The Mercury Capri constantly changed with the time and was one of the most popular cars of its time.
When we think of any decade, certain images come to mind. For instance, when we picture the 1920s, we can't help but think of flappers. The 1980s evoke images of mullets and long-haired glam rock stars. When we think of the 1970s, we think of bell bottoms, discos, and cars and there are few cars more synonymous with the 1970s than the Mercury Capri.
Spanning two decades, the Mercury Capri constantly changed with the time and was one of the most popular cars of its time. Designed by Philip T. Clark, who was also responsible for the Ford Mustang, there were three generations of Capri. In each generation, there were two years in particular that we're the best for anyone looking for a used Mercury Capri. While it can be difficult to get a hold of a Capri that is good for anything but spare parts, the following list gives the best years for a used Mercury Capri and what made the car so unique for each year.
Part of the second generation of Capri, by 1984 production had stopped in North America. This didn't stop the car from being a success in Europe (or in North America under the Mustang nameplate). 1984 saw design changes that gave the Capri a cleaner start and smoother ride than earlier editions of the car. Perhaps the most well-known and best Capri from 1984 is the special edition Charcoal Turbo RS. Enhanced with a Garrett 60 trim turbocharger, EFI four-cylinder engine, and other upgrades, the Charcoal Turbo RS was a smooth ride that current and former owners think of fondly.
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Rounding out the top five used Mercury Capris is the 1983 model and its special edition, the bright red Crimson Cat. 1983 saw structural changes such as a front grille that was mounted vertically and a newly-designed hatchback. By this time, the Mercury Capri had transformed into a pony car and 1983 saw improvements to various facets, including transmission and horsepower.
1971 was the first full year of sales for the German-manufactured Mercury Capri. Featuring a 9:1 compression ratio, single downdraft carburetor, and 120 lbs/ft of torque, the Capri in 1971 marked the introduction to the American market of an affordable coupe with more than a hint of European luxury. Specifically designed to appeal to those who wanted a powerful car with a sleeker design, the '71 Mercury Capri sold around 53,000 units for an economical price tag of around $2,600.
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Building off the success of the 1971 Capri, the 1972 model saw the introduction of an optional 2.6-liter V6 engine. The first car sold by Ford to offer V6 engine capabilities in North America, this model came equipped with reclining bucket seats, full instrumentation, and an optional sunroof.
The first generation Mercury Capri is one of those hidden gems of the classic automotive world. It offers a unique combination of driveability, fun, coolness, price, and …well…uniqueness that is hard to beat for the market price.
Now marketed as the Capri II, 1977 saw the car take the form of a sportier Mustang. With nearly a decade of improvements in drivability and design behind it, the 1977 Mercury Capri evokes nostalgia like perhaps no other car on this list apart from the next one. Due to a changing global economic climate and the availability of the cheaper (nearly identical) Ford Mustang, 1977 marked the last year for the Capri in the United States, despite it remaining wildly popular in Europe for several more years.
Breaking out of its compact coupe-styled shell, the Capri II launched in 1976 featured a larger body that was more curvaceous and sporty. A pony car that rivaled the Ford Mustang and was trusted by several race car drivers for its speed and power, the '76 Capri also featured more space than its predecessors and made for a comfortable, spacious ride.
Whether you are looking for the nostalgia of a car that helped define the 1970s or a car that exuded strength and power in the 1980s, a used Mercury Capri could be just what you're looking for. While it may be difficult to find a used Capri that can still be driven, those that are show clearly why the Capri was so popular and give a window into what we held - and continue to hold - dear: quality, strength, and freedom of choice.
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| Rank | Company | Country |
|---|---|---|
| #1 |  Volkswagen |
Germany |
| #2 |  Toyota |
Japan |
| #3 |  Stellantis |
Netherlands |
| #4 |  Mercedes-Benz Group |
Germany |
| #5 |  Ford Motor |
United States |
| Rank | Company | Country |
|---|---|---|
| #1 |  Michelin |
France |
| #2 |  Bridgestone |
Japan |
| #3 |  Continental |
Germany |
| #4 |  Goodyear |
United States |
| #5 |  Sumitomo |
Japan |
