Although the second-generation Mercury Capri wasn’t as popular as its Ford Mustang counterpart, it was a fun offering and featured some styling differences, plus provided a pony car choice to the selection of autos available for Mercury buyers to choose from. One major difference is that a convertible re-entered the Mustang lineup again in 1983, while the Capri remained only a 3-door hatchback. That changed when American Sunroof Company and McLaren Automotive teamed up to create the Mercury Capri ASC McLaren, which also included a droptop option, such as this 1985 model here on eBay in New Milford, Connecticut. This one’s said to only have 20,000 miles on the ticker, with the buy-it-now price of $8,950 sounding like a reasonable amount to pay here. However, there’s also the opportunity to submit an offer.
These cars are a rarity in the Fox body community, with a total of only 407 made in 1985, of which 257 were convertibles, according to this ASC McLaren website. To achieve the droptop on the hatchback design, extensive modifications were required, including eliminating the rear seat and some redesigning of the unibody chassis. The white exterior here is said to have been buffed and in driver quality, with the ASC McLaren decals appearing to be holding up nicely. The color-coded wheels are still looking good as well, with the seller stating that the tires still have great tread left.
The Capri ASC McLaren featured Recaro seats, which appear would provide a level of support and comfort that could last for hours. It’s also nice to see the custom front floor mats still in place, and the interior’s condition seems excellent overall, with the seller also noting that the canvas top is in good shape. One photo from the underside is provided, and it’s enough to see that the platform seems to be solid.
A 5.0 provides power, with the seller claiming that the 20,627 miles are original. The 302 is said to start and run well, plus produce a nice rumble, with an automatic transmission taking care of the shifting for you. Everything under the hood is nicely detailed, and there’s also a new battery. For such a limited production car, along with the fact that it’s a V8 and has such low mileage, I’m thinking this is one Fox body that’s probably worth the asking price. What do you think?
And like THAT…it’s gone…
Somebody got a sharp looking car. 😎
That was quick… Sweet car.
Nice car, fair price. Needs a stick and TRX wheels.
If it is as good as it appears to be, it was a bargain.
FYI to the author of the article:
There is no such thing as a Fox body.
It’s actually the Fox platform or Fox chassis. It was used for Fairmonts, Granadas, Continentals, Thunderbirds, Cougars and many more.
I’ve owned 9. Most of us refer to them as “Fox Bodies”. It’s just a term the community has used for over 30 years.
That’s kind of the point. People have been using the wrong term forever.
Just like people who mispronounce Willys, Porsche and Biarritz – the excuse is, “That’s how I’ve always heard it.”
I’m just trying to help educate the masses instead of perpetuating the error.
Maybe you’d like to have everyone spell out “Fox-bodied Mustang” instead. Ford did consolidate most everything to be either a Fox or Panther platform back then. Most of us know that. No harm done.
I have always liked these. This was a bargain.
I’ve always felt this car was similar to the same year Mercedes SL models of that time but didn’t have as panache.
I have a 1979 Capri (first year of the fox platform) that was converted by the original owner to a convertible. The cost for the new car was $4800, the cost of conversion was $8000. It used a Mercedes 450SL rear deck and convertible top. No back seat. All trimmed in leather. 5.0 engine. It looks sharp! All badges taken off except the 5.0. Most people think it is a Mustang. 41k miles. A blast to drive. I call it my Merc – cedes!
i have had 2 asc conversions loved both had a 84 and 85 black w tan interior both featured here as well. lol great running and driving and handeling examples . would have bought this one if I had been paying attention. great car at a great price.