1976 MERCURY CAPRI 2.8                                   Re...

Estimate

£12,000 - £15,000

1976 MERCURY CAPRI 2.8                                  

Registration Number: PFE 548P
Chassis Number: GAECPA29357
Recorded Mileage: 39,750 miles

Although it was mechanically similar to the Mark I, the Capri II had a revised, larger body and a more modern dashboard and a smaller steering wheel. 

The Mercury Capri was sourced as a captive import from Ford of Europe. From 1979 to 1986, the Capri became part of the Mercury model line as a pony car. In North America, the Capri was marketed without a direct Ford-brand counterpart for its first and third generations, although sold elsewhere under the Ford brand. 

After the 1974 redesign of the Ford Capri, Lincoln-Mercury commenced American sales of the Capri Mk II in 1975 as an early 1976 model. Skipping the 1975 model year entirely, Lincoln-Mercury renamed the Capri to the Capri II, again omitting any formal divisional identification from the vehicle. While sharing similar styling to its predecessor, the Capri II adopted a hatchback roofline. As with the 1970–1974 Capri, to adapt to the American market, the Capri II was fitted with quad sealed-beam headlamps, grille-mounted turn signals, 5-mph bumpers, and body-color side-view mirrors. Again maintaining powertrain commonality with the Ford Pinto, Ford Mustang II and Mercury Bobcat, the Capri II was fitted with the 2.3L OHC engine, offering a 2.8L V6 as an option.

This rare original example was produced in Cologne, Germany and exported to the US for first registration early in 1976. This was a well-specified car with a number of options ticked, such as the larger 2.8 litre V6 motor, automatic gearbox, air conditioning, power steering, a vinyl roof with sunroof, and rear wash/wipe. Maintained by its previous owner in Washington State for over 30 years, in around the year 2000 the Capri enjoyed a full repaint to a good standard, which it wears to this day.

The Capri has more recently benefited from a number of minor improvements such as a conversion to UK bumpers and lights (the originals are available), replacement vinyl roof, window rubbers, carpet set, and a stainless steel exhaust system (fitted in May 2021). The history file shows extensive older history from the US in addition to recent work.

Understood to drive well and showing no signs of rust or associated repairs in its 46 year history, this is a rare survivor which will make a very interesting classic to own and show.