The Capri Design and the 1983 Barchetta

There were 18,770 1991 Capri's made. Total production was 63,693 cars. There were both right and left hand drive cars manufactured. The cars were assembled in Ford's Broadmeadows Assembly Plant in the Melbourne suburb of Campbellfield, Victoria, Australia.

The production Capri was based on the successful 1983 Ford of Europe, Fiesta-based Ghia-designed 2-seat convertible called the Barchetta (little boat). The Capri exterior was styled by Ford's "Ghia" design studio. The engineering, the interior & folding roof were done by "Ital design" an Italian engineering/design firm. The chassis was a modified Mazda 323, mechanicals (engine, transaxle, brakes, suspension & steering) were also from a modified 1988-1990 Mazda 323, manufactured & supplied by "Mazda Motors", a Ford Asian partner.

The Ford product progress manager was Dave Fewchuck. He was assigned to the Capri project in early 1984. Dave saw the Capri through development, manufacturing, marketing & was in charge of the brand until production ended.

There were two models, the base version, and the upgraded turbo charged XR2. Both had DOHC 1.6 liter engines (96 ci). The base version was rated at an even 100 HP at 5750 RPM, and 95ft/LB of torque at 5500 RPM, while the XR2 turbo engine was rated at 132 HP at 6000 RPM and 136 ft/LB of torque at 3000 RPM. A fully synchronized five speed manual transmission was standard. A four speed EAT (Electronic Automatic Transmission) was available only on the base non turbo model.

The "Ford Capri" was initially offered in Australia 1989. In late 1990 it was marketed & sold in the US as a "Mercury Capri". Ford hoped a sporty convertible would encourage younger and female customers into Mercury dealerships, where the customer base was primarily older males.

The Capri was not an immediate sales success. Ford targeted first year sales of 30,000, but less than 21,000 were actually sold, & production decreased each of the three subsequent years.

The engine and drivetrain is a Mazda 1.6L, intercooled turbo, 4 valves per cylinder, double overhead cam, 4 cylinder engine. It is the same as the Mazda 323GTX. The transaxle is a 5 speed manual. 0-60 time is about 7 seconds.

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Capri Service Manual and Other Information

Want to see a Capri Service manual for the 1991, 1992, 1993 and 1994 model years?

Maybe you need Wiring diagrams, the Ford Powertrain Control Diagnosis Manual, some illustrated how-to articles and the list of Capri parts for collision repair.

You can find these resources at http://www.techcapri.com/.

Modern Capri Parts, http://www.moderncapriparts.biz, is the leading supplier of Capri parts and accessories. Visit the on-line store and shop anytime for all your Capri parts and accessory needs. Use our 100% secure on-line store with shopping cart and performance upgrades for the 1991, 1992, 1993, and 1994 Mercury Capri.

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Mercury Capri Sales

In 1992 the Mercury Capri outsold every sporty car in Australia including the Mitsubishi Galant, Honda CRX, Toyota MR2, Mazda MX5, all Audis, Alfa Romeo, Jaguar, Nissan 300ZX, Porsche, Mazda RX7 and Toyota Supra. During production Capri outsold the Mazda MX5 by two to one in Australia. Capri also outsold the Mazda MX5 for nine months in the US in 1993.

Everyone expected Ford's new Capri to fill a gap in the sports convertible market. The Capri's standard equipment included power steering, electric windows and mirror and alloy wheels. Eventually the series II Capri was released, introducing a twin cam engine for the base Capri with standard engine and fixing problems found in earlier models.

So why did Ford stop production after only 5 years?
The Mazda MX5 was released at the same time at a similar price. Many writers at automotive magazines compared the two cars. The MX5 was more of a traditional sports car. The Capri was more of a city car with comforts that the MX5 didn't offer, like additional room in the backseat to fit 2 kids.

Eventually, the mounting costs of producing an upgraded model of the Capri for 1995, combined with declining sales meant that Ford Australia could not afford to produce the Capri without losing money.

Do you need parts for your Capri or Capri restoration project?
Modern Capri Parts, http://www.moderncapriparts.biz, is the leading supplier of parts and accessories. Visit the on-line store and shop anytime for your Capri parts & accessory needs. Use our 100% secure on-line store for repairs and performance upgrades for the 1991, 1992, 1993, and 1994 Mercury Capri.

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Installing a V8 engine in the 91-94 Capri

On several internet forums I've seen people speculating about replacing the standard four cylinder Capri engines with a V6 or V8.

While increasing the horsepower of this fairly light car sounds like a fun idea, the layout of the car seems like it won't support the bigger engine. The 1991-1994 Capri is set up as a front wheel drive car and a V-8 or V-6 would require a rear wheel drive layout. It would be very difficult to add a driveshaft and rear-drive transmission to the Capri's chassis.

Of course, if you happen to have a huge budget and an urge for racing then you can add a 5.8 Liter V8, and just rebuild the Capri around the engine. The picture above is a Capri, custom-built for drag racing. You're sure to get better quarter-mile times than the stock engine Capri.


Modern Capri Parts, http://www.moderncapriparts.biz, is the leading supplier of Capri parts and accessories. Visit the on-line store and shop anytime for all your Capri parts and accessory needs. Use our 100% secure on-line store with shopping cart and performance upgrades for the 1991, 1992, 1993, and 1994 Mercury Capri.

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Restoring and Repairing the Mercury Capri

1990-94 Mercury Capri: Common Repair Needs
If you purchase a Mercury Capri built from 1990 to 1994 here are some areas you may have to repair or restore:

Air conditioner: The air-conditioning lines may leak at the spring-lock couplings; larger O-rings are available as a service replacement. (1991-94)
Engine noise: Loose heat shields over the muffler and catalytic converter can cause a rattling or buzzing noise. (1991-94)

Tail/brake lights: The turn-signal switch does not stay engaged on right-hand turns. (1991-93)

Water leak: Problems with the convertible top including roof bow flap coming off (1991-94), rear-window breakage (1991-94), and water leaks. (1991-93)

Wipers: If the windshield wipers freeze to the glass in cold weather, the 15- or 20-amp fuse for the wipers (and radiator fan) blow. Replace with a 25-amp fuse. (1991-93)

NHTSA Recall History
1991 and 1993: Rubber tube connecting automatic transmission to oil cooler in radiator may disconnect, resulting in fluid discharge.

1991-92: Airbag module may be inadequate for high-temperature performance; bag may tear and malfunction.

For your Capri restoration project you can count on Modern Capri Parts. Modern Capri Parts, http://www.moderncapriparts.biz, is the leading supplier of Capri parts and accessories. Visit the on-line store and shop anytime for all your Capri parts and accessory needs. Use our 100% secure on-line store with shopping cart and performance upgrades for the 1991, 1992, 1993, and 1994 Mercury Capri.

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Year-to-Year Capri Model Changes

1991 Mercury Capri:
XR2s got slightly thicker front and rear antiroll bars for 1991.

1992 Mercury Capri: New wheels, tires, and cabin trim were installed on the XR2 edition for 1992. Larger tires (195/50R15) on 3-spoke wheels replaced the 185/60R14 rubber, which still was used on the base Capri.

1993 Mercury Capri: Except for a new radio, nothing significant was changed.

1994 Mercury Capri: A passenger-side airbag came in 1994, along with a mild facelift. Bumpers, headlights, and taillights were new. Outside mirrors switched to body color. New alloy wheels were installed on both models, but the XR2 gained a standard sport suspension. Ford discontinued its imported convertible after the 1994 season.

Modern Capri Parts, http://www.moderncapriparts.biz, is the leading supplier of Capri parts and accessories. Visit the on-line store and shop anytime for all your Capri parts and accessory needs. Use our 100% secure on-line store with shopping cart and performance upgrades for the 1991, 1992, 1993, and 1994 Mercury Capri.

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Best Features of the 1990-1994 Mercury Capri

1990-94 Mercury Capri:
Best Features
Acceleration (XR2)
Handling

Cons
Rear-seat room
Cargo room
No antilock brakes

Evaluation
Acceleration is adequate with the base engine and a lot quicker with the turbocharged XR2. Unfortunately the XR2 suffers from moderate torque steer. Shift action with the 5-speed manual transmission is quick and sure. The Capri is nimble in turns, but the nose will plow through a turn if you take it too fast. The front-wheel drive makes it easier to handle in tricky situations. The new sport suspension for the '94 XR2 sharpened its reflexes. Capris do have a rear seat but little leg room. Only small children or luggage can ride in the rear seat. Otherwise, the Capri's cabin is surprisingly wide and front-seat room is good. The instruments and controls are neatly arranged. A Capri's trunk can stow grocery bags standing up, and might hold a weekend's worth of luggage for a couple. The plastic back of the convertible top may be prone to scratches and wrinkles.

Convertibles are not practical family cars. But if you find one for a good price, the Capri can be a fun car. Overall, the Capri is good on fuel economy, handling and comfortable driver seating.

Modern Capri Parts, http://www.moderncapriparts.biz, is the leading supplier of Capri parts and accessories. Visit the on-line store and shop anytime for all your Capri parts and accessory needs. Use our 100% secure on-line store with shopping cart and performance upgrades for the 1991, 1992, 1993, and 1994 Mercury Capri.

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1990-94 Mercury Capri: Highlights

1990-94 Mercury Capri: Highlights

Ford of Australia produced this front-drive 4-seat convertible, with major components borrowed from the prior-generation Mazda 323. A 100-horsepower, 1.6-liter dual-cam 4-cylinder engine drove the base Capri. The XR2 version used a 132-horsepower turbocharged engine. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard with either engine or an optional 4-speed automatic. All Capris had the driver-side airbag, power steering, all-disc brakes, and fully independent suspension. An optional lift-off steel hardtop contained interior lights and an electric rear-window defroster.

Do you need parts for your Capri or Capri restoration project?
Modern Capri Parts, http://www.moderncapriparts.biz, is the leading supplier of parts and accessories. Visit the on-line store and shop anytime for your Capri parts & accessory needs. Use our 100% secure on-line store with shopping cart, and performance upgrades for the 1991, 1992, 1993, and 1994 Mercury Capri.

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Capri Sales Numbers

Restoring and Repairing 1991 to 1994 Mercury Capri
The modern Capri (1991-94' model years) convertible was reminiscent of the classic British open sports cars of the 60's & 70's. This Mercury Capri roadster seated four and was assembled and built in Australia. Many different interior trim packages were used during its production run including gray leather seating in 1993 and black leather covered "Recarro styled" seats in 1994. The 1994 model year saw many improvements and refinements with the 1994 XR2 being the most sought after model. Although not all improvements were well publicized, here are some of the best known: passenger side airbag added, sport suspension, quicker steering and improved gearing, updated rear tail lights, front and rear bumpers, 5 and 7 spoke sport wheels, Recarro styled leather seating plus a center console with lid & cup holder. Although all Mercury Capris were built as convertibles, Mercury did offer an optional, removable steel hardtop which cost about $1200 and came with a rolling storage cart and a cover with the word "CAPRI" printed on it.

Production Statistics:

Number sold in 1991: 21,000

Total sold world wide: 66,382

Final Year Produced- 1994 : 4,000 Capris sold and of that number only 366 were XR2s. The last Capri rolled off the production line on 19th May 1994. This final "Modern Capri" is housed at Ford's Discovery Center, located in Geelong Australia.

Modern Capri Parts, http://www.moderncapriparts.biz, is the leading supplier of Capri parts and accessories. Visit the on-line store and shop anytime for all your Capri parts and accessory needs. Use our 100% secure on-line store with shopping cart and performance upgrades for the 1991, 1992, 1993, and 1994 Mercury Capri.

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Development of the 1991-1994 Mercury Capri

The "Modern Capri" was born when Ford Australia (Ford APAO) was given the corporate objective from its US headquarters to develop a small front wheel drive, two seat roadster. The "Aussies" embraced this objective by enlisting the help of the Italians to design the attractive coachwork. They utilized Ford's "Ghia" design studio to develop the two-seat convertible initially dubbed the Barchetta. The engineering, the interior & excellent folding roof were done by another Italian firm specializing in engineering / design, "Ital design". Although viewed by Mazda to be a potential competitor to its fledgling Miata, Ford still was able to use its formidable financial/business alliance with Mazda to source Japanese modern and reliable mechanicals; Ford primarily argued that the Capri was not a true competitor to Mazda's Miata, as the Capri seated four and the Miata only two. As early as 1984 Ford Australia's proposal was given the "corporate nod" and initial approval & funding was granted. The amalgamation of components from these three countries, as well as others, created a true "world car".

Thus, the "Modern Capri" was born and was manufactured from 1989-1994 in the Melbourne Australia, Broadmeadows assembly plant & marketed primarily in Australia & the United States. The Capri was based on a modified Mazda 323 chassis with its mechanicals (EFI engine, transaxle, brakes, suspension & steering) derived from a venerable rally champion, the 1988-89' Mazda 323 (base model) and 323GT/GTX. Similarly, there were two models of Capris offered, the base version equipped with DOHC 1.6 liter engines which generated 100 HP at 5750 RPM, and 95ft/LB of torque at 5500 RPM, and secondly, the upgraded turbo charged (IHI VJ-14 turbo charger) model, the "XR2",which was rated at 132 HP at 6000 RPM and 136 ft/LB of torque at 3000 RPM. The power plant used in the XR2 has a bullet-proof reputation, having seen many upward HP modifications and roaring first through the checkered flag, fastened securely under the hood of its rally champion sister, the 1988-89' Mazda 323 GTX. Capris equipped with manual transmissions utilized a fully synchronized five speed transmission as standard equipment. However, those who preferred the ease of an automatic transmission could opt for a four speed, Electronic Automatic Transmission (4EAT) which was available only on the base non-turbo model.

Modern Capri Parts, http://www.moderncapriparts.biz, is the leading supplier of Capri parts and accessories. Visit the on-line store and shop anytime for all your Capri parts and accessory needs. Use our 100% secure on-line store with shopping cart and performance upgrades for the 1991, 1992, 1993, and 1994 Mercury Capri.

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