The Capri was a Mercury staple between 1970 and 1994. Three generations were offered, but only one was built in the U.S. First generation Capri’s were small, sporty sedans produced in the UK, while the latter was a 2-door roadster brought over from Australia. The seller’s 1992 edition is one of those roadsters and needs a little work, but nothing too big. Located in Sarasota, Florida, it may be the cheapest drop-top around at just $1,550 here on craigslist. Here’s to my first tip from Robert Gressard!
When the Capri nameplate returned in 1991, it had been absent from Mercury dealers for five years. The goal for the Capri roadster was to compete with the likes of the Mazda Miata, which was a bit out of character for Mercury. They sourced the cars from Ford of Australia, and each one came with a Bloomin’ Onion (just kidding!). While this run of the Capri was on the market, the Ford division had no such equivalent in the U.S. or Canada. You could fit four into a Capri, but the two in the back had to be small children.
Since there’s no indication that the seller’s car is an XR2 (turbocharged), this must be the standard edition. That means it has a 1.6-liter DOHC inline-4 rated at 100 horses with a 5-speed manual transmission. The seller has listed this Merc for sale because his wife simply doesn’t share the same passion for 2-seat sports cars like this. The odometer reads 54,000 miles, which tells us it spends more time in the garage than anywhere else.
We’re told the Capri is still wearing its original paint (and it looks good in the photos). The top does not come with a power assist, so you’ll have to raise and lower it manually. The seller has replaced the brake master cylinder, but the front tires have to go due to cracking with age. Apparently, the current price was reduced as there is mention of Facebook Marketplace and $2,200. The seller will entertain trades and offers a broad list from a golf cart to a Jeep.
Appears it’s already spoken for but still a nice find. Only problem it’s a convertible in the hot Florida sun with no AC – is just not worth it! Probably why the price was lowered!
I noticed that sale is pending, but it doesn’t need to stay in Florida. Going to be very cold up here the next few days. A good deal, I think.
Capri probably the most well traveled name ever used in the car business, often used in combination with other names. An island off the coast of Italy the name was first used in the 50’s by Lincoln. First as the Cosmopolitan Capri and then just Lincoln Capri.
Then in the 60’s by Ford of England (Ford of Europe had not yet been created) as the Consul Capri from 61-64. Then a version of the 3rd generation Mercury Comet tacked on the name.
The name was then was adopted by the newly formed Ford of Europe for the Euro equivalent of the Mustang, and imported to the United states from 71-74 and then the Capri-II update from 76-77, skipping the 75 model year.
The name was then applied to the Mercury version of the Fox body Mustang from 79-86. It would then return in the form of the car we see here from 89-94. A two seat “sports car” it was based on the Mazda 3 platform (FWD) and assembled in Australia.
The name has gone back home to Europe and is currently applied to an electric crossover that is based on a platform shared with Volkswagen.
Whew, what a long strange trip.
A far cry from the Fox-bodied RS the other day.
No rear spoiler means it is a base Capri, not an XR-2.
Designed in Italy, built in Australia utilizing a Japanese engine and imported into the USA through Mexico.
It’s definitely an international car!
Bought one new and bought another one 4 years ago and drive it everyday. These are fun reliable rides.