Is a Mercury Capri a foxbody?
The Capri is not inherently a Foxbody; only the Fox-era Capri (1979–1986) is considered Foxbody. Other Capri generations used different chassis and are not Foxbody.
Understanding the Fox platform and the Capri lineage
The term Foxbody refers to vehicles built on Ford's Fox platform, a rear‑wheel‑drive chassis used for the Mustang from 1979 through the early 1990s and shared with related models like the Capri. The Mercury Capri is a variant of the Mustang family, so its Foxbody status depends on the generation and underlying platform.
What is the Fox platform?
The Fox platform (the Fox chassis) is a modular Ford design introduced around 1978–79 and used through the early 1990s. It underpinned the Mustang from 1979–1993 and shared with other models that used the same architecture.
What does Foxbody mean for enthusiasts?
In common automotive parlance, “Foxbody” denotes a car that uses the Fox platform. This designation affects parts compatibility, restoration paths, and collector value for cars like the Capri and Mustang from that era.
Mercury Capri by generation and platform
To avoid confusion, below is a concise breakdown of how the Capri line maps to Ford’s platforms. The list highlights which Capris are Foxbody and which are not.
- First generation Capri (introduced 1969): shared with early Mustangs of that era; not built on the Fox platform.
- Second generation Capri (1979–1986): built on Ford's Fox platform; this is the Foxbody Capri.
- Later Capris (post-1986): utilized updated Ford platforms distinct from Fox; not Foxbody.
For collectors and buyers, the distinction matters because Foxbody parts compatibility, suspension geometry, and restoration paths differ from non-Fox Capris.
Additional context and considerations
In the United States, the Mercury Capri nameplate largely ran through the early 1990s, with limited variations in other markets. Always verify the vehicle’s VIN and chassis code to confirm the platform, as visual cues alone can be misleading.
Summary
The Mercury Capri is not automatically a Foxbody. The 1979–1986 Capri is the Foxbody version, sharing its chassis with the Mustang of that era. Capris from other generations used different platforms and are not classified as Foxbody. When evaluating a Capri, checking the year and chassis code is the best way to determine its platform identity.
Is a Mercury Capri the same as a Mustang?
From 1979 to 1986, the second generation Capri became part of the Mercury model line as a U.S. built pony car, a badge engineered variant of the contemporary Ford Mustang.
Is the Mercury Capri a foxbody?
Though I know some who wouldn't think it is, and it's actually very rare. 1984 Mercury Capri RS 5.0 H.O. It is basically a Mustang Fox Body, with a few changes. Something like 7000 made.
What is considered a foxbody?
The Fox Body Mustang is the third generation of Ford's iconic muscle car, lasting from 1979 to 1993.
Is the Ford Capri a Mustang?
The Ford Capri is a car which was built by Ford of Europe from 1968 to 1986. It is a fastback coupé and was designed by Philip T. Clark, who had been involved in the design of the Ford Mustang. It used the mechanical components from the Mk2 Ford Cortina and was intended as the European equivalent of the Ford Mustang.
