What Car is This?

[GT'S BiG FaN]

Used Google Image Search but nothing came up! Any ideas?

 

[dddsprayshop]

Googled, could be an australian capri between the years 1989-1994
source link

 

[JR98]

Used Google Image Search but nothing came up! Any ideas?

View attachment 314415 View attachment 314416

I originally thought MK I MR2 with the first pick but saw Ford badge and second pic so no clue

 

[Danny]

Mercury Capri, apparently a Ford version.

 

[dddsprayshop]

In america also known as the mercury capri
Front has a bit of an eclipse hood.

google images for "australia ford capri" or "mercury capri" and the model will appear between mustangs and Uk capri's

 

[GT'S BiG FaN]

Many thanks guys. 👍

 

[Sage Ages]

We should have an "Identify This" thread. I've seen it on other forums and it works out well.

 

[Slash]

Never seen Ford badges on that model Mercury before. Interesting.

 

[Ken]

Never seen Ford badges on that model Mercury before. Interesting.

Nor have I. I think it might be a Mercury rebadged for only the owners reasons.

 

[Slash]

Nor have I. I think it might be a Mercury rebadged for only the owners reasons.

That's what I was thinking. Considering you worked for Ford, you'd know too.

 

[Ken]

Saying my job was to know every car Ford made, that's my best guess. I may be wrong, but I believe it's a Capri with Ford emblems.

 

[Nessy]

It's definitely a Ford. Although i can't prove it, i did used to have a 'British Motor show' programme/book (from 88-89) and i clearly remember that particular Ford Capri inside it. It stuck in my mind because it's not the same kind of Capri us Brits are use to seeing. I don't remember what market it said it was for though. And i don't actually recall seeing it at the show (too many more interesting cars there, to look at).

 

[Slash]

That's a Mercury car the way I see it. I'm pretty postitive it's rebadge of the 90s Capri.

 

[Ken]

I don't remember what market it said it was for though.

That's the only thing I question. But my assessment is based on the Maryland plates.

 

[Nessy]

It was for the Australian market, like @dddsprayshop pointed out.
It may well have been a rebadged Mercury, but it was still sold as a Ford.

 

[Slash]

Strange.

 

[Nessy]

Here's a link. (think it may be the same as the one already posted).

http://www.carsguide.com.au/car-reviews/used-car-review-ford-capri-1989-1994-13214

 

[GTP_Ingram]

Strange.

Not that unusual though. If there isn't any brand history of Mercury in Australia, then they'll rebadge them as a Ford, because it'd probably sell better

It's the same principle behind the Vauxhall Insignia (eugh) and Mokka (EUGH) being rebadged as the Buick Regal and Encore in the US, or Lancias being inexplicably badged as Chryslers in the UK.

 

[Murcie_LP640]

Not that unusual though. If there isn't any brand history of Mercury in Australia, then they'll rebadge them as a Ford, because it'd probably sell better.

This Capri was built in and imported from Australia. While it's correct that Mercury does not exist here, the rebadge is actually the other way around.

This was also based upon the Mazda 323 and was Ford Australia's answer to the MX-5. Yeah. Didn't go down particularly well.

 

[GTPorsche]

Rebadged Mercury most likely. The Ford badge on the front is in the wrong location.

 

[Nessy]

It appears from the link @dddsprayshop (and myself) posted, that it was (possibly) initially penned in Europe, with Ford Australia taking over the design, engineering and manufacture. So it's unlikely it was a Mercury first, more likely the other way around.

[EDIT]
Here's a link to pics of the clay model prototype (appears to be of Australian origin, so maybe they penned the whole thing).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/aussiefordadverts/7928571564/