Yesterday, we featured a Fox Capri. That was Mercury’s second generation of Capri. Today’s feature car was the first and was an imported Ford Europe vehicle. Note that we specify this was the first generation Mercury Capri, not the first generation Capri. The name was a hand-me-down from Lincoln and was used on full-size cars in the 50s. This compact, RWD car is more of a driver’s car than those and these have something of a cult following here in the US, where they’re fairly rare.
The seller indicates this is a time capsule and has very low miles. Little else about this example is stated, as most of the add describes the car when new. The images certainly show a very clean example.
Click for eBay ad
Trabuco Canyon, CA
$2,999 BIN with offers considered
Ad text:
It is with a heavy heart that I list this item. My first car was a 1976 Mercury Capri II (identical to this one, only a different color) that was purchased by my family in late 1975. It was the first new car my family purchased since I was born. Ten years later the car was passed to me and was the first car I ever owned. Being young, naive etc, the car was destroyed within a few years and sent to a scrap yard.
Since 1990, I began looking for another Capri, just like the one I had, and in 2005, located this one. It was a one-owner car, being sold by the elderly owner as he was not longer able to drive a manual, non-power steering vehicle. The car needed a paint job, tires etc. The body was straight, the car hadn’t been modified nor altered. I had the Capri shipped to me in California and have owned it since. The car had 45,000 original miles and I’ve put 10,000 on it since. It’s been used to commute to my work for the last 8 years.
Having another Capri ended my grieving over my first one, and driving it has brought me countless hours of enjoyment.
This car means a lot to me, however I believe it’s time to “bequeath” it to another owner who can appreciate this car and its engineering prowess. I do not want it to go to a foolish “hot rodder” type who wants to modify, alter, “upgrade” or otherwise ruin a perfectly good car.
That having been said, here’s a primer on the Capri; In the mid to late 1960s, Ford of Europe wanted a European-market Mustang. The phenomenal sales of the Ford Mustang in the U.S. sparked interest in a similar car that would appeal to Europeans. The Capri debuted in 1969 and enjoyed similar success on the other side of the Atlantic. Small number of Capris were imported to the U.S, however since Ford didn’t want Pinto sales to suffer, badged the Capris as Mercury, so they would be shown in Lincoln-Mercury showrooms, and not parked next to the dowdy and homely Pinto. The cars were a sales success on both continents. Most Capris were made at the historic Ford plant in Cologne Germany. Those Capris destined for the U.K. market were produced in England. The German-made Capris were made of better materials and thus have survived longer.
In 1974, a new version of the Capri was designed, the “Capri II.” Unlike the original sedan, this was a larger, better-engineered hatchback, with a superior engine (2.8 Liter, 60 Degree “Cologne V-6). There was no 1975 model year Capri and 1976 was the first year for the Capri II. Sales of the car were high and the vehicle was well-received by the automobile press. Due to onerous regulation, 1977 was the last year Capris were imported to the U.S. The Capri continued to thrive in Europe until 1987.
It is estimated that only 20,000 Capris were brought tot the United States. This Capri is probably one of only one of a few-hundred operable Capris still in existence.
This car has to be driven to be appreciated. It will available for inspection, weeknights after 6 and weekends between 10 and 6. I will answer all inquiries as best I can. My work schedule is hectic and I have limited internet access during work.
I’ve been on ebay for over fifteen years and am familiar with how things work. I’ve have many great experiences and made a few friends as a result, unfortunately, I’ve also dealt with many fraudsters, deadbeats and game-players. As a result, I require that you contact me first if you’ve never bought from me. If you bid before contacting me, the bid will be cancelled.