Disclaimer: This 1983 Mercury Capri RS is offered for sale by the current owner and not Emerging Classics LLC; it is being displayed on this website to help garner exposure. If you are interested in this vehicle, your contact information will be given directly to the owner who will reach out to you. Thank you.
This 1983 Mercury Capri RS has been mechanically and structurally upgraded to become a one-of-a-kind Fox-Body Restomod. The Capri’s aggressive stance, tight handling and ferocious powerplant have been attributed for earning the nickname of “The Rumble.”
This Capri Restomod has covered just 2300 miles since restoration was completed in 2012. During the restoration process, the body of the Capri was totally disassembled and the original white paint was stripped to bare metal. Underneath the original paint, the sheet metal was found to be in very good condition with little signs of age. The body was then primered and repainted in white. Before the doors, hood, rear hatch, front and rear fascias were reinstalled, the undercarriage of the Capri was coated in a black rust-proofing. The body lines of the Capri are well displayed with the stunning white paint, but are further accentuated with the new matte black accent stripe on the hood and the original black and red pinstriped side cladding. New rubber molding was installed on the doors, T-Tops and rear hatchback to seal the interior cabin from the elements. The glass on the Capri is in very good shape with no chips, cracks or scratches due to the windshield wipers. The Capri’s original T-Tops are in great condition and can be removed easily.
The Capri’s original 5.0-liter V8 was replaced with a newer 5.0 block bored out .040 with DSS forged pistons and rods. A plethora of other go-fast parts were installed during the engine build including an Anderson Ford Motorsports cam, Edelbrock Performer 6025 aluminum heads, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, Holley 670 CFM Street Avenger carburetor, Holley fuel pump, MSD ignition system, Crane roller rockers 1.7 ratio, March pulleys and brackets, Russel hoses and fittings, Mishimoto radiator, BBK equal length headers and Flowmaster 2 ½” Super 40 Series mufflers. A new fuel tank and lines were also installed as was a new water pump, alternator, parking brake and remanufactured brake booster and brake master cylinder. The Capri has disc brakes up front with drum brakes in the rear. This new engine is rated to be near 400 horsepower and sends its power to the rear wheels through a Tremec 5-speed manual transmission with Hurst shifter and line-lock. A new single-plate performance clutch was installed in May of 2019. The engine runs stout with no leaks and pulls strong in all five gears and reverse without hesitation.
Not only does “The Rumble” live up to its name by sounding mean, the stance of the Capri further embodies its aggressive demeanor. The Capri sits lower than stock thanks to the new QA1 front k member, QA1 lower control arms, QA1 front struts with coilover springs and adjustable camber and caster plates. The rear of the Capri features a new torsion bar, shocks and springs. The rear-end has been upgraded to an 8.8” Ford Racing rear axle with a 3.55 ratio limited slip differential and is connected to the 5-speed manual by an aluminum driveshaft. The Capri wears staggered Ford Bullitt wheels, 17x8 at the front and 17x10.5 at the rear; the wheels have been repainted to have black spokes and present very well with no road rash or oxidation. All four wheels are wrapped in Sumitomo HTR Z III tires.
The interior has been updated as well to reflect the Capri’s new persona. When new, this Capri came with a 2+2 seating configuration; in a quest for weight savings, the Capri is now a true two-seater thanks to a rear seat delete by KDezine. Original style black carpeting runs the length of the cabin with two black hard-mounted bucket seats for the driver and passenger. Interior trim is in good condition with no cracks and little sun fading. Black door cards are original to the Capri as is the center console. The original dashboard is in good condition with one small crack on the center speaker cutout. New Sun Pro gauges with white faces have been added to complement the car’s white exterior; a large steering-column-mounted tachometer has been mounted just behind the black, three spoke steering wheel.
When operating the Capri, the original buttons and switches feel sturdy and do not show signs of delicacy due to age. The power windows and door locks work well as do the windshield wipers. Exterior and interior lights all function properly. While running, most gauges function, but some were installed without the wiring being connected. A few interior amenities have been removed from the Capri to save weight, these include the radio, heater and air conditioner.
The experience behind the wheel of this Capri can be best described as visceral. There are no electronic aids to withhold the car’s potential. A strong engine and performance-oriented suspension are the tools needed to have a great day of spirited driving. This Capri is just as comfortable thundering down the main drag as it is carving up some twisty, back-country roads with the sweet song of the 5.0 running as the soundtrack.
Although extensively modified from original, the sale of this Capri is accompanied by receipts dating back to the early 1990s. An original sales brochure is also included as well are restoration receipts. Offered for sale at $22,500. Restoration photographs available upon request.
