Best One Left? 1993 Mercury Capri XR2

It is no secret that Ford Australia felt the financial pinch at the end of the 1980s. Its much-heralded new Falcon was plagued with problems that cost the company millions in warranty claims. Its mid-sized Corsair, little more than a rebadged Nissan, failed to sell, and with the Government pressuring manufacturers to attack the export market, it developed a soft-top sports car designed primarily for the American market to boost its bottom line. It arrived in 1991 in the shape of the Third Generation Capri. However, it lasted a mere four years before disappearing from showrooms. The seller believes this 1993 Capri XR2 could be the best one left on our roads, and its presentation makes that plausible. It needs a new home, making it ideal for someone seeking an affordable Convertible. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this relatively rare classic.

When Ford Australia developed the car known as the Mercury Capri, it knew that it required a sales volume of 25,000 vehicles as its break-even point between domestic and overseas markets. The 1991 model year proved the most successful or the least unsuccessful, depending on your viewpoint. It sold nearly 5,000 cars Down Under and 14,496 in North America. From there, volumes sank like a stone. The 1992 total of 5,641 proved a wake-up call, although even severe discounting resulted in only a modest rise to 6,823 in 1993. Mercury knew the end was nigh, and with barely more than 2,000 driving off the lot in 1994, it quietly drew the curtain. This 1993 model is a tidy survivor with no apparent needs or shortcomings. The Everglade Green Metallic paint holds an excellent shine, and the lack of deterioration and the wonderful state of the plastic suggests it has been largely protected from UV exposure. There is no evidence of rust or other problems that might cause sleepless nights, and the Black soft-top is free from rips. The seller includes a factory hardtop, making the Capri an all-weather classic. The alloy wheels are in good order, and the glass is crystal clear.

The Third Generation Capri contained the ingredients to be a sales success. Developed by Ford Australia, it brought together a body designed by Ghia and an interior penned by ItalDesign. Its interior offered the versatility of 2+2 accommodation, and its mechanical components came directly from the Mazda Parts Bin. However, that last factor was the sticking point. The chosen components were proven, and Capris that survive today have typically done so without major mechanical work. It was the front-wheel drive configuration that many viewed as a shortcoming. The MX-5 featured rear-wheel-drive architecture, which is considered more appropriate for traditional sports cars. The Capri was cheaper and offered respectable performance, but it simply wasn’t enough to produce respectable sales. This 1993 Capri is the XR2 variant, with its engine bay housing the sweet 1.6-liter B6T turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It generates 132hp and 136 ft/lbs, which feeds to the road via a five-speed manual transmission. That doesn’t sound like a recipe for excitement, but this car’s ability to cover the ¼-mile in 16.3 seconds is respectable. Potential buyers can consider this classic a turnkey proposition. The seller is its second owner, purchasing the Capri when it had 35,000 miles on the clock. It now shows 85,000, and with the drivetrain’s legendary reliability, it should provide years of reliable service. That also raises a further possibility. The price is affordable, and with the fuel economy provided by these cars, it could be a practical daily driver in the right circumstances.

Part of the secret to the Capri’s low sticker price was the company’s extensive use of parts from other models. This practice extended to many interior parts, including gauges, switches, seats, and the steering wheel. It was a wise strategy but also gave the Mercury a less bespoke feel than the Mazda Miata. This interior is in remarkable condition for its age, with only light wear on the leather seatcovers. The plastic hasn’t cracked or crumbled, and the carpet is surprisingly free from stains for such a light color. The seller states that the air conditioning requires reconnecting and a recharge. It was drained when they replaced the radiator, but returning it to an ice-cold state won’t be complicated or expensive. The XR2 was surprisingly well-equipped for a car of its type and price, with the new owner receiving a driver’s airbag, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, cruise control, and an updated radio/CD player.

Hindsight is invariably 20:20 vision. Ford Australia’s decision to develop the Capri was probably strange, considering it was a major shareholder in Mazda and was aware that it had its MX-5 Miata ready for market. This 1993 Capri XR2 is listed here on Craigslist in Newark, Delaware. The seller’s price of $4,200 makes it undeniably affordable, and its overall condition and relative rarity make it worth a close look. Is it a car you might consider pursuing?