This car is probably one of only a handful in the UK, and being RHD, could be unique!
Back in 1972 the Ford Motor Company bought a large share of Mazda of Japan, and started selling Mazdas badged as Fords in the USA & Canada.This was the start of a worldwide trend that saw Mazdas badged as Fords and Fords badged as Mazdas in many different markets. In Australia, Mazda 323's were badged as Ford Lasers, and in Europe, Fiestas were badged as Mazdas!
In the 1980's Ford USA was losing sales in the small sportscar market as they had nothing to compete with the Toyota MR2,Mazda RX7 and similar "Rice Rockets". This prompted the development of this car by the Ford Motor Company of Australia.
Using a Mazda 323 floorpan and Mazda front wheel drive mechanical components, these were combined with a sleek sports car body designed by Ghia of Turin.Interior and folding roof were designed by another Italian Company, Ital Design.Engines were 1600cc,DOHC,rated at 100HP at 5750rpm.The Capri went on sale in early 1989 in Australia & New Zealand, which are right hand drive countries. The following year LHD models were built for the US & Canadian markets. It was decided to market them in North America under the Mercury name; it was felt that Mercury had a very staid, conservative image whose products were sold primarily to men, and Mercury dealerships wanted to see younger women buying their cars! In the first year 21,000 Mercury Capris were sold.In total 66,382 were sold over a four year period, most were LHD models.For several months the Mercury Capri outsold the MX5 & RX7, but then demand fell away and the model was superceded in 1994.
This particular Capri was my own personal car in Australia for the last few years, and when I came to the UK I brought it with me as I had enjoyed driving it so much!
Consider the specification:
1. Very nifty but economical performance from its 1600cc petrol injected engine.
2. Four Speed Electronic Automatic Transmission for a lazy drive!
3. Power steering.
4. Air-Conditioning
5. Front wheel drive stability.
6. FOUR WHEEL DISC BRAKES.
7. Four seats.
8. Excellent folding roof that drops down out of sight into its own sealed compartment.
9. Big, wide doors so us portly ones can get in and out easily!
10. Good sound system.
11. Pop up headlights.
12. Absolutely zero rust,dry climate Sydney car.
13. Electric windows.
14. Poor man's Ferrari looks!
15. UK age-related UK registration
16. Taxed & long MOT.
17. All import duties,VAT and other fees fully paid.
Passed the MOT first time.The MOT tester commented that it was most unusual to see a 20 year old car with no rust issues whatsoever.Other faults/niggles are the odd rattle or squeak, but not really surprising for a 20 year old convertible.Gas filled struts that support the bootlid are weak and need replacing. These are available online for £17 per pair.Some hairline cracks to the red paintwork on the front bumper bar under the offside headlamp.Paint is Radiant Red, a Fiesta colour available in aerosol cans from Halfords.Two small spots of sun or heat discolouration damage to the paint on the bonnet,but hardly noticeable. Some wear to the driver's seat fabric.
The car starts and drives very well; cambelt was replaced about 12,000 miles ago. Spare parts are available at your local Mazda dealer or breakers yard.Other parts are available online from Australia or USA;I would be happy to locate and ship through my contacts, an assortment of spare parts such as lamps, lenses, panels or whatever the buyer may require.
A rare and attractive vehicle which causes favourable comment wherever it goes......and is just waiting for those sunny springtime days!
You will need to bear in mind that as this car has cost me a considerable amount of money in shipping charges and other landed costs,I will not be giving it away for nothing. Please don't make silly, derisory offers as I will not reply! No dealers need make contact, thank you.
Viewing is encouraged by mutual arrangement; location is West Sussex about 10 minutes south of Gatwick Airport. If you want to test drive the car you will need to bring me proof of third party insurance.
Please make contact if you need more photos or have any questions.
Cash on collection.....no cheques accepted, not even good ones!
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