This original and unrestored 1991 Mercury Capri XR2 Turbo is a well-preserved nimble canyon carver. Originally built to compete with the first-generation Mazda Miata, the XR2 offered a more spacious interior and powerful engine. The XR2 had a body designed by Ghia, an interior by Italian design house ItalDesign and was built in Victoria, Australia; 1991 was the first year the XR2 was imported to the USA.

This specific XR2, vin number 6MPCT0368M8630188, has covered just 27,700 from new. Originally purchased at Krug Lincoln-Mercury in Dearborn, Michigan by Ford’s vice president of manufacturing and global head of powertrain in the 1990s, the XR2 was used solely as an enjoyment vehicle that was never driven in inclement weather. The XR2 remained with the original owner’s family for nearly 23 years before moving to the stewardship of a close family friend.

The exterior of the XR2 is in well preserved condition showing little signs of age. All body panels and plastic trim are original to the car with no signs of rust or previous repair. The original “Dark Charcoal Clearcoat Metallic” paint presents very well with no fading. The undercarriage of the XR2 is very clean and reflects the history of the car residing in South Carolina, Florida and northern Michigan; early in the car’s life, a full undercoating of the chassis was completed. The glass of the XR2 is in phenomenal condition with no chips, cracks or scratches due to the windshield wipers. The black vinyl convertible top has no rips or tears and sports a new crystal-clear vinyl rear-window. The four, 14-inch cast aluminum wheels show no road rash or oxidation, a testament to the care taken by the previous owners when driving the XR2. All four wheels wear brand-new Hankook Kinergy ST tires.

The spacious interior of the XR2 is ready to host more memorable moments. The two-tone grey and red stitched cloth interior perfectly complements the Dark Charcoal body color. The subtle red accents throughout the interior and exterior give the XR2 the look of a sophisticated high-end sports car. All seats in the 2+2 convertible are in great condition with no rips or tears; seats are firm, yet comfortable, with no degradation of the molded foam. Interior trim is also in good condition with no cracks or sun-fading. Grey carpet runs the length of the interior and is also in the trunk. This particular XR2 is optioned with the premium four-speaker stereo and 80-watt amplifier.

When operating the XR2, each gauge functions properly with each having a clean face. Buttons and switches feel sturdy when used and show no signs of rough use or delicacy from age. The power windows work well as do the pop-up headlights. Heater and air-conditioner also function properly with the A/C switch being recently replaced with a New-Old-Stock part. The XR2 is also equipped with cruise control.

This Capri XR2 features a 1.6-litre, turbocharged inline four-cylinder powerplant that is matted to a five-speed manual transaxle; power is sent to the front wheels. The short turbo lag and MacPherson strut suspension give the car a lively demeanor during spirted driving. The XR2 features disc brakes at each corner. There are no modifications to the powertrain of this XR2 with all major components original to the car. The engine runs stout with no leaks and pulls strong in all five gears and reverse without hesitation. The engine was recently serviced including a brake-master cylinder, distributor, ignition coil, spark plug wires, spark plugs, over-boost pressure sensor, belts, hoses, oil change, coolant flush and brake fluid flush.

This versatile sports car is just as comfortable blasting on curvy mountain roads as it is prowling up and down the beach boulevard. This low-mileage, Australian built time-capsule is ready to go exploring.