The 1979 Mercury Capri was a compact sports car manufactured by the Ford Motor Company. It was the second generation of the Capri, and was available in both hatchback and convertible body styles. The Capri was powered by a variety of four- and six-cylinder engines, and was offered with a four-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission.
The 1979 Mercury Capri was a popular car, with over 100,000 units sold. It was praised for its stylish design, sporty handling, and affordable price. The Capri was also a success on the race track, winning several championships in the SCCA Trans-Am series.
The 1979 Mercury Capri is a significant car in automotive history. It was one of the first affordable sports cars to be offered in the United States, and helped to popularize the concept of the "pony car." The Capri is also remembered for its distinctive styling, which has been imitated by many other cars over the years.
1979 Mercury Capri
The 1979 Mercury Capri was a compact sports car manufactured by the Ford Motor Company. It was available in both hatchback and convertible body styles, and was powered by a variety of four- and six-cylinder engines. The Capri was a popular car, with over 100,000 units sold.
- Compact: The Capri was a small car, with a length of just over 16 feet.
- Sports car: The Capri was designed for performance, with a sporty suspension and handling.
- Manufactured by Ford: The Capri was built by the Ford Motor Company, one of the largest automakers in the world.
- Hatchback and convertible body styles: The Capri was available in both hatchback and convertible body styles, giving buyers a choice between practicality and style.
- Four- and six-cylinder engines: The Capri was offered with a variety of four- and six-cylinder engines, ranging in power from 88 to 140 horsepower.
- Over 100,000 units sold: The Capri was a popular car, with over 100,000 units sold during its production run.
- Affordable: The Capri was an affordable sports car, with a base price of just $5,995.
- Stylish: The Capri was a stylish car, with a sleek design that was inspired by European sports cars.
- Fun to drive: The Capri was a fun to drive car, with responsive handling and a powerful engine.
The 1979 Mercury Capri was a significant car in automotive history. It was one of the first affordable sports cars to be offered in the United States, and helped to popularize the concept of the "pony car." The Capri was also a success on the race track, winning several championships in the SCCA Trans-Am series.
Compact
The compact size of the 1979 Mercury Capri was one of its key selling points. In an era when many sports cars were large and unwieldy, the Capri offered a more nimble and maneuverable driving experience. Its small size also made it more fuel-efficient and easier to park than its larger competitors.
The Capri's compact size was also a major factor in its success on the race track. In the SCCA Trans-Am series, the Capri was able to outmaneuver its larger rivals, and its light weight gave it a significant advantage on the straightaways.
The 1979 Mercury Capri is a prime example of how a car's size can be a major advantage. Its compact dimensions made it a fun and nimble car to drive, and gave it a significant advantage on the race track.
Sports car
The 1979 Mercury Capri was designed to be a sports car, with a focus on performance and handling. This is evident in its sporty suspension and handling, which were designed to provide a responsive and engaging driving experience. The Capri's suspension was tuned to provide a balance between comfort and performance, with a firm but not harsh ride. The car's handling was also praised by reviewers, with many noting its agility and responsiveness.
The Capri's performance was also enhanced by its powerful engine. The base model Capri came with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 88 horsepower. However, buyers could also opt for a more powerful 2.8-liter V6 engine that produced 140 horsepower. This engine gave the Capri a top speed of 115 mph and a 0-60 mph time of 8.5 seconds.
The combination of its sporty suspension, handling, and powerful engine made the 1979 Mercury Capri a true sports car. It was a car that was designed to be fun to drive, and it lived up to that expectation.
Manufactured by Ford
The 1979 Mercury Capri was manufactured by the Ford Motor Company, one of the largest automakers in the world. This had a significant impact on the car's design, production, and marketing.
- Design: Ford's engineering and design resources allowed the Capri to be developed and refined to a high standard. The car's sleek styling, sporty handling, and powerful engine were all testaments to Ford's commitment to quality.
- Production: Ford's massive production facilities allowed the Capri to be produced in large numbers, which helped to keep its price affordable. The car's widespread availability also made it a popular choice for consumers.
- Marketing: Ford's marketing expertise helped to make the Capri a household name. The car was featured in numerous advertising campaigns, and it was even used as the pace car for the Indianapolis 500 in 1979.
In conclusion, the fact that the 1979 Mercury Capri was manufactured by Ford had a profound impact on the car's success. Ford's resources, expertise, and marketing power all contributed to making the Capri one of the most popular sports cars of its era.
Hatchback and convertible body styles
The 1979 Mercury Capri was available in both hatchback and convertible body styles. This gave buyers a choice between practicality and style, as the hatchback offered more cargo space while the convertible offered a more open-air driving experience.
- Practicality: The Capri hatchback offered more cargo space than the convertible, making it a more practical choice for buyers who needed to transport larger items. The hatchback also had a larger opening, making it easier to load and unload cargo.
- Style: The Capri convertible offered a more stylish and open-air driving experience than the hatchback. The convertible's top could be lowered in seconds, giving drivers the feeling of being in a sports car. The convertible was also more visually appealing, with its sleek lines and sporty profile.
The availability of both hatchback and convertible body styles was a major selling point for the 1979 Mercury Capri. It allowed buyers to choose the body style that best suited their needs and preferences, whether they were looking for a practical car for everyday use or a stylish car for weekend getaways.
Four- and six-cylinder engines
The variety of four- and six-cylinder engines offered in the 1979 Mercury Capri was a major selling point for the car. It allowed buyers to choose the engine that best suited their needs and preferences, whether they were looking for fuel efficiency, power, or a balance of both.
The base model Capri came with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 88 horsepower. This engine was fuel-efficient and reliable, making it a good choice for everyday driving. However, buyers who wanted more power could opt for the 2.8-liter V6 engine that produced 140 horsepower. This engine gave the Capri a top speed of 115 mph and a 0-60 mph time of 8.5 seconds.
The availability of both four- and six-cylinder engines was a major factor in the Capri's success. It allowed buyers to choose the car that best suited their needs and budget, and it helped to make the Capri one of the most popular sports cars of its era.
In conclusion, the variety of four- and six-cylinder engines offered in the 1979 Mercury Capri was a major selling point for the car. It allowed buyers to choose the engine that best suited their needs and preferences, and it helped to make the Capri one of the most popular sports cars of its era.
Over 100,000 units sold
The fact that the 1979 Mercury Capri sold over 100,000 units during its production run is a testament to its popularity and success. This popularity can be attributed to a number of factors, including its stylish design, sporty handling, and affordable price. The Capri was also a popular choice for racing, winning several championships in the SCCA Trans-Am series.
The Capri's popularity had a number of positive effects. First, it helped to establish the Mercury brand as a producer of stylish and sporty cars. Second, it helped to boost sales of other Ford products, as many Capri buyers were also interested in other Ford vehicles. Third, it helped to create a loyal following of Capri enthusiasts, who continue to support the car today.
In conclusion, the fact that the 1979 Mercury Capri sold over 100,000 units is a significant achievement. It is a testament to the car's popularity and success, and it has had a number of positive effects on the Mercury brand and the automotive industry as a whole.
Affordable
The affordability of the 1979 Mercury Capri was a major factor in its success. In an era when many sports cars were priced out of reach for the average consumer, the Capri offered a relatively affordable way to own a stylish and fun-to-drive car. The base price of the Capri was just $5,995, which was significantly less than the price of many other sports cars on the market.
The affordability of the Capri made it a popular choice for young buyers and families. It was also a popular choice for racing enthusiasts, as it was an affordable car to modify and race. The Capri's affordability also helped to boost sales of other Ford products, as many Capri buyers were also interested in other Ford vehicles.
In conclusion, the affordability of the 1979 Mercury Capri was a major factor in its success. It made the car accessible to a wider range of buyers, and it helped to boost sales of other Ford products. The Capri's affordability also helped to create a loyal following of Capri enthusiasts, who continue to support the car today.
Stylish
The 1979 Mercury Capri was a stylish car, with a sleek design that was inspired by European sports cars. This was a major selling point for the car, as it gave it a sophisticated and upscale look that appealed to many buyers. The Capri's design was also aerodynamic, which helped to improve its performance and fuel efficiency.
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Facet 1: European influence
The Capri's design was heavily influenced by European sports cars, particularly the Ford Capri. This is evident in the car's sleek lines, long hood, and short deck. The Capri's design was also inspired by the Lamborghini Countach, which was one of the most popular sports cars of the era. -
Facet 2: Aerodynamic design
The Capri's design was also aerodynamic, which helped to improve its performance and fuel efficiency. The car's sleek lines and sloping roof helped to reduce drag, which allowed it to achieve a top speed of 115 mph. The Capri's aerodynamic design also helped to improve its fuel efficiency, as it could get up to 25 mpg on the highway. -
Facet 3: Popular appeal
The Capri's stylish design was a major selling point for the car. It gave the car a sophisticated and upscale look that appealed to many buyers. The Capri's design was also popular with racing enthusiasts, as it was an affordable car to modify and race. -
Facet 4: Lasting legacy
The Capri's stylish design has had a lasting legacy. The car is still considered to be one of the most beautiful sports cars of its era, and it continues to be popular with collectors and enthusiasts today.
In conclusion, the 1979 Mercury Capri was a stylish car, with a sleek design that was inspired by European sports cars. This was a major selling point for the car, as it gave it a sophisticated and upscale look that appealed to many buyers. The Capri's design was also aerodynamic, which helped to improve its performance and fuel efficiency.
Fun to drive
The 1979 Mercury Capri was a fun to drive car, with responsive handling and a powerful engine. This was due to a number of factors, including its lightweight construction, well-tuned suspension, and powerful V6 engine.
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Lightweight construction
The Capri was a relatively lightweight car, weighing just 2,600 pounds. This gave it a good power-to-weight ratio, which contributed to its responsive handling and acceleration. -
Well-tuned suspension
The Capri's suspension was well-tuned, providing a good balance between ride comfort and handling. This made the car fun to drive on both winding roads and the open highway. -
Powerful V6 engine
The Capri's V6 engine was powerful and responsive, providing plenty of power for acceleration and passing. The engine was also relatively fuel-efficient, getting up to 25 mpg on the highway. -
Driving experience
The combination of these factors made the Capri a fun to drive car. It was responsive, agile, and powerful, making it a pleasure to drive on any road.
The Capri's fun-to-drive nature was one of its key selling points. It was a car that was designed to be enjoyed, and it lived up to that expectation.
FAQs about the 1979 Mercury Capri
The 1979 Mercury Capri was a popular sports car that offered a stylish design, sporty handling, and affordable price. Here are some frequently asked questions about the Capri:
Question 1: What engine options were available for the 1979 Mercury Capri?
Answer: The 1979 Mercury Capri was offered with two engine options: a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 88 horsepower and a 2.8-liter V6 engine that produced 140 horsepower.
Question 2: What body styles were available for the 1979 Mercury Capri?
Answer: The 1979 Mercury Capri was available in two body styles: a hatchback and a convertible.
Question 3: What was the price of the 1979 Mercury Capri?
Answer: The base price of the 1979 Mercury Capri was $5,995.
Question 4: How many units of the 1979 Mercury Capri were sold?
Answer: Over 100,000 units of the 1979 Mercury Capri were sold during its production run.
Question 5: What is the legacy of the 1979 Mercury Capri?
Answer: The 1979 Mercury Capri is remembered as a stylish and affordable sports car that was popular with both consumers and racing enthusiasts.
Question 6: What are some of the strengths of the 1979 Mercury Capri?
Answer: Some of the strengths of the 1979 Mercury Capri include its sporty handling, powerful engine, and affordable price.
Question 7: What are some of the weaknesses of the 1979 Mercury Capri?
Answer: Some of the weaknesses of the 1979 Mercury Capri include its small interior and lack of standard features.
The 1979 Mercury Capri is a significant car in automotive history. It was one of the first affordable sports cars to be offered in the United States, and it helped to popularize the concept of the "pony car." The Capri is also remembered for its distinctive styling, which has been imitated by many other cars over the years.
The FAQs section provides a comprehensive overview of the 1979 Mercury Capri. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us.
Tips for Maintaining a 1979 Mercury Capri
The 1979 Mercury Capri is a classic sports car that requires proper maintenance to keep it in good condition. Here are some tips to help you maintain your Capri:
Tip 1: Regular oil changes
Regular oil changes are essential for keeping your Capri's engine running smoothly. The oil helps to lubricate the moving parts of the engine and prevents them from wearing out prematurely. It is recommended to change the oil and filter every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
Tip 2: Tire maintenance
Proper tire maintenance is important for safety and performance. Check your tire pressure regularly and adjust it to the recommended level. Also, inspect your tires for any signs of wear or damage. If you notice any problems, have them repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
Tip 3: Brake maintenance
Your Capri's brakes are essential for safety. Inspect your brake pads and rotors regularly and replace them when necessary. Also, flush your brake fluid every two years to keep it fresh and free of contaminants.
Tip 4: Battery maintenance
A weak or dead battery can prevent your Capri from starting. Inspect your battery terminals regularly and clean them if they are corroded. Also, test your battery every year to make sure it is still holding a charge.
Tip 5: Body and paint care
To keep your Capri looking its best, wash and wax it regularly. This will help to protect the paint from the elements and prevent it from fading or chipping. Also, touch up any scratches or chips in the paint as soon as possible to prevent them from rusting.
Tip 6: Interior maintenance
Keep your Capri's interior clean and well-maintained. Vacuum the carpets and seats regularly, and wipe down the dashboard and other surfaces with a damp cloth. Also, protect the leather seats from fading and cracking by conditioning them regularly.
Tip 7: Regular inspections
Regular inspections are important for catching any potential problems early on. Inspect your Capri's fluid levels, belts, and hoses regularly. Also, have a mechanic inspect your car at least once a year to identify any potential issues.
Tip 8: Use high-quality parts
When replacing parts on your Capri, always use high-quality parts. This will help to ensure that your car performs at its best and lasts for many years to come.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your 1979 Mercury Capri in good condition for many years to come.
Remember, regular maintenance is key to keeping your Capri running smoothly and looking its best.
1979 Mercury Capri
The 1979 Mercury Capri was a significant car in automotive history. It was one of the first affordable sports cars to be offered in the United States, and helped to popularize the concept of the "pony car." The Capri was also a success on the race track, winning several championships in the SCCA Trans-Am series.
The Capri's popularity was due to a number of factors, including its stylish design, sporty handling, and affordable price. The car was also relatively fuel-efficient for its time, getting up to 25 mpg on the highway.
Today, the 1979 Mercury Capri is still remembered as a stylish and affordable sports car. It is a popular choice for collectors and enthusiasts, and continues to be a popular choice for racing enthusiasts.
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