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1979 Mercury Capri: A Forgotten Gem of the Late 70s

The 1979 Mercury Capri was a beacon of American automotive design, a car that encapsulated the transition from the excesses of the 70s to the more pragmatic era of the 80s. Born from the stables of Ford's Lincoln-Mercury division, this model was essentially a rebadged variant of the popular Ford Mustang, tailored with a touch of Mercury sophistication. At a time when the automotive world was pivoting towards efficiency and downsizing, the Capri stood out with its sporty flair and robust character. One unique fact that car enthusiasts might find intriguing is that despite its close relation to the Mustang, the Capri managed to carve out its own cult following, thanks in part to its distinctive European styling cues.

Design and Innovation

The exterior styling of the 1979 Mercury Capri was both bold and understated. With its long hood and short deck proportions, it echoed classic muscle car aesthetics while also incorporating modern design elements like angular lines and an aerodynamic silhouette. The interior was a blend of comfort and functionality, featuring high-quality materials for its time and an ergonomic layout that prioritized driver engagement. Notable technological features included an optional Traction-Lok limited-slip differential and an available turbocharged engine—a rarity for American cars in that era. Color options for the Capri were diverse, ranging from vibrant hues to more subdued tones, with Bright Red and Black being among the popular choices. The body styles varied as well, but it was the three-door hatchback that became synonymous with the Capri nameplate. This particular model offered both practicality and sporty appeal, making it a hit among consumers.

Historical Significance

The 1979 Mercury Capri's impact on automotive design was subtle yet significant. It demonstrated that American manufacturers could produce compact sports cars that could hold their own against international competitors. The Capri's blend of performance, style, and affordability set it apart from other domestic offerings at the time and laid groundwork for future iterations of performance-oriented compacts.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its hood, the 1979 Mercury Capri had various powertrain options, but it was the V8 models that truly captured enthusiasts' hearts. With a top speed that could flirt with the 120 mph mark and an acceleration from 0-60 mph in under 10 seconds (for well-tuned examples), it offered spirited performance. The handling was characterized by a firm ride that communicated road conditions without punishing occupants, making it adept at tackling both smooth highways and twisty backroads. Driving a '79 Capri was an auditory delight as well; the burble of a V8 or even the whine of the turbocharged four-cylinder contributed to an immersive driving experience. The tactile feedback through the steering wheel and shifter provided drivers with a sense of connection to their machine—a feeling cherished by car enthusiasts.

Ownership Experience

The Mercury Capri found its niche among those looking for an affordable sports coupe capable of daily driving duties, weekend show events, or even amateur racing exploits. Its maintenance and reliability were typical for American cars of its time—straightforward enough for DIY enthusiasts to handle most repairs themselves.

Fun Facts

A few fun facts about this model include its appearance in motorsports during its heyday and some celebrity ownerships that have surfaced over the years. While not known for setting any major speed or sales records, it did achieve recognition in grassroots racing circles. Common criticisms often centered around comparisons with its sibling—the Mustang—and debates about whether it could truly forge its own identity.

Collector's Information

Today, finding a 1979 Mercury Capri can be somewhat challenging as production numbers were lower than those of the Mustang. Estimates suggest tens of thousands were produced rather than hundreds of thousands like its Ford counterpart. As for value range, well-preserved or restored models can fetch anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 depending on their condition, originality, and historical significance. Price trends seem to indicate a slow but steady appreciation in value as more enthusiasts seek out these unique alternatives to more common vintage sports cars.

Conclusion

The 1979 Mercury Capri represents an interesting chapter in American automotive history—a chapter where performance met practicality in a stylish package designed to appeal to a wide audience. While it may not have achieved legendary status like some of its peers, it remains a beloved classic among those who appreciate its unique blend of attributes. Whether you're drawn to its design, intrigued by its performance potential or simply nostalgic for this slice of late-70s Americana, there's no denying that the Mercury Capri has earned its place in the pantheon of noteworthy classic cars.

1979 Mercury Capri Hood Bumper. Each-HF 2Hood Bumper. Each

1979 Mercury Capri Door Seal for Sedan or Convertible (Imported)-IS-LM 110-MDoor Seal for Sedan or Convertible (Imported). Fits either side. 154" Long. Each

1979 Mercury Capri Hatchback Seal (Imported). Replaces OEM #D9ZZ6143720A-IS-TK 67Hatchback Seal (Imported). Replaces OEM #D9ZZ6143720A. Each

1979 Mercury Capri Trunk Seal (Imported). Fits Coupes and Convertibles-IS-TK 68Trunk Seal (Imported). Fits Coupes and Convertibles. 15' 4-1/2" long. Replaces OEM #D9AZ5443720A. Each

1979 Mercury Capri T-Top Side Rail Seal. For Left (Drivers) Side. Each-IS-TP 6600-AT-Top Side Rail Seal. For Left (Drivers) Side. Each

1979 Mercury Capri T-Top Side Rail Seal. For Right (Passenger) Side. Each-IS-TP 6600-BT-Top Side Rail Seal. For Right (Passenger) Side. Each

1979 Mercury Capri Molded Door Seal-LM 110-MMolded Door Seal. Fits either side of 2 door sedan or convertible. 150-1/2" Long. Each

1979 Mercury Capri Hatchback Trunk Seal. Each-TK 10-HHatchback Trunk Seal. Each

1979 Mercury Capri Trunk Seal, for Sedan and Convertible. Each-TK 10-MTrunk Seal, for Sedan and Convertible. Each

1979 Mercury Capri Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel. Each-WF 228-AWindshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel. Each