The Capri (no corporate badging) was a small, sporty compact imported by Mercury between 1970 and 1978. It was built in Germany by Ford of Europe and had no direct counterpart at the Ford division. This 1973 edition is a project that its owner of 20 years was working on, but didn’t get too far. It has a V6 engine rather than an inline-4, a first for FOMOCO in the U.S. Located in San Rafael, California, this builder is available here on craigslist for $1,300. Thanks for the tip, Barn Finder “Rob”.
It wouldn’t be fair to compare the Capri to the Ford Maverick, which arrived in 1969. And Mercury would get one of those anyway in the form of the 1971 Comet. During the entire captive import days of the 1970s Capri, it never carried any Mercury identification, sold simply as the “Capri” at Merc dealers. In Europe, the car was the Ford Capri, a vehicle introduced in 1968 with components lifted from the Cortina MkII and Escort.
To meet U.S. specs, the stateside Capri had twin round headlights rather than single rectangular ones. Buyers of the 1973 Capri could choose between a 2.0-liter I-4 or a 2.6-liter V6 built in Cologne, Germany. And like all other cars sold in the U.S. in 1973, the front bumpers got bigger (the rear bumpers would get a boost the next year). As the story goes, the last owner of this automobile had it dating back to the early 21st Century, and started to refurbish it, which may explain why grey primer is covering most of the car’s red paint.
Everything about the Merc likely needs restoring. The body, the interior, and the drivetrain, which includes a 4-speed manual transmission, all will need attention. Parts like the radiator are in the trunk, but otherwise, what you see is what you get (we assume). You could drop in a 302 V8 and make a screamer out of it, or start with an example that’s weathered the last 53 years a little better.
These Capris do have a following in the US, but I’ve heard they have an even larger following in Europe. Memories….. one of those long-ago cars which for me is in the “it got away” list is a 73 Capri, dark green, V6, 4-speed. Alas, at the time, it didn’t work out for cash-poor me.
Obviously this example is a big project.
Thanks Russ.
I think this is at least a ‘74. The ‘73 capri still had chrome bumpers.
You’re right – it’s a ’74.
Mercury’s European 🇪🇺 number
“No rush to sell”, got news for ya’, not going to be an issue. This won’t be my usual 4am sweetness ( cough), probably the 2nd worst car I ever owned. Not sure why I bought it, something with a heater for when the MGB was stored in winter. It was a ’73 in ’75, low miles, but a POS right from the get go. 4 speed had odd ratios, big hole between 1st & 2nd, just like a Pinto. The motor was a gutless thing, got poor mileage and began leaking coolant. Seats were awful( compared to the MG) That gas filler on the C pillar, in the 70s, some stations still didn’t have auto shut off, and trails of gas down the side happened a lot. Handled poorly, terrible in the snow, and the heat wasn’t much better than the MG. No leg room for back passengers, and sorely needed a rear hatchback. Mercury dealers didn’t want much to do with the Capri, much like Buick dealers with Opel, and I took a bath on that car.
Now, the Capri ll was an entirely different car, addressed all those issues, but by then, Asian cars were taking over, and for good reason, they were just cheaper, better and had the dealers. Capris faded away and nobody noticed.
Howard,
You must have gotten a lemon,because I had a ’73 –
2000cc engine,4 speed,sunroof,all the gauges,& it was a
great car! Didn’t do too well as an autocrosser or hillclimb-
car,but was a great highway cruiser.
I was pleasantly surprised when I spotted this Capri at
a car show.Turned out that the owner was the son of a friend
of mine who I got to finally meet.His ’74 was darned near perfect.
Check the 1986 movie Shaker Run on Tubi,there is a very cool 350 Chevy powered Capri in a chase seen.
Eh, a california kept project for 1300.00. Seems reasonable. I think I might keep things light and go with a built 4 cyl. Ecoboost 2.3 turbo? One can dream.
I don’t think there’s any motivation to restore it but, if not rusted,it could be a fun build that might get you a chunk of your change back if you decide to move on.
I agree with a hipo 4 cylinder. Old school 2.3 or a modern EcoTech would be the question. Neither is a bad choice.
When I was quite young, one of the schools I attended showed a film about (I think) brain chemistry, it may have been a drinking & driving thing (it’s a bit vague). The young man, who had consumed alcohol, was ripping around the countryside in one of these Capris, and ultimately crashed.
My only takeaway from that film, was that V6 Capris sounded pretty good at full chat.
I had a lemon yellow, with black vinyl top ’71 “Crap-i” as my friends called it, with a 1.8 engine and a 4-speed. I drove the heck out of it and sold it to another friend who also drove the thing to death. I liked that car, it’s one of the many cars I’d like to have back. The car here is one I’d also like to have except it’s just too far gone. By the time you made it presentable, you’d be in financially way over your head.
This is so obviously a ’74. It was the one year they were like this. There was no ’75 imported and they went straight to importing the Capri II hatchback as a ’76. I know because I was in Europe summer of ’75 for my graduation gift and we saw the Capri II. Loved it and bought a new ’76 V6 Ghia in the fall of ’75. Great car! Wish I still had it!!
Sttioned in Germany ’70-73 and had just totaled my Datsun 510 wagon and got hooked up w/a retired GI who happened to be a “friendly” insurance agent. Got me some $$ out of the wreck and also dealt in Fords. Got me a damaged in shipment ’72 w/2000CC and 5 speed. Dealer fixed it, and Ford reduced the price by damage. Loved the car! It cruised the Autobahn at 90 mph all day long. Above is right, not much for back seat area, I didn’t buy it for that. Brought it back and used to love getting 2nd gear rubber racing pouch Vegas. But all things come to an end. Regretted not getting the 2600 (only available in EU), got the hot rod urge and decided to put 289 in. Called every parts place knew, no motor mount conversion available. Parts dealer in Chicago told me if I built it, they would buy design. Spent 3 weeks nights at the Post Craft Shop hoisting and lowering a 289 block into it with a welder. We made it fit. Went with a C-6 auto as knew I would destroy a rear end with a stick. Had to open up the hood and put a reverse scoop on to clear a 2″ filter. Biggest mistake was not buying a Corvette crossflow radiator. Was running out of $$ so opened both the lower radiator shroud, made a scoop for more air, and had to cut hole in body for top of radiator. Always planned to change it, but got orders to go back to Germany so me and the EXTREMLY fast and SQUIRLLEY Capri parted ways. Got a call from a guy who ended up with it years later wanting to know if I had a title for it. Sadly no. Always wanted another, but life, wife, and kids got in the way.
Anyone know why I cannot get notifications to my comments on a particular car any more? Sends me a link which states expired even when I respond right away.
Nice write-up Russ and find Rob. I love these cars, would be on my way to check it out if I had the space. My high school sweetheart’s parents bought her a 74 4 cylinder 4 speed Capri in 75 for her 16th birthday. This car ran good and was a blast to drive.
I wouldn’t have a problem buying a first gen Capri and restoring as a driver.