Former Autocrosser: 1973 Mercury Capri

1973 Mercury Capri Racer

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This ’73 Capri was prepped for SCCA solo II competition and even won some divisional championships, but when kids came along, it was put into storage. The seller doesn’t mention when all the work was done, but from the looks of things, it was a while ago. They have recently pulled it out and started the process of getting it back on the road, but health problems have made that a challenge. This could end up being a bargain though if bidding doesn’t go much higher. It’s located in Houston, Texas and is listed here on eBay where bidding starts at $3,950.

American Racing Libres

American Racing Libre rims and Hoosier tires look perfect on any period racer. Obviously, the tires will need replaced before you’ll will be dodging any cones, but apart from that and a few other small issues, this thing looks great! It would be fun to look up all the races the car competed in and see how it did.

No Carpet

The carpets were ripped out and plexiglass side windows installed in the back. A few other modifications were made, but those seats and dash look original and in very good condition. Power is provided by a mostly stock V6 and is channeled through a 4-speed transmission. The suspension has been upgraded and there’s a roll bar in there too.

WE B BAD

It’s too bad the owner isn’t going to get to race it one more time before letting it go, but maybe the next owner will be kind enough to let them take it for a spin after it’s rolling again. The sale includes a trailer and a bunch of spare parts, so this could be an awesome deal for an awesome vintage racing package!

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Comments

  1. Howard A Howard AMember

    Good heavens, I hated my ’73 Capri. This, however, looks like it could be fun, to throw around a road course, but it was a miserable road car. I suppose the V-6 had reasonable power, mine started using coolant at 2 years old. Big gap between 1st and 2nd, I think it was the Pinto transmission. I didn’t have that car long, but hey, the trailer is worth at least a grand.

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  2. 68 custom

    screaming good deal there, always liked the style the old Capri had though they seemed less than reliable.

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  3. Alan

    Police over in the UK either loved or hated the 3 ltr crapri, its back end would go at the least provocation, and did they understeer or over steer? But whichever, they did it badly! Find a decent one over here, could be 5 figure sum

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    • Bobsmyuncle

      Back end goes around=oversteer.

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  4. RoughDiamond

    I’d really like to own that. Love that earliest Mercury Capri styling.

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  5. Paul

    Loved my ’74 Capri. My first car. Drove it for my freshman year in college. Tore up one transmission learning to shift. Drove around campus with 6-7 frat brothers. The stick shift would pull right out. It was the 1600 engine.

    My brother an I upgraded to an Opel Manta and almost got the Capri all the way to the junk yard. The used transmission just couldn’t get the whole way. The Manta went away less than a year later to a friend. Then I got my first MGB…

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    • Howard A Howard AMember

      Hi Paul. I believe that ’74 would have been the Capri ll, which was a whole ‘nother story. Ford seemed to address all the concerns of the Capri l, and was a much better car. Hatchback, Ford automatic, longer body, 3.0 liter motor( although, I never cared for any Ford V-6). Sadly, I don’t think many people trusted the car after bad experiences with the original.

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      • Paul Root

        I got my years wrong. Definitely a first generation. Maybe the Manta was a 74?
        Thinking back, I’m going to say a 71. White with black vinyl roof. That sounds right. The MGB was a 72.

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  6. John

    I had a blue one. It had clutch cable issues. But it was otherwise solid. I actually liked that car a lot. The V6 was quick and it could be thrown into corners quite nicely.

    It was air conditioned. The A/C had to be gassed up frequently. I managed to find a set of European headlights. The were one piece and looked really neat. I also found it a set of Minilites. They were fragile. I broke two. But it is a car I often look back on fondly.

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  7. Jubjub

    Cool. I’d trade the Tasmin on a good one of these.

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  8. Jesse Mortensen JesseAuthor

    Sold for $4,050! That seems like a killer deal to me. Sort of kicking myself for not placing a bid actually.

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  9. Davidr

    Guys, Google South African perana, it’s a v8 version of the Capri.

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  10. Stephen

    I had the John Player Special Mk2 Mercury Capri as . . . wait for it . . . a company car!
    Loved the car and never had any problems with it. Handed back the keys and the gas card to go back to school.

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