Looking for a Great Project? How ‘Bout This Fox Capri?
This Fox Capri would make a great project car for someone looking for something different.
One of our favorite hobbies is scouring our local Craigslist to scope out new project cars we’ll never buy. Roughly 20 minutes to a half hour of every day is dedicated to finding , sharing, and discussing our plans for these potential projects with our friends.
What we have here today is an unloved and forgotten Fox. This 1980 Mercury Capri hatchback appears to be a base model, but it would be a good base for a more aggressive build. According to the seller, the original owner stored it indoors and took great care of it. The second owner is ready to move on, and is willing to part with this Capri for just $1,000.
It’d be a great alternative to a Fox Mustang, with its subtly flared fenders and quarter panels. Unfortunately, this 1980 model does not have the cool bubble hatch glass.
CHECK OUT: What Forum Members Are Saying About This Potential Project
The car looks to be pretty solid, with the seller claiming minimal rust. For cars in the northeast, the specter of body rot looms over every project like a storm cloud, but this car looks easily repairable. Typical of cars in this region, the interior looks to be in great shape, despite any sins hiding underneath.
The butterscotch interior matches the exterior, and the funky seat fabric looks like knitted doilies you’d see at Grandma’s house. As well preserved as they are, we wouldn’t change them, opting instead to put our money under the hood.
Replacing the stock four-cylinder with a pushrod 302, 347 stroker, or 351 would be fun. Swapping in a warmed-over Thunderbird Turbo Coupe drivetrain would be an interesting alternative.
Since it’s mechanically identical to its contemporary Mustang, there’s a huge aftermarket designed to take this Capri to the next level. What would you do with this baby?
