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.

Do you need parts for your Capri or Capri restoration project?
Modern Capri Parts offers 1991 Capri parts, 1992 Capri parts, 1993 Capri parts and 1994 Capri parts. Modern Capri Parts 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.