The 2nd Gen Mercury Capri - Mercury’s Muscle for the 80’s

1979 Mercury rolls out the second generation of the Capri. It shared the Fox platform of new for 1979 Mustang. The 1979 Mercury Capri was the first Mercury "pony car" since the 1970 Mercury Cougar and it was the Muscle for Mercury until 1986. In today’s video we take a look at all things Second generation Capri.
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[@deaunrosas7962]

I had the 1981 model in light blue with the 5.0 V8 stick shift. It was a fun car to drive. Some lady driving a Honda Accord was a jerk and wouldn't let me merge into the lane and thought she could outrun me. I showed her, lol! I later got the 85 Mustang GT in the same color.

[@randiruge1265]

Love the old commercials. They take me back to the day. Thanks for taking the time to me these. Great job!

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Glad you like them! Thanks for watching!

[@kendalson7100]

The 1982 with the special black package and the big V8. Nice...

[@jimlafreeda695]

Another great story ! Those 87 , 88 Mercury Cougars mentioned at th end were fantastic cars. My mom has an 88 5.0.... thing was a sleeper, was pretty sporty amd could lay rubber with those wire wheels and white wall tires 😉

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Thank you and thanks for sharing!

[@plap.]

The Capri was a little bit of a sleeper because many didnt realize dispite looking similar that the RS was basically a Mustang GT and shared all the parts. Also i personally think the fenders on the capri were much better looking than the mustang with the bulge they had a much tougher look above the mustangs soft flairs. Another thing not to forget is McLaren customized some of these to make them just a little cooler while mustang had the saleen

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

There were not enough of the McLaren's made for me to cover them in this video.

[@plap.]

@@TonysFordsandMustangs I hear you, thought it was worth the mention. There were several thousand made.👍

[@Raptor3388]

The 2.3L NA is actually a 2bbl engine, using an Holley 5200, a Weber 32/36 made under license.

[@MustangsTrainsMowers]

Before the end of the 1979 model year Ford ran out of 2.8 V6’s and started installing 3.3 (200) inline six. So I believe that 1979 Foxbody’s were built with: 2.3 4 cylinder base, 2.3 4 cylinder Turbo, 2.8 V6, 3.3 inline 6, 5.0 V8.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Sounds correct. It's not noted in the Capri literature and that's all I had to work with on this video.

[@MustangsTrainsMowers]

@@TonysFordsandMustangs Back in the 90’s I talked to a guy who said he owned a 1980 Mustang with a 302. He worked at a motorcycle dealership and I saw the car several times driving by but not up close. Maybe a left over 1979 titled as a 1980? I believe that Ford sold over 300,000 Mustangs for 1979.

[@yankeetraveler1118]

First guy that I knew that bought as Capri was a 1980 RS with the inline 6 and a 4 spd. It was a pretty nice car for the time. I ended up a few years later buying a 1982 5.0 RS with the 4spd. Great little all around car for the day.@@TonysFordsandMustangs

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

@@MustangsTrainsMowers There are so many variables with what Ford did at the factory. I have a friend with a 70 Shelby GT350. I did some research and found out that ALL the 70 Shelby's are 69's with slight alterations and new VIN #'s because they couldn't sell them in 69.

[@mylanmiller9656]

@@TonysFordsandMustangs You were correct about what you said about the 1970 Shellby Cars. There was a article in Hot Rod Magazine in the olden days that said. because of the popularity of the Mach I, Most people wouldn't pay the extra money for a Shelby. Car that was why there were a bunch of 1969 cars left to be sold in 1970, then Ford discontinued them.

[@ManuaLiberty]

Congrats on the big 5 digit achievement! I’m a particular fan of the 1983~ Capris

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Thanks Conner!

[@georgewilson1184]

I would definitely take a second generation 5.0 L Capri over an 5.0 Mustang any day of the week !!

[@Oldskul-iz4om]

Thank you for this video!! I owned an '84 Capri RS 5.0 5spd, no a/c, no power windows or door locks. My first car out of high school. I LOVED IT!! Got rear-ended by a FORD F250, bent the frame and Allstate totaled the car. Hindsight is 20/20... I should have done the salvage title, had the frame straightened, and I would still be driving that Capri, to this day!! Your reporting of the declining production numbers, year to year, is eye-opening!! It shows how ridiculously rare, these cars really are... Particularly, the rear bubble-hatch models, which I am very partial too. My advice is to find any of these cars, NOW, before the collector car market learns about them!!!!

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

These cars value should climb right along with the Foxbody Mustangs.

[@grabir01]

Ford Capri Germany is a fast car for sure.

[@bigmacmach1185]

When I was a kid one of my friends dads had a 5.0 one of these. Always thought it was cool. Always enjoy these videos of forgotten or lesser known cars! Glad you add the commercials too, the way the made 80s commercials was awesome, lol.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching Mac!

[@user-jh6ik1qd7p]

my father had the black magic capri when he came to the US from europe.

[@MustangsTrainsMowers]

If Ford had test mules, mock ups or drawings of never built 1987 SVO and Capris I’d love to see them.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

You and me both.

[@KevBehindACamera]

I had two fox body capris back in the day. In 1989, I bought a 1984 2.3 very slow.. I didn't know much about cars back then but I'm pretty sure it did not have the turbo because I could barely make it up a hill if the air conditioner was on.. LOL And then I bought a 1980 Capri with a 5.0. I lived in the rust belt at the time and I bought the car in '93. It had dual exhaust coming out the sides. And they fell off and then I had to get a regular exhaust put on because it was illegal I guess lol.. The prior owner had painted the dash with high gloss paint and on sunny days I could not see a thing. But ultimately I did not pay attention to the oil gauge and then I wound up having a nice little milkshake in the engine and then I sold the car and the guy converted it into a nice mustang looking car with new everything... But I wish I still had one.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Thanks for sharing your story and for watching!

[@3vstang]

Had a 1981 capri black magic 5.0 also a 1982 gs capri 5.0 and a 1985 capri bubble back 5.0 definitely my favorite cars

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Thanks for watching!

[@foxfordcatguy2283]

'80-'81 was not available with 5.0, only V8 available was 4.2/255 - an "under bored" 302.

[@3vstang]

@@foxfordcatguy2283 yes but I took that boat anchor out and put in a 302

[@darylthomas4676]

Seen someone driving the 5.0 with rear bubble window not too long ago. Always thought the Mercs were pretty cool. Thx Tony!👍

[@smithlonny8924]

I had an 81. Fairly base, 2.3L. Had a weird German 5 speed where 5th gear was over and back rather than over and up like all others. I loved that car and drove it until it just wouldn't go anymore.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Thanks for watching and sharing your story. That's why they build them.

[@trainglen22]

Loved the Capri. Wishing that I could find one of these beauty's today.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Best of luck and thanks for watching!

[@Pillowbiter84]

1982 Capri RS was my favorite of all 80s Capris.

[@Mustgtcs07]

I remember when Ford considered the 1987 Mustang to be a Mazda built, FWD car. Boy did they get a LOT of hate mail on that one!!!! Started seeing the spy shots of the revised front, rear and interior of the new 87 Mustang and we were all excited. Ordered a new triple black 87 GT with T-tops, leather, 5 speed and optional 3.08 traction lock rear end. What a beautiful car when it showed up and my local dealership.

[@ChuckG92]

That's exactly why they kept denying the Mock Me would be badged a Mustang.

[@foxfordcatguy2283]

No, the '87 was not going to be the FWD Mazda. '87 might be the year their plan leaked out but the FWD Mazda Mustang was going to be an '89. Because of the outcry the FWD Mazda Mustang's name was changed to "Probe", but it still came out as planned in '89, not '87.

[@FlowStateNewOrleans]

I got a 1981 Mustang with the 2.3 Lima engine in 1988 (high school). My god, that thing was a dog. I always liked the look of the bubble window Capris, but at the time, the Mustang, even a dog slow one like mine, was perceived as the cooler car.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Ford and others were just starting to figure out how to combine lower emissions and gas mileage. Horsepower came a few years.

[@raywagner8016]

My buddy I grew up with owns the 1982 Black Magic Capri his parents bought new. Lets just say we got real lucky one night when we were teenagers and that car is still in beautiful original condition. 😂

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

good luck is called good for a reason.

[@CapriNamedKong]

Nice review and to date the best representation of Mercury Capri. Thank You

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Thank you very much! I do the best I can for a one man show.

[@thebionicbassplayer]

Good video. I'm surprised you didn't mention the Capri ASC McLaren coupe and convertible versions. A friend of mine claims he bought a convertible ASC over a Buick GNX and he owned the car a short period of time before it go away from him and he wrapped it around a utility pole!😮 So like the Mustang of the era, they were no joke.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

I thought about it but there were so few of them built (roughly 250) that it didn't make sense to add the time to the video.

[@spudrubble]

Actually the total run was 2678 of the ASC Mclaren Capris.

[@plap.]

@@spudrubble Your number sounds more correct because I saw a few of them in different states at the time. if it was 250 I don't think that would be true

[@01Z06guy]

I had an '83 5.0 5-speed car around the year 2000. It was substantially quicker than my '83 Mustang so some previous owner must have done some work ito it. Fun car.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Awesome thanks for sharing.

[@bradbradley353]

A friends son worked for Ford Parts Service and got one of these (@86). Took me for a ride one time. I was already completely indoctrinated to all things Fox. That ride didn’t help LOL. It was a white over grey 1986. I had a 1983 Mustang L 4-speed 2.3 at that time. All 88bhp…

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Thanks for sharing Brad!

[@Qweecie]

Great video ! Hard to find good information on these cars. My first car was a 1981 Capri, with the 3.3L Inline 6. I would by a restored one in a heartbeat. But almost impossible to find.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Thank you for the kind words and for watching!

[@robertwright1084]

Great Video and information! I still have my 1984 Mercury Capri RS with a V8 that I got from my father, and he bought the car new in 1983. It still has the factory oxford white paint with the tri-color stripe kit. I lowered the stance of mine but unfortunately because the original factory 5.0 motor broke the crank and block, I ended up having to use a newer style roller block from a later model Mustang that was stroked to 347. I liked the increased HP but was bummed that the factory motor was no longer in the car. I put wide Centerline Scorpion rims on it because the factory TRX tires were WAY too much money to the toon of $400+ each! Plus, I think it looks way better with the aftermarket rims. You NEVER see these cars now a days and I get stopped in mine all the time when I take it out by people who have either never seen one and want to know what it is or people who haven't seen one in decades and they all say the same thing, "I don't remember these cars looking this cool!" LOL. Most people don't realize there was only a very limited number of these produced with the last 4 years 83-86 being the lowest production years. In 1984 they only produced just over 3,600 of the RS 5.0 V8 cars and just over 1,500 RS Turbo 4-cylinder cars. You just don't see these cars anymore!

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Thanks for the kind words and for sharing your story. I can remember a lot of people ditching the TRX wheels because of the cost of replacement tires was too high. Centerlines were a good call.

[@plap.]

Had a 83 myself. Got it at 4 yo with 26k mi. Loved that car especially since everyone else had mustangs The Capri fenders were much better looking than the mustang lame flairs. The other thing with the TRXs besides being the expensive only tire that fits option is that they just plain sucked. Terrible traction and wear in any weather conditions

[@OathTaker3]

I always liked the Capri's but couldn't justify having one when I always had at least one Mustang in the stable already.

[@91MustangLX]

I wish they had saved Mercury, anotyer great video Tony. Thanks for sharing sir!

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Thanks for watching!

[@shabadoo24]

My uncle had a 1980 Capri with a 200 straight 6

[@tomcat630]

One reason for sales drop was 1980 recession, high interest rates kept many out of new cars. By mid 80's Mustang was enough for Ford corporate as their 'Pony car'. L-M dealers wanted to sell more Cougars and bigger cars.

[@jimdunlap7255]

Bought a new 84 RS in white...long live box flares....traded it in 88 for a stang GT

[@quad5186]

I thought it was a significant change that they moved the interior door handles from the bottom of the door ( Mersedes inspired?) to the top in 1980 on both Mustang and Capri . Anyone remember the bottom handle cars?

[@chrish2666]

As I said in the previous Capri video, I had a 1985 Capri bought new in 1985. It was the GS 5.0 with a 4 speed and it was a beast. When I bought it I wavered between it and a Cougar, I don't remember why I went with the Capri but I enjoyed it for the 3 - 4 years I had it.

[@Raptor3388]

I guess you saw the Cougar next to the Capri, and you quickly made your mind. The Cougar of that generation wasn't exactly a looker.

[@foxfordcatguy2283]

The Capri didn't have "wider fenders & smaller fender flares". The fenders/quarters have "bulges" around the wheel openings & they do not gave any "flare" around the edge of the wheel opening at all. The taillights weren't "dark tinted". They were red like any other taillight but had black ribs/fins.

[@foxfordcatguy2283]

Also, the Cougar was still based on the pony car/ Mustang chassis for '71-'73.

[@TraveladvRajanSRai]

3,3 inline6. The v6 was aftr

[@ecc5119]

Had one converted to drag car .

[@05gtdriver]

You accidentally said 3.3L V6. Ford installed 3.3L inline 6 cylinders from mid 1979 to 1982. A 3.8L V6 replaced the 3.3L I6 in 1983.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Yes I did. The use of six cylinder in these cars is confusing sorry about the mistake they had 2.8 L OHV V6, 3.3 L OHV I6, 3.8 L OHV V6 and during the early years they would substitute the straight 6 for the V6 based on supply. Thanks for watching and for your understanding.

[@05gtdriver]

@@TonysFordsandMustangs I really enjoy your channel. Keep up the informative work 👍 👏

[@joshuawellwerts2078]

The 86 capri 5.0 was a cool car. It had a good look and the 5.0 5 speed with the Recaro seats. Very sharp

[@foxfordcatguy2283]

'86 didn't come with Recaro seats (Recaros were only available '79-'82). They were called sprot seats & the "halo" headrest was deliberately fashioned to mimic the Recaros (the Recaro headrest had mesh/netting in the opening, the Ford sport seats headrest did not, they were just "open".

[@alxf66]

I knew they didn't sell very well, but those are some grim numbers.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

They did well out of the gate but stumbled quickly.

[@mylanmiller9656]

i was a sad day when Ford dropped the 302 for teh 255, That engine made the RS mean Real shitty. When ford made the 302 Ho available in 1982 it brought back a car that was long missed.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Agreed!

[@oldtc3615]

@4:16 that's not a 3.3L v-6 it's a inline 6. Supposedly it was available since late 1979. They could not keep up with v-6 production. It was also the standard engine in other fox based cars. I actually want to buy an inline 6 Capri because I am weird that way.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

An Inline 6 is a very reliable and easy to maintain engine nothing weird about it.

[@Project_Low_Expectations]

Always liked the fox body capri, never realized the production numbers were so low, or that it was killed after 1986. The 2.3 engine, it’s not named after Lima Peru… rather Lima Ohio where it was built. Except, in true American style, we butchered the word up. It’s pronounced with a hard i… Lima, as in Lima bean. I spent a couple years there, and it’s a pretty crappy place to be.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Thanks for sharing!

[@thebionicbassplayer]

Once me and a friend were traveling to Dayton, Ohio and we discovered my car (Gran Torino) had a hole in the exhaust. We made an emergency stop in Lima and found a repair shop who patched it up for $15. So despite Lima's reputation, they sure came through for me that night.

[@sombra6153]

I remember the Capris, when I was I college in the 80s was not uncommon a long with the Fox Mustang. Most were 4 or 6 cylinders. Regardless, they didn’t get much respect and got abused just as bad as the 5.0s and from neglect.

[@MachtNixPasstSo]

There never was a Capri SVO, which is such a shame.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Ford's own production numbers for SVO's were pretty low. Thanks for watching!

[@83rsturbo]

They only made 415 83 RS Turbos and I have one

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

That's very awesome! Thanks for sharing!

[@EffequalsMA]

Hey, it's the third gen, if you count the Capri II in 1976, which was a pretty significant redesign :)

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

I get it but, most of the world considers it second gen including Mercury and they are the one that ultimately name the generations not us.

[@EffequalsMA]

@@TonysFordsandMustangs Die world, die! Hehe. I made a pretty zippy car back in the day by taking a 72 1600GT with a blown motor and stuck a "big block" 2.8 and 4 speed from a 1976 CII with smashed bodywork. Added headers, duals and a Holley 2 bbl carb to perk it up a little. With the 3.54s out back from the GT it scooted well for its time in that super light car.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

@@EffequalsMA I looked into what exactly makes a "generational change" in a car platform and it comes down to the manufacture choice. IF Ford wants to call the new Mustang a new generation S650 versus S550 they can just do it. The 71-73 cars were VERY different than the 65-66 cars however Ford chose to call all of them 1st generation.

[@EffequalsMA]

@@TonysFordsandMustangs Yeah kinda nutty. It's not always clear the distinctions like with the Corvette, for example. Complete redesign, new chassis, etc. Couple wobblies even there, the 61 and 62 cars had bits that ended up in the 63+.

[@amongusamongusvideosfortho5916]

Hi hope you can help i bought a 1982 capri the outside color is blue the seats or blue the interior paint and door panels or. Brown is this correct

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Mercury had some different color combinations but typically the door panels match the interior. You could always dye the the parts that aren't correct. That turns out well when done correctly.

[@toussantlbisso]

Very comprehensive upload ! That wiz track was amusing too ! Those 15.3 wheels Probably 1 reason the capri dissapeared.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Thanks for the kind words and for watching!

[@plap.]

Why would that be a reason, the mustang has the same TRX wheel/suspension package, stuck with the 390mm Michelins. They sucked just as bad for both cars. The cars were virtually identical. Except the Capri actually had better tougher looking fenders

[@foxfordcatguy2283]

They were only an optional whee,l not standard. They were optional on the Mustang (standard on '79 Pace Car & '79-'81 Cobra), T-birds, Cougar & IIRC, even the Fairmont, too.

[@foxfordcatguy2283]

Also, the 390mm TRX wheels were only available in '79-'84. For '85 they were replaced with the now famous "10-hole" (a.k.a. "phone dial) 15" wheels.

[@plap.]

@@foxfordcatguy2283 The wheels were part of a package that included little traction bars in the rear to help stop wheel hop. Along with sway bars and springs. A very important part of getting the wheels with other components. After that they were replaced with the quad shocks package to help mitigate the wheel hop traction issue, neither could really eliminate it. Nothing could make the crappy Michelins any better either, one tire choice really sucked. The best part of finally getting 15s in 85. The best year for both. Last carb year and better power than 86

[@tomtbi]

Too bad the Capri wasn't a great seller... Actually a pretty sharp car...

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Agreed.

[@dacolino84]

It's unfortunately easy to see why they killed it off after 86 seeing how the sales figures started strong in 79 and were dismal at best by 86. You used my crimson cat engine pic and interior pic presumably from my bat auction listing, I enjoy your accuracy in content/fact delivery.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

I think the Capri's biggest hurdle was it was competing with the Mustang at a price disadvantage. I will grab a from a completed BAT auction now and again IF I can't find anything from Ford. I hope you were happy to see it and thanks for the kind words.

[@JJj-xratedgt]

Gr8 synopsis of the demise of THIS CATS 9LIVES...mazfa#probe#MERCOR...

[@armandopatane5343]

Interesting = I always thought mercury was dublicates of fords; just more luxury = Jacksonville beach Florida

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Not always. Sometime they just had to be different enough. :)

[@RonnN-gf8tm]

Mercury Capri had a meaner looking front end and nicer tailights

[@foxfordcatguy2283]

'79-'82 Capri taillights were cool, '83-'86 are horrible.

[@danwake4431]

head light doors?

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

You caught me. Head light bezels. I don't catch all the mistakes. I'm sure it was written correctly.

[@mylanmiller9656]

@@TonysFordsandMustangs If you look in the Ford parts book, the headlight surrounds are listed as Headlight doors. You were correct in the first place.

[@danwake4431]

@@TonysFordsandMustangs i was wracking my brain, trying to remember ever seeing a Capri with hideaway lights lol

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

@@mylanmiller9656 It happens thanks for verifying.

[@graham6824]

Ford Seria XF4i lol

[@bluetocop]

i had one and so many problems i cant spend the time to name them. after three years of suffering i sold to never buy another ford product. i went to toyota .

[@ChuckG92]

You completely ignored the ASC/McLaren Capris

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

That's because there were so few made. It's not a car that many people have memories about owning.

[@ChuckG92]

@@TonysFordsandMustangs And yet, party of the Fox Body Capri story. I've had three.

[@1972mercurycougar]

200 I6. (3.3L) Not a V6!!