Was the Ford Capri sold in the US?
No, the Ford Capri was not sold in the United States. The Capri was a sporty, affordable European coupe produced by Ford from 1969 to 1986, but it was never officially imported and sold in the American market.
The Ford Capri: A European Sports Car Icon
The Ford Capri was designed as an affordable, sporty "everyman's sports car" to compete with the Opel Manta and other European coupes. It was produced at Ford's Cologne plant in Germany and sold throughout Europe, becoming a hugely popular model. The Capri was known for its sleek, fastback styling and available high-performance engines, making it a favorite among enthusiasts.
Why Wasn't the Capri Sold in the US?
There were a few key reasons why the Ford Capri was never officially imported and sold in the United States:
- Market Differences: The American market at the time was more focused on larger, more powerful muscle cars and pony cars, rather than the smaller, more nimble European-style coupes like the Capri.
- Emissions and Safety Standards: The Capri would have needed significant modifications to meet the stricter emissions and safety regulations in the US, which would have made it too expensive to sell profitably.
- Ford's Existing Lineup: Ford already had sporty, affordable coupes like the Mustang II and Thunderbird in its US lineup, so there was less incentive to bring in the Capri as well.
While the Capri never made it to American shores, it developed a cult following among enthusiasts who imported them privately. Today, the Capri remains an iconic European sports car that is fondly remembered, even if it never officially reached the US market.
How much is a 1974 Mercury Capri worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $5,800 for a 1974 Mercury Capri in good condition with average spec.
Did Ford sell the Capri in the USA?
The Ford Capri was sold in the US as three distinctly different cars over three decades, including one version series produced by Ford's sister division Mercury. The Capri for the 1971–74 model years and Capri II for 1976–77 were Ford captive imports made by Ford of Europe in Germany.
What was the Ford Capri called in America?
Derived from the Australian Ford Laser (sold in the United States as the first-generation Mercury Tracer), the Ford Capri also shares drivetrain commonality with the Mazda 323. To adapt the Capri for United States sale, Lincoln-Mercury made several changes over the Australian-market Capri.
How much is a Ford Capri worth?
The price of a Ford Capri varies significantly based on whether you're looking at the new electric SUV or a classic model. The new 2025 Ford Capri EV has a starting price of around $58,000, while prices for classic, used models can range from a few thousand dollars to nearly $90,000, depending on age, condition, and rarity, according to this YouTube video, this YouTube video, Trade Me, and Carsales.
New 2025 Ford Capri EV
- Starting Price: Around $58,000.
- Features: A new, all-electric SUV with coupé styling, not a two-door sports car like the original.
- Market: Competes with vehicles like the Tesla Model Y and Kia EV6.
- Total Cost: The price can increase significantly with options, with some models potentially reaching up to £60,000, as mentioned in this YouTube video and Motorpoint.
Classic/Used Ford Capri
- Price Range: Varies widely depending on the specific model year, condition, and features.
- Examples:
- A 1989 model might have an indicative price between $3,300–$4,700.
- A 1971 5.0 V8 Manual has been listed for $89,990.
- A 1974 Capri was listed for $26,500.
- A 1990 Turbo 5-speed manual was listed for $7,500.
