The Mercury Capri family tree is certainly unique and tracing this car’s lineage reminds me of that genealogy commercial where the guy thinks he’s of German ancestry but finds out he’s actually Scottish. Like the first generation (1970-1977) coupes and hatchbacks that were made by Ford of Europe and sold in the U.S.A., the third generation (1991-1994) Capri convertible was also a captive import produced by Ford of Australia. And while the in-between second generation (1979-1986) Capri was manufactured domestically and shared its platform with the Ford Mustang, the third generation Capri (1991-1994) had no Ford cousin, but was based on a Mazda 323 platform. Now that’s diverse automotive ancestry! This clean looking ’93 XR2 with just under 42K miles has never seen snow and it’s available here on Craigslist in Rensselaer, New York for $4,800.
It’s safe to say most people aren’t necessarily blown away by the styling of the third gen. Capri, but at the same time these cars present a rather unique appearance. The Capri was targeted to compete with sales of the early ’90’s Toyota MR2 and Mazda MX-5 Miata and while design similarities certainly exist, I am most reminded of a late model Triumph TR7 when I see one. The three-spoke aluminum “triad” wheels are an interesting feature and go a long way in defining its distinctive look. All four rims on this XR2 appear to be in good condition with no pitting or oxidation visible. The seller provides a very nice photo of the soft convertible top and it certainly looks pristine, no doubt the result of being stored inside. The option of a removable hard top was offered for these cars but since the seller makes no mention of one in the ad, it’s probably safe to assume this car comes without. The paint also shows well and the only blemish I can find is what appears to be a rust bubble below the door on the driver side rocker.
Ford used the Mazda B-series motor to power the front-wheel drive Capri, the same version of the engine featured in the Miata (although rear-wheel drive). The seller provides a great photo of the engine bay which as he points out is very clean. The XR2 trim is primarily distinguished by its turbo charged 1.6 liter inline 4 that produces 132 hp. Sales comparisons between the Miata and the Capri during the early ’90’s speak volumes in terms of which car was more popular from a consumer standpoint. It wasn’t simply the look and styling of the Capri that were considered unexceptional, but performance as well. Hands-down drivers of the day preferred the more sportier Miata, which not only outsold the Capri but has outlasted it by 24 years and counting.
The appearance of the interior is commensurate with the car’s low miles and the seller provided photo reveals no rips or tears in the upholstery, but just a bit of staining on the carpet. Unfortunately no photos are provided of the fold-down rear seats. The seller claims “everything works on the car” and it’s a “really must see.” By all appearances this is a well-cared for, clean example of a somewhat rare roadster. The seller’s price seems in line if not a bit lower than other Capri’s with similar mileage. And although there certainly aren’t a lot of these cars on the road these days, would it be wiser to spend $4,800 on a more “common” Miata?
When one of the auto magazines tested one of these brand new, screws fell out from under the dashboard. No thanks…
I would rather get a Brazilian wax than have this car.
I bought one new in 1993 because I fit and i certainly do not fit in a Miata. Not fast, not “sporty” but dead nuts reliable. 2 repairs in 7 years, both under warranty; an interior door handle and a shift rod. Both repaired while I waited.
YMMV. Of course i also like Geo metro convertibles.
I prefer the original Capris myself! No one makes cars like they should be made! This world is in such a hurry to do anything right anymore! JMO tho! This looks like a typical clean car! Is there a collector status with these?
Oh Lord, Had one of these for a while as my FoMoCo company car. It was a non turbo automatic. No more needs to be said. As they say in the East, “Toid!”
I sold these new, and had a few for demonstrators, the turbo version was a neat little toy, the problem with the turbo model was when you gave them a good stab on the throttle and then had to brake at a t junction the vacuum was not there for a good hard braking application, but having said that as a great little car for normal driving. I raced a guy in a V8 Holden Commodore (Pontiac G8 you guys called them ) on the open highway and left him behind. A great nimble car. But personally I would never have bought one :) but all the same a neat little ride for around town and a manual or standard gear box was the way to go.
I had a brand new 91 XR2 and put 150,000 miles on it and never replaced anything except the battery, plugs and plug wires. Sold it to my boss who ran it for several more years. I never even had to replace the brake pads. Best car I ever owned!
Most people have to change the oil on their cars.
You got lucky.
I remember when they were new and rare to see even then. I saw a red one on the highway and had to slow down to make sure it was one. Not in the greatest shape but the driver seemed to be enjoying herself.
I bought a used one for the wife, (yes I did and still do like her). Never did figure out why the oil pressure went so high when the engine was cold that the hydraulic lifters would stop the valves from closing, it got better when the engine warmed up and the pressure dropped, neat little car. Had to buy a new Mercury roof from the US, $149 complete and ready to fit. They were sold as a Ford Capri in Australia. Apparently the Ford plant had a paddock full of LHD Capris sitting, rotting when the bubble burst.