a children-only area, but it made the Capri a better alternative for customers with a young family. This survivor’s interior is in excellent condition for its age. The two-tone Charcoal cloth is free of significant wear, the plastic hasn’t cracked or crumbled, and the carpet is in good condition. The seller describes the Capri as fully loaded, with equipment including air conditioning, power windows, power mirrors, cruise control, and a premium AM/FM radio/cassette player with an 80-watt amplifier. Therefore, their claim appears to be a fair assessment by 1994 standards.

The 1994 Capri is one of those vehicles that can be considered a rarity in the automotive world. It was developed and built by a Ford marque that no longer exists, and marketed by another Ford brand that has been consigned to the dusty pages of history books. Ford Australia needed to produce at least 25,000 vehicles per year for the Capri to be financially viable. It almost achieved that goal during the first sales year, but things headed rapidly downhill from there. The company ended production in 1994, drawing the curtain on a failed attempt to gain a foothold in the North American market. This Capri is a wonderful survivor, presenting exceptionally well for its age. It is ideal for someone seeking an affordable classic and would function effectively as a daily driver. Are those thoughts enough to tempt you to pursue it further?